What is Gaviscon used for?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Heartburn and acid indigestion affect millions of people annually. For those seeking effective over-the-counter relief, a common question is: What is Gaviscon used for? It is a fast-acting, long-lasting treatment for symptoms of heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion.

Quick Summary

Gaviscon is an over-the-counter medication that treats heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. It works through a dual-action mechanism by neutralizing stomach acid and forming a unique protective barrier on top of the stomach contents.

Key Points

Heartburn and acid reflux: Gaviscon's primary use is to treat the burning sensation and discomfort associated with heartburn and acid reflux.
Dual-action relief: It works in two ways—by neutralizing stomach acid and forming a protective alginate barrier that prevents acid from rising into the esophagus.
Long-lasting protection: The alginate 'raft' provides longer-lasting relief than traditional antacids by creating a physical barrier that stays on top of stomach contents.
Timing is key: For maximum effect, Gaviscon is often taken after meals and before bedtime to target reflux that occurs when lying down or after eating.
Formulations and usage: Available in both liquid and chewable tablet forms, it is important to follow specific dosage instructions and chew tablets thoroughly.
Consult a professional for chronic symptoms: If heartburn occurs more than twice a week or is severe, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Understanding Gaviscon's Unique Dual-Action Mechanism

Unlike standard antacids that only neutralize stomach acid, Gaviscon employs a distinctive dual-action approach. This makes it particularly effective for treating the specific symptoms of acid reflux, where stomach contents back up into the esophagus. The medication combines traditional antacid ingredients with a special component derived from seaweed, called sodium alginate.

Here’s how the process works:

Antacid Action: Gaviscon contains antacid ingredients such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate. These compounds work to quickly neutralize the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, reducing its overall acidity and providing immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
The Alginate "Raft": The key differentiator for Gaviscon is its raft-forming action. Sodium alginate reacts with stomach acid to form a thick, gel-like foam that floats on the surface of the stomach contents.
Physical Barrier: This floating foam, or "raft," acts as a physical barrier that prevents stomach acid from splashing back up into the esophagus during episodes of reflux. This provides longer-lasting protection compared to treatments that only neutralize acid.

Primary Uses for Gaviscon

Gaviscon is primarily used to relieve symptoms caused by excess stomach acid. It is an effective treatment for a range of digestive issues, especially those related to acid reflux.

Its main applications include:

Heartburn: Providing rapid relief from the burning sensation in the chest or throat that occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus.
Acid Reflux and GERD: Used for both occasional acid reflux and as a supplementary treatment for individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is particularly effective for postprandial (after-meal) reflux.
Acid Indigestion: Relieving the general discomfort, upset stomach, or sensation of fullness and gas caused by too much stomach acid.
Sour Stomach: Treating the unpleasant, sour taste in the mouth that can accompany acid regurgitation.

How Gaviscon Compares to Other Heartburn Treatments

To understand Gaviscon's place in digestive health, it is useful to compare it with other common over-the-counter (OTC) options. The main difference lies in its dual-action mechanism, which targets both neutralization and prevention of acid reflux.


Feature	Gaviscon	Tums (Calcium Carbonate)	Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)	H2 Blockers (e.g., Pepcid)
Mechanism	Neutralizes acid and forms a floating alginate barrier.	Neutralizes stomach acid only.	Reduces stomach acid production.	Decreases the amount of acid produced.
Speed of Relief	Fast.	Very fast.	Slower (hours to days).	Slower (starts working within 30-60 mins).
Duration	Long-lasting, due to the protective raft.	Shorter duration.	Up to 24 hours.	Up to 12 hours.
Best For	Post-meal reflux and long-lasting relief from heartburn.	Quick, occasional heartburn relief.	Frequent or chronic GERD.	Prevention and relief of occasional to frequent heartburn.

Dosage and Administration

Proper use of Gaviscon is essential for its effectiveness. The specific instructions may vary depending on the product formulation (liquid or chewable tablets) and strength.

General Guidelines:

When to Take: Most Gaviscon products should be taken after meals and at bedtime to target postprandial reflux and provide relief during sleep.
Liquid Form: Shake the bottle well before use. Follow the instructions on the product packaging for the correct amount.
Chewable Tablets: Chew the tablets thoroughly before swallowing them to ensure the alginate is properly mixed and activated in the stomach. Follow with a glass of water, unless otherwise directed.
Precautions: Do not exceed the maximum daily dose listed on the package. If symptoms persist for more than seven days or occur frequently, consult a doctor.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Gaviscon is generally safe for most people, but certain side effects and precautions should be noted.

Common Side Effects:

Diarrhea (often associated with magnesium content)
Constipation (often associated with aluminum or calcium content)
Belching

Important Precautions:

Drug Interactions: Gaviscon can affect the absorption of other medications. It is important to ask a doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions if you take other prescription drugs regularly.
Kidney Disease: Individuals with kidney disease or those on a low-salt or low-magnesium diet should consult a doctor before using Gaviscon due to its mineral content.
Chronic Symptoms: If you have persistent heartburn (more than twice a week), difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss, speak to a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

In summary, Gaviscon is a versatile over-the-counter treatment for digestive discomfort. Its primary use is for the relief of heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion, symptoms caused by excess stomach acid. The medication stands out from traditional antacids due to its alginate-based, raft-forming mechanism, which provides both rapid neutralization and a long-lasting physical barrier against reflux. However, it is crucial to follow dosage instructions and be aware of precautions, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications. For chronic or severe symptoms, professional medical advice is always recommended.

For more detailed product information and specific formulation details, a reliable resource is the official Gaviscon website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gaviscon provides fast-acting relief from heartburn and acid indigestion by immediately neutralizing stomach acid upon consumption.

While both neutralize stomach acid, Gaviscon also forms a floating, gel-like barrier on top of the stomach contents using an ingredient called sodium alginate. This raft physically prevents acid from refluxing into the esophagus, offering longer-lasting protection than antacids alone.

Some Gaviscon formulations are considered safe for pregnant women. For example, Gaviscon Advance has a low sodium content. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new medication during pregnancy.

Gaviscon can affect the absorption of certain oral medications. It is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist to discuss potential drug interactions, especially if you take prescription medications regularly.

Common side effects are generally mild and may include constipation (from aluminum or calcium) or diarrhea (from magnesium).

Both liquid and chewable tablets are effective. Some people find liquids provide faster relief, while tablets may be more convenient for on-the-go use.

You should consult a doctor if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, have difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or your symptoms do not improve after seven days of using Gaviscon.