How to Take Gaviscon

Last Updated: October 9, 2022 References

Gaviscon is a medication used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and upset stomachs with minimal side effects. Before taking Gaviscon, consult your doctor about using this medication to make sure that your symptoms do not indicate a more serious health issue. You can take Gaviscon 4 times a day, or as your symptoms occur. Children under 12 years of age should not take this medication.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Gaviscon Tablets

1
Take Gaviscon 4 times daily to treat regular symptoms. To properly treat heartburn and other digestive upsets, take Gaviscon right before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take the last dose 30 minutes before bed to prevent discomfort during the night. You should not take Gaviscon more than 4 times a day.^{[1]
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2
Chew 2-4 tablets per dose, as recommended by your doctor. For moderate heartburn and stomach upset, chew 2 Gaviscon tablets per dose. If this regular dosage does not work, talk to your doctor about chewing an extra 1-2 tablets, 4 times daily. They may recommend a different medication as an alternative if Gaviscon does not work.^{[2]
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- Do not exceed 4 tablets per dose, or 16 tablets per day.
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3
Chew each tablet thoroughly before swallowing it. Always avoid swallowing Gaviscon tablets whole. Chew the tablets completely to allow them to be absorbed into your body properly. If the tablets are too difficult for you to chew, try halving them with a pill cutter.^{[3]
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4
Drink 0.5 cups (120 ml) of water after taking Gaviscon. After swallowing Gaviscon tablets, it is important to wash them down. Drink 0.5 cups (120 ml) of water right after taking a tablet. This should be just enough to help the medication make its way through your system.^{[4]
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- You can also drink milk instead of water.
- This isn’t necessary if you’re consuming the liquid form of Gaviscon.
5
Take a missed dose as soon as you remember it. If you forget to take Gaviscon right after a meal, do it right away once you remember. If it is already within an hour of your next dose, skip the missed one. Taking 2 doses too close together may cause you to exceed the maximum recommended dose.^{[5]
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6
Take occasional doses before eating if you suffer sporadically. If you only suffer from heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach upsets sporadically, just take Gaviscon occasionally, before you eat particularly spicy and/or heavy meals that may trigger your symptoms. Follow the recommended dose by chewing 2-4 tablets, as needed.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Taking Liquid Gaviscon

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Take 10–20 millilitres (0.34–0.68 fl oz), 4 times a day. To treat regularly occurring heartburn and other digestive upsets, take liquid Gaviscon before meals and before bed. If you have a bottle of Gaviscon, use a measuring spoon to pour out 10–20 millilitres (0.34–0.68 fl oz) of the medication. If you have 10 millilitres (0.34 fl oz) liquid Gaviscon sachets, swallow 1-2 of them.^{[7]
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2
Take a missed dose right away, or continue with the next dose. If you forget to take liquid Gaviscon right before a meal, take it as soon as you remember. If you are less than an hour away from your next dose, skip the one you missed.^{[8]
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3
Store liquid Gaviscon at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze Gaviscon as it can reduce its effectiveness. Similarly, do not store liquid Gaviscon at a temperature above 30 °C (86 °F). Keep the medication at room temperature, preferably in a medicine cabinet or pantry. ^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Knowing When to Avoid Gaviscon

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Talk to your doctor if you’re on other medications. Gaviscon tablets may ruin the effectiveness of other medication that you take orally. Speak to your doctor about your medications to see if taking Gaviscon will be a problem. They may recommend taking your other medications at a different time of the day to prevent a conflict.^{[10]
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2
Skip Gaviscon if you are on a low-salt diet. Gaviscon contains salt, making it unsuitable for individuals who are on a low-salt diet. Steer clear of the drug for as long as you are subject to these dietary restrictions. Ask your doctor for alternative medications in the meantime.^{[11]
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3
Stop taking Gaviscon if you experience allergic reactions. Allergies to Gaviscon are rare, but should be addressed by your doctor if they occur. Allergic reactions that have been associated with Gaviscon include difficulty breathing and an itchy rash. If you experience either of these symptoms while taking Gaviscon, stop taking the medication and consult your doctor as soon as possible.^{[12]
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4
Consult your doctor is Gaviscon isn't effective. If you have been taking Gaviscon as directed for several weeks and see no improvement in your symptoms, contact your doctor. They may recommend a higher dose of Gaviscon or suggest another medication. Prolonged symptoms may also indicate a more serious medical problem, which your doctor can test for.

Warnings

Gaviscon should not be used as a long term medication.

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Children under 12 years of age should not take this medication.^{[13]
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Keep Gaviscon out of small children’s reach.

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