Is Gaviscon really safe for my acid reflux? What every GERD patient should know

“Is Gaviscon really safe for my acid reflux?”

I wondered the same thing when I first heard about the drug from a friend of mine. The description of it was a liquid antacid that tastes good (I don’t know about you, to me…sort of) and is quite effective on relieve symptoms of acid reflux, GERD, or heartburn.

Sounds good to me, I thought to myself. But I’m not the person who easily jumps on the newer medications, especially the ones you have to take on a regular basis. If you’re like me, I usually do my research and get the facts straight and just don’t trust any doctor’s advice. I even have my own opinion on other medications, such as the purple pill (Nexium), Maalox, and other antacids (even TUMS).

So I guess it’s a natural reaction for me to ask if Gaviscon is really safe for my acid reflux. Does he really do what he claims to do? Or are there better alternatives?

This is what I found that I think every person suffering from the above digestive problems should know. This is quite a long article, but the information found here is priceless:

First of all, Gaviscon is an antacid that helps treat acid indigestion, heartburn, peptic ulcers, hiatal hernias, and reflux oesophagitis. In generic form, it is aluminum with magnesium hydroxide. It is said to help neutralize stomach acid while at the same time producing a slimy material that floats on the stomach contents.

Now that’s something that fueled my curiosity. The purpose of this viscous material is to serve as a barrier to prevent reflux of the acid content. Think of it as a protective shield.

It is also claimed to help treat other forms of stomach ulcers and may prevent them from bleeding. I have had ulcers before, but when I was introduced to this medication, they had already healed using safer, more natural methods. My biggest concern at the time was my GERD.

I’ve learned that even though Gaviscon is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication (meaning you can easily get it at most pharmacies), it’s still best to get a doctor’s recommendation. He may think you’re a freak (like me) since it’s categorized as an antacid, but there’s no harm in asking. And in addition, you are paid a consultation fee.

If you are pregnant or nursing, DO NOT take this medication. It is also important that you are not allergic to any of its ingredients or that they contain aluminum or magnesium. Also tell your doctor if you or a family member has had or has liver disease, kidney disease, or appendicitis. And it is NOT recommended to take Gaviscon for your GERD, if you are older and have Alzheimer’s.

Gaviscon could also change the effects of some other medicines you are taking; a tough list includes the antibiotics Nizoral, Mandelamine, Rifamate, and Tetracycline. If you ask me, even if these other medicines are not prescribed or consist of vitamins or food supplements, you still need the advice of your wise doctor.

There should be no side effects or complications if you follow the above precautions well, except that the only thing to remember when taking this medicine is that it may cause dizziness and therefore you should not drive or operate heavy machinery afterward. taking it. One time after dinner and eating the wrong type of food (spicy pasta), I had no choice but to take it. I felt a bit dizzy, but still managed to drive. I think the effect varies from person to person.

For the sake of knowledge, common side effects include “dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and diarrhoea” of which if any of these occur while taking Gaviscon, you are advised to consult your doctor immediately.

I’m sure you’re also asking if there is such a thing as gaviscon overdose. The answer to that is definitely, just like all drugs. That is why you should only use the recommended dose and if you think you have overdosed, contact your doctor immediately. Overdose symptoms include “drowsiness, dizziness, stomach problems, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.” Never take a double dose at once… even if the packaging is pleasing to the eye and tastes good to you, like it tastes to me.

If you want to know the most important thing to remember about Gaviscon for GERD It is that because it is an antacid it should not be taken for more than 2 weeks or in doses greater than those recommended. All antacids (chewable or liquid) should only be used for the temporary relief of acid reflux or heartburn symptoms.

In the course of my battle with acid reflux and GERD, I discovered that Gaviscon, along with other regular prescription medications, should normally be taken for emergency purposes only. If you want to have lasting relief and even cure your condition, then conventional methods will not help you at all. At best, you can take them for a week, but frankly this is nothing more than a “Band-Aid” approach – focusing on masking the symptoms, rather than focusing on the root cause.

You just have to read and remember all the side effects, precautions, overdose warnings, and important things to remember about Gaviscon, and you’re obviously smart enough to know that if you’re not careful, you can easily create another disease or health. problem in your body from this medicine. That’s one of the things that drug companies don’t want people like you and me to know… even though they’re out there.

If you want an honest recommendation, take Gaviscon for your acid reflux if you have taken all the necessary precautions and if necessary. Take it consistently for up to a week and then only for emergencies. But find safer and more natural ways to treat your condition. You’ll be glad you did.