Gaviscon Advance Liquid
Gaviscon is an effective home remedy to cure heartburn and indigestion. This product contains the innovative herb called “Cohosh”. This herb has been used as an antidote for indigestion and acid reflux since ancient times. The modern version of this product contains dried chicory root extract which acts like an antacid to neutralize gastric acids produced by the stomach during indigestion.
Gaviscon Advance is composed of calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and antacids. Calcium carbonate relieves pain due to indigestion and reduces the amount of liquid absorbed by the stomach. Sodium bicarbonate increases the fluidity of the stomach and antacids neutralizes stomach acids to reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid. When these three ingredients are combined, they form a gel-like formula that acts on the stomach to neutralize acid and prevent the production of excessive hydrochloric acid.
Common side effects of antacids include nausea, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, itching or burning of the skin and lips, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, skin rash and hives. These side effects can be reduced by using gaviscon advance but the medication should not be taken without the consultation of a doctor. Gaviscon should be taken with food or with juice. If it is ingested, a patient should avoid alcoholic beverages, chocolate and citrus fruits.
Does Gaviscon Advance Liquid Help Treat Heartburn?
It is important to note that even though gaviscon advance is taken to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, it should not be used to substitute over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. These drugs only mask symptoms and will not eliminate the disease. They are also not recommended for women during pregnancy because of the risk of harming the fetus if the tablet dose is accidentally missed. Two to five tablets of gaviscon advance are needed to suppress the symptoms of acid reflux but should not be taken with meals because this could increase the absorption of food by the stomach and aggravate the disease. In most cases, the disease is caused by inappropriate functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. Drugs that relax the LES are recommended to correct this problem.
In order to prevent the occurrence of heartburn during pregnancy, it is essential that foods that trigger heartburn be eliminated from the diet. Foods that should be avoided are those that contain trans fat, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppermint, onions, garlic, chocolates and cigarettes. While taking gaviscon advance, it is important to stop taking the antacids in case of symptoms of heartburn or any change in heartburn behavior.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract receives the gaviscon advance liquid through the injection into the upper stomach, where it acts locally on the LES and prevents acid reflux from occurring. This liquid has been shown to decrease the duration and frequency of heartburn attacks and its effects are permanent. However, since the treatment is provided only after symptoms appear, this treatment is not intended to relieve chronic problems but to give immediate relief from symptoms of acid reflux. For this reason, this treatment should not be taken by pregnant women.
