- Gaviscon
Gaviscon is a non-prescription medication for the treatment of
heartburn and GERD (acid reflux). It is produced and distributed in the UK byReckitt Benckiser and byGlaxoSmithKline in the US and Canada.Gaviscon is taken to treat heartburn, similar to other
antacid s. Gaviscon is based on a mixture of thebuffering agent s and neutralizerscalcium carbonate andsodium bicarbonate , thelaxative magnesium carbonate and thegelling agent salginic acid andaluminium hydroxide . When taken by mouth the combination of the alginic acid and bicarbonate creates a barrier which prevents stomach acid from refluxing back up into the esophagus.If reflux occurs, this protective barrier is the first to contact the esophageal
mucosa , in lieu of gastric contents.It may be helpful to combine treatment with lifestyle modifications such as loss of weight, raising the head of the bed at night, reduction in alcohol consumption and cessation of smoking [Kumar & Clark: Clinical Medicine 6e p.276 Elsevier 2005] .
The Gaviscon infant variant for infants (≥ 1 years) and young children contains only the
gelling agent ssodium alginate andmagnesium alginate . It is used to help stabilize the stomach contents and reduce reflux and regurgitation, but is not an antacid.References
External links
* [http://www.gaviscon.co.uk/ Official "Gaviscon UK" website]
* [http://www.heartburnexpert.co.uk/ "Gaviscon UK" Advice website]
* [http://www.gaviscon.com Official "Gaviscon US" website]
* [http://www.gaviscon.ca Official "Gaviscon Canada" website]
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