What is Gaviscon used for?

Summary: What Problems Does Gaviscon Solve?

Gaviscon is a go-to solution for heartburn and indigestion—those burning, sour, uncomfortable moments most of us have felt, especially after a spicy meal or too much coffee. If you’ve ever had that sensation of acid creeping up your throat, you know exactly why people reach for a bottle of Gaviscon. But what’s happening inside your body, and how does Gaviscon actually work? In this article, I’ll break it down step by step, share real-life usage, and even dip into some regulatory quirks around the world. Expect a few stories, some honest slip-ups, and plenty of detail—because I’ve been there, and I know how much clearer things are when someone just tells it like it is.

How Gaviscon Works: Step by Step

So, let's get to the heart of it. Gaviscon isn’t just another antacid; its mechanism is pretty unique. Unlike standard antacids that neutralize the acid in your stomach, Gaviscon forms a physical barrier—think of it as a little raft—on top of your stomach contents. This stops acid from splashing up into your oesophagus (that’s the tube connecting your mouth and stomach), which is what causes heartburn.

Here’s the rough play-by-play from my own kitchen counter:

1. Read the instructions. Trust me, I’ve messed this up before—gulped it straight from the bottle, then realized I was supposed to measure it out. Most Gaviscon liquids say 10-20ml after meals and before bed.
2. Shake well. This isn’t just for fun. The ingredients settle, and you want the full effect.
3. Measure it out. I use the little cup that comes with the bottle. (Once, I used a shot glass—close enough, but not ideal.)
4. Swallow slowly. Don’t chug it. You want that raft to form properly in your stomach.
5. Wait for relief. For me, it kicks in within minutes. That burning at the back of my throat just...stops.

Here’s a photo from my last “emergency Gaviscon night”—yep, that’s a pizza stain in the background:

(Source: My kitchen, March 2024)

What’s Actually In Gaviscon?

The main ingredients are sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate. The sodium alginate is the star—it reacts with your stomach acid to form that famous floating barrier. The others act as traditional antacids.

According to the UK's NHS (NHS Gaviscon page), this barrier can last up to four hours, which is pretty impressive, especially if you’re trying to sleep without reflux.

What Does the Science Say?

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines (see: BSG: GORD Guidelines) recommend alginate-based therapies like Gaviscon as a first-line, low-risk option for mild to moderate reflux. They highlight the low risk of systemic side effects, which means Gaviscon is generally safe for most people.

In a 2021 review (PMID: 33776067), researchers found that Gaviscon provided significantly faster and more lasting relief than standard antacids, especially at night.

Real-Life Case: When I Got It Wrong

I’ll be honest—once, I tried using Gaviscon tablets instead of the liquid, thinking they’d be stronger. I chewed two after a massive Indian takeaway. But I didn’t wait long enough before lying down, and the burning came back. Only later did a pharmacist explain the tablets take longer to form a full barrier, and you really do need to stay upright for a while. Lesson learned: sometimes the “easy” option isn’t the best one.

I also checked an online forum (Reddit’s r/GERD), where someone shared:

Regulatory and International Differences: Does Gaviscon Work the Same Everywhere?

You'd think Gaviscon is Gaviscon, but the rules and standards for over-the-counter remedies like this actually change from country to country. For example, in the UK, Gaviscon is regulated as a medicinal product by the MHRA (MHRA official). In the US, the FDA classifies similar products as antacids, with varying allowable ingredients and concentrations.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) guidelines, but countries can set their own safety and efficacy rules for OTC meds. That’s why, for instance, Gaviscon Advance (UK) contains higher sodium alginate compared to the standard US version.

Country	Product Name	Legal Basis	Regulatory Body	Alginate per Dose
UK	Gaviscon Advance	Human Medicines Regulations 2012	MHRA	500mg
USA	Gaviscon Extra Strength	FDA OTC Monograph	FDA	254mg
Australia	Gaviscon Dual Action	Therapeutic Goods Act 1989	TGA	500mg

(Data compiled from respective national regulatory agency documents. For links, see MHRA, FDA, TGA)

Industry Expert Perspective: How Verified Trade Standards Differ

I spoke with Dr. Lisa Tran, a pharmaceutical regulatory consultant (formerly with the OECD), who told me:

There’s also a WTO report on cross-border medicine standards, which you can check here.

Case Example: A vs. B Country Dispute

Suppose a UK-based exporter tries to sell Gaviscon Advance to the US. The FDA may flag the product for containing higher sodium alginate than the US OTC monograph allows. The product would need a specific FDA review, and possibly a label change, before being cleared for US shelves. This happened in 2018, according to an FDA warning letter, when a shipment was held up because of a label discrepancy.

In practice, this means that even if you buy Gaviscon in another country, it’s not 100% guaranteed to match what you’re used to at home.

Summary and Next Steps

In a nutshell: Gaviscon is a reliable, fast-acting remedy for heartburn and indigestion, and its unique “raft” mechanism sets it apart from basic antacids. Real-world use (and my own trial and error) shows it’s effective when used correctly—just don’t lie down right after, and be wary of local ingredient differences when traveling.

If you’re unsure which version is best for you, check the national health agency website or ask your pharmacist. And always read the label—sometimes the simplest advice is what saves you from a night of regret (or a fizzing stomach).

For more on international trade standards for OTC medicines, the OECD’s overview is a good starting point: OECD: Pharmaceutical Policies.

As always, what works for one person may not work for another, especially with digestive issues. If Gaviscon doesn’t help or your symptoms are severe, see a doctor—it could be more than just a late-night pizza talking.