Gaviscon

Gaviscon is an alginate-based (Sodium Alginate) acid reflux medicine combined with an antacid such as Calcium Carbonate or Sodium/Potassium Bicarbonate. After swallowing, the alginate reacts with stomach acid to form a protective raft that floats on top of the stomach contents, physically blocking acid and food from flowing back up into the esophagus. Unlike ordinary antacids that only neutralize acid, this mechanical barrier relieves heartburn and acid regurgitation within minutes. It works locally in the stomach with minimal absorption into the bloodstream, which is why it's often called a 'floating barrier'.

Gaviscon is grouped into 3 main color lines. Green (Original/Peppermint) — the classic alginate formula. Pink (Dual Action) — a higher antacid ratio for combined reflux barrier and acid-neutralizing action. Orange (Advance) — double-strength alginate for a stronger raft, best for severe or nighttime symptoms. All three lines are available as liquid, and some also come in chewable tablet form — choose the color that matches how severe your symptoms are. See our Gaviscon color guide for more detail.

Gaviscon liquid comes in both bottle and sachet formats. Bottles are convenient at home with precise dosing, while sachets are portable — tear and drink with no spoon needed, ideal for work or travel. Intimo Life carries Gaviscon Peppermint and Gaviscon Dual Action in both formats, and Gaviscon Advance also comes in bottle and sachet. Each sachet is individually sealed for hygiene and convenience after a lunchtime meal at work, while bottles offer better value per dose for regular home use — pick whichever suits your routine.

Gaviscon Advance contains double the Sodium Alginate concentration of the regular formula (1000 mg per 10 mL) but much less antacid, making it well suited for nighttime reflux or more severe symptoms without excess sodium or calcium intake. Advance also uses Potassium Bicarbonate instead of the Sodium Bicarbonate found in other formulas, which suits people who need to watch their sodium intake closely. The Dual Action and Original/Peppermint formulas balance alginate with antacid, suiting general post-meal symptoms.

General post-meal heartburn → Gaviscon Peppermint liquid, the original mint-flavored formula.
Want reflux barrier and acid relief together → Gaviscon Dual Action liquid (pink).
Severe or nighttime symptoms → Gaviscon Advance, double-strength formula.
Need something portable → Gaviscon Dual Action chewable or Gaviscon Peppermint chewable tablets, chew immediately with no water needed. If unsure how severe your symptoms are, start with the original formula and consult a pharmacist if it doesn't help within a few days.

Gaviscon's alginate group acts locally, forming an immediate barrier right after you take it — well suited for occasional or after-meal symptoms. PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) such as Omeprazole and Nexium instead reduce acid production at the source and need several days of continuous use for full effect — better suited for chronic or severe reflux. A pharmacist may recommend Gaviscon for quick relief alongside a PPI for long-term control, spacing the two doses apart as advised.

Liquid formulas are typically taken as 10-20 mL (5-10 mL for Advance) after meals and at bedtime. Chewable tablets are taken as 2-4 tablets at the same times. The protective raft forms within minutes of dosing. As a general rule, avoid using it continuously for more than 7 days without checking with a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms haven't improved. See our full dosing guide for a detailed schedule.

Order Gaviscon acid reflux relief in every formula at Intimo Life: Gaviscon Peppermint, Gaviscon Dual Action, Gaviscon Advance, Gaviscon Dual Action chewable, and Gaviscon Peppermint chewable. Consult a pharmacist online free of charge before ordering, with fast, discreet delivery in plain packaging so you can be confident about both privacy and getting the right formula. Browse more acid reflux relief options too.