Gaviscon Advance

Gaviscon Advance is the extra-strength, peppermint-flavoured formula in the Gaviscon range (orange-toned packaging). What sets it apart is a Sodium Alginate concentration twice as high as the standard formula.

How it works: On contact with stomach acid, Sodium Alginate reacts instantly to form a thick, sticky raft that floats above the stomach contents. This raft acts as a physical barrier that blocks acid from refluxing into the oesophagus. Because of the higher concentration, the raft is thicker and longer-lasting than standard formulas, persisting for up to 4 hours.

Another key difference is the use of Potassium Bicarbonate instead of the Sodium Bicarbonate used in other formulas, giving Gaviscon Advance the lowest sodium content in the entire Gaviscon range. It suits people with severe heartburn or frequent nighttime symptoms.

Gaviscon Advance relieves symptoms of acid reflux and excess stomach acid, particularly when severe or disruptive to sleep:

• Nocturnal heartburn — lying flat makes acid reflux more likely; the thicker raft gives overnight protection
• Sour or bitter reflux — acid rising to the throat
• Heartburn after large or fatty meals — meals that trigger more acid need a thicker, longer-lasting raft
• Pregnancy-related reflux — Advance has the lowest sodium in the Gaviscon range, so it is often recommended first; consult your doctor or pharmacist before use

Gaviscon Advance is not the primary treatment for daily chronic reflux, which may need a PPI alongside lifestyle changes.

Dosage for adults and children aged 12 and over:

• Take 5-10 ml (1-2 of the supplied measuring spoons) after each of 3 meals and before bedtime
• Maximum 4 doses per day
• Shake the bottle before each use

Note that the per-dose volume of Gaviscon Advance is smaller than the standard formula's 10-20 ml, because its alginate concentration is twice as high — less liquid, same effect.

When should you take Gaviscon Advance? Take it immediately after meals or within 20-30 minutes, and always before bedtime. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach, as the raft forms thinner and works less well.

Do not use Gaviscon Advance for more than 7 consecutive days without consulting a pharmacist if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Prefer not to carry or shake a bottle? Gaviscon Advance Sachets can be torn open and taken immediately, no shaking or measuring needed (search "Gaviscon Advance Sachets" in store).

Gaviscon Advance is generally well tolerated as it is not absorbed into the bloodstream, though mild side effects can occur:

• Bloating and burping — from bicarbonate reacting with stomach acid, releasing CO₂ gas
• Mild nausea — occasional, especially with doses above the recommended amount
• Constipation — less common than with higher-calcium-carbonate formulas

Contraindications: known allergy to any ingredient, and children under 12 (adult formula not recommended without medical advice)

Precautions: kidney disease or medicines affecting potassium — consult a doctor first · pregnancy — consult a doctor or pharmacist first · other medications — take at least 2 hours apart · do not use beyond 7 consecutive days without a pharmacist

Gaviscon Advance comes in two formats with the exact same formula and concentration — only how you use it differs:

• Gaviscon Advance Bottle (150 ml, this page) — for regular home use, comes with a measuring spoon, many doses per bottle
• Gaviscon Advance Sachets (box of 24) — for carrying to work or while travelling; each sachet is one dose, no measuring

Simple guide: Mostly at home → bottle | Carrying it often → sachets

Different acid reflux medications suit different symptom levels:

• Gaviscon Peppermint (original formula) — green label, mint flavour, standard 10-20 ml dose; suited for general post-meal symptoms
• Gaviscon Dual Action (dual-action formula) — pink label, combines raft formation with acid neutralising; suited for heartburn with excess acid
• Omeprazole GPO — a PPI that suppresses acid production at the source; slower onset but all-day control; suited for chronic reflux
• Nexium (Esomeprazole) — the original PPI, same mechanism as Omeprazole, controls acid for 24 hours

What makes Advance different: twice the alginate concentration, a smaller dose, and the lowest sodium content in the Gaviscon range — best suited for severe or nighttime symptoms.

Simple guide: Severe/nighttime symptoms → Gaviscon Advance | General post-meal symptoms → Peppermint or Dual Action | Daily chronic reflux → a PPI such as Omeprazole GPO or Nexium

Each Gaviscon colour is a different formula, not just a different flavour: green (Peppermint) is the original formula, pink (Dual Action) combines raft formation with acid neutralising, and orange (Advance) — this product — has twice the alginate concentration, also peppermint-flavoured, for severe or nighttime symptoms. Read the full colour comparison at our Gaviscon guide

Gaviscon Advance works quickly — an immediate chemical reaction, not requiring absorption:

• Relief typically begins once the raft has formed and blocked the acid
• Lasts up to 4 hours — longer than the standard formula's 2-4 hour range, since the doubled alginate concentration forms a thicker, slower-breaking raft
• Compared to PPIs like Omeprazole or Nexium, which need 1-4 weeks for full effect, Advance suits acute relief while waiting for a PPI, or for occasional symptoms alone

If symptoms do not improve within 30 minutes, or are severe, consult a pharmacist.

Where to buy Gaviscon Advance?

Order online at Intimo Life. We deliver across Thailand within 1-3 business days. All orders are packed discreetly — no product name printed on the outer packaging.