Gaviscon Dual Action

Gaviscon Dual Action is an antacid and alginate-based reflux treatment with two mechanisms.

Mechanism 1 — Alginate Raft: Sodium Alginate reacts with stomach acid within minutes, forming a thick gel that floats on stomach contents. This raft physically blocks acid from refluxing into the oesophagus.

Mechanism 2 — Acid Neutralisation: Calcium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate neutralise existing stomach acid, relieving heartburn and sour belching quickly.

Gaviscon is not absorbed into the bloodstream, making it a non-systemic antacid option for managing acid reflux.

Gaviscon Dual Action relieves symptoms from acid reflux and excess stomach acid, especially post-meal:

• Heartburn — chest burning after meals, worse when lying down
• Sour or bitter reflux — acid rising to the throat
• Indigestion — upper abdominal bloating or discomfort
• Pregnancy reflux — Gaviscon is generally safe; consult your pharmacist for guidance

Best for acute post-meal symptoms. For daily chronic GERD, a PPI may be more appropriate.

Dosage for adults and children aged 12 and over:

• Take 10–20 ml (2–4 teaspoons) after each of three meals and before bedtime
• Maximum daily dose: 80 ml (four doses of 20 ml each)
• Shake the bottle well before each use

When to take Gaviscon — before or after food? Always take it after meals. The alginate raft mechanism relies on stomach acid stimulated by food — taking it on an empty stomach produces a thinner, less effective raft. The bedtime dose protects against nocturnal reflux while lying down.

How quickly does Gaviscon work? Most people notice relief within 3–5 minutes because Sodium Alginate reacts with gastric acid immediately, without needing to be absorbed first.

Do not use Gaviscon for more than 7 consecutive days without consulting a pharmacist.

Gaviscon is generally well tolerated with few side effects, largely because it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Possible adverse effects include:

• Bloating and flatulence — Sodium Bicarbonate releases CO₂ when reacting with stomach acid; this usually passes as belching
• Mild nausea — occasional, especially at higher doses
• Constipation — Calcium Carbonate can slow bowel movements with frequent or high-dose use

Gaviscon contains sodium. People managing sodium intake due to heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney impairment should inform their pharmacist before using this antacid.

If signs of allergy occur — such as a rash or difficulty breathing — stop use and consult a pharmacist promptly.

Contraindications:

• Known allergy to any ingredient in Gaviscon — sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, or calcium carbonate
• Children under 12 years — do not use the adult formulation

Precautions:

• Pregnancy — Gaviscon is generally considered safe, but consult your doctor or pharmacist before use
• Sodium-restricted diets (kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension) — Gaviscon contains sodium; use with caution
• Concurrent medications — take Gaviscon at least 2 hours apart from other medicines to avoid affecting their absorption
• Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days — if symptoms persist, or if you experience unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting blood, seek medical attention promptly

Different antacid and reflux medications suit different symptom levels:

• Nexium (Esomeprazole) — a PPI that suppresses acid production at the source; slower onset (3–5 days) but provides all-day control; best for daily, chronic GERD
• Omeprazole GPO — a budget-friendly PPI with the same mechanism as Nexium; a cost-effective option for long-term users
• Magesto-F (Aluminium Hydroxide) — a digestive aid with mild antacid properties; suited for bloating and mild indigestion rather than moderate-to-severe acid reflux

What makes Gaviscon unique: it is not systemically absorbed, acts immediately and locally, and creates a physical gel barrier — without suppressing hormones or acid-producing enzymes.

Simple guide: Acute heartburn after a meal → Gaviscon (fast, local) | Daily chronic GERD → PPI such as Nexium or Omeprazole GPO

Gaviscon Dual Action comes in two formats with the exact same formula — only the packaging and per-dose amount differ:

• Gaviscon Dual Action 150 ml bottle (this page) — best for regular use at home, measured with the included cap or spoon
• Gaviscon Dual Action Sachets — 10 ml per sachet, easy to carry to work or while travelling, tear and take with no measuring

If heartburn mostly strikes at home, the bottle is more convenient. If you need to carry a dose with you, the sachet format suits you better.

Gaviscon is one of the fastest-acting antacid reflux treatments available, because its mechanism is physical rather than biochemical:

• 3–5 minutes — heartburn relief typically begins once the gel raft forms and blocks acid from rising
• 2–4 hours — the alginate raft persists in the stomach before being broken down by normal digestive processes
• Compared to PPIs — PPI medications such as Nexium or Omeprazole require 1–4 weeks to reach full effect; Gaviscon is therefore useful for bridging acute symptom relief while a PPI takes effect

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

Where to buy Gaviscon Dual Action?

Order Gaviscon Dual Action antacid 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.