Gaviscon Peppermint

Gaviscon Peppermint, often called the green Gaviscon, is the original alginate formula in the Gaviscon range, the base formula that Dual Action and Advance later adjusted the ingredient ratio from. Each 10 ml dose contains Sodium Alginate 500 mg, Sodium Bicarbonate 267 mg, and Calcium Carbonate 160 mg (per the EMC SmPC).

Alginate Raft Mechanism: On contact with stomach acid, Sodium Alginate reacts instantly to form a viscous, near-neutral pH gel that floats above stomach contents like a raft, physically blocking acid from refluxing into the oesophagus. Sodium Bicarbonate and Calcium Carbonate simultaneously neutralise existing stomach acid.

Because Gaviscon is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it suits those who prefer a non-systemic option for occasional symptom relief, without affecting liver or kidney function.

Gaviscon Peppermint relieves symptoms caused by acid reflux and excess stomach acid, especially after meals:

• Heartburn — chest burning after eating, worse when lying flat or bending over
• Sour or bitter regurgitation — acid rising into the throat, leaving a bitter taste
• Indigestion and bloating — after large, fatty, or fried meals
• Pregnancy heartburn — NHS guidance confirms it can be used during pregnancy, following label instructions

Best for occasional acute symptoms after meals or at bedtime, rather than treating the underlying cause of daily chronic reflux, which may need a PPI alongside lifestyle changes.

Dosage for the bottle format — adults and children 12+ (NHS):

• 10–20 ml after meals and at bedtime, up to 4 times daily — use the measuring cap included in the box
• Shake the bottle well before each use

When should you take Gaviscon — before or after food? Always take it after meals. The alginate raft relies on acid stimulated by food; on an empty stomach the raft forms thinner and less effective. The bedtime dose protects against nocturnal reflux.

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

Gaviscon is generally well tolerated since it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Possible side effects include:

• Bloating or burping — from CO₂ released when Sodium Bicarbonate reacts with stomach acid
• Mild nausea — occasionally, especially at higher doses
• Constipation — from Calcium Carbonate with frequent, high-dose use

Gaviscon contains sodium. People managing sodium intake (heart or kidney disease) should tell their pharmacist before use. Stop and seek medical help if signs of allergy — rash or breathing difficulty — occur.

Contraindications:

• Known allergy to sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, or calcium carbonate
• Children under 12 — use only a paediatric formulation under medical guidance

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding — consult a doctor or pharmacist before continued use
• Sodium-restricted diets (kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension) — Gaviscon contains sodium
• Separate from other medicines by at least 2 hours — the raft may slow their absorption
• Do not use beyond 7 consecutive days; seek medical care if symptoms persist, or if you have difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss

Different Gaviscon formulas and acid reflux medicines suit different symptom levels:

• Gaviscon Dual Action (pink) — a higher proportion of antacid than green Peppermint, combining immediate acid relief with raft formation; suited to stronger heartburn
• Gaviscon Advance (orange) — double-strength alginate with almost no antacid; suited to nighttime symptoms or sodium/calcium-restricted diets
• Omeprazole GPO (or Nexium) — a PPI that suppresses acid production at the source; slower onset but all-day control; best for chronic daily reflux

Simple guide: General post-meal heartburn → Gaviscon Peppermint (original formula) | Stronger symptoms → Dual Action | Nighttime or low-sodium needs → Advance | Daily chronic reflux → a PPI

Gaviscon Peppermint comes in 2 packaging formats with the exact same formula — only how you carry and dose it differs:

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

Simple guide: Heartburn mostly happens at home → the bottle gives more doses per opening | Need to carry a dose with you often → sachets suit you better

Gaviscon comes in several colour-coded formulas that differ mainly in the ratio of alginate to antacid: green (Gaviscon Peppermint) is the original balanced formula. Pink and orange variants adjust that ratio for different symptom levels. Read the full formula breakdown in our article how Gaviscon colours differ.

Where to buy Gaviscon Peppermint?

Order Gaviscon Peppermint, an acid reflux medicine, online at Intimo Life. We deliver across Thailand within 1-3 business days. All orders are packed discreetly with no product name on the outer packaging.