Gaviscon syrup is an antacid and reflux medicine for heartburn, sour burps, and acid reflux. It contains sodium alginate plus an antacid salt. After you swallow it, it forms a soft “raft” (protective layer) that floats on top of your stomach contents and helps stop acid from coming up into the food pipe. The usual adult dose is 10 to 20 ml after meals and at bedtime. It is meant for short-term relief. If you need it for more than about 7 days, see a doctor.
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
| What is Gaviscon? | A liquid medicine for heartburn and acid reflux, made by Reckitt |
| Main ingredient | Sodium alginate (plus an antacid such as sodium bicarbonate/calcium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate, depending on the version) |
| How does it work? | Forms a raft on the stomach contents that blocks acid reflux |
| Adult dose | 10–20 ml after meals and at bedtime |
| When to take | After meals and at bedtime |
| Children | Under 12 only on a doctor’s advice |
| Pregnancy | Often considered usable when needed, but ask your doctor |
| Typical price (120 ml) | Roughly Rs. 250 – 400 online (varies) |
| Prescription needed? | No, it is sold over the counter |
What is Gaviscon syrup used for?
Gaviscon syrup is used to relieve:
- Heartburn (burning in the chest after eating)
- Acid reflux (acid or food coming back up into the throat)
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Indigestion linked to acid
- Reflux in pregnancy, when a doctor agrees
It does not cure ulcers or the cause of long-term reflux (GERD). It gives relief and protection after meals.
How does Gaviscon work?
When sodium alginate meets stomach acid, it turns into a thick gel. Carbon dioxide from the antacid part gets trapped in the gel, so it floats on top of the stomach contents like a raft. If acid tries to come up, the raft goes up first and stays between the acid and the food pipe.
This is different from an antacid like Eno, which only neutralises acid for a short time, and from a capsule like Risek (omeprazole), which reduces how much acid your stomach makes.
How much Gaviscon should an adult take?
| Group | Dose |
| Adults and children over 12 | 10 to 20 mL, after meals and at bedtime |
| Children under 12 | Only if a doctor advises |
| Older adults | Same as adults |
- Shake the bottle well.
- Use the measuring cup that comes with it. A kitchen spoon is not accurate.
- Do not take more than the pack or your doctor advises. In most cases, it is taken up to four times a day (after the three main meals and at bedtime).
- If symptoms do not improve after 7 days, see a doctor.
Should I take Gaviscon before or after food?
After meals, and again at bedtime. This is when the stomach contains food and reflux is most likely. You can also take it when symptoms appear, within the daily limit.
Is there a reflux-trigger checklist?
Yes. Medicine helps, but triggers matter. Tick what applies to you:
- Large, heavy meals
- Fried, oily or very spicy food (karahi, parathas, samosas)
- Strong tea, coffee, or fizzy drinks
- Eating late and lying down within 2 to 3 hours
- Chocolate, citrus, tomato-heavy food, or mint
- Smoking or tobacco chewing
- Being overweight, or tight clothes around the belly
- Pregnancy
- Some medicines (painkillers like NSAIDs, certain blood pressure tablets)
- Skipping meals, then eating a lot at once
- Stress and poor sleep
Simple fixes: eat smaller meals, stop eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, raise the head of your bed a little, cut down on your personal triggers, and keep a healthy weight.
What are Gaviscon side effects?
Most people have none. When they happen, they are usually mild:
- Constipation or loose stools
- Nausea
- Bloating or gas
Very rare but serious (stop and get help):
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or trouble breathing
- A sudden rash or hives
- Wheezing
Who should be careful with Gaviscon?
Gaviscon has a fair amount of sodium (salt). Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you:
- Have high blood pressure or heart failure
- Are on a low-salt diet
- Have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
- Have a very high calcium level in the blood
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (often considered usable when needed, but confirm)
- Are allergic to any ingredient, including some preservatives in the liquid
Different versions of Gaviscon exist (for example, Gaviscon Advance), and their ingredients are not identical. Always check the label of the bottle you buy.
Can I take Gaviscon with other medicines?
Leave about 2 hours between Gaviscon and other medicines. Antacids can stop some tablets from being absorbed properly. Be extra careful with:
- Antibiotics (such as tetracyclines and ciprofloxacin-type antibiotics)
- Iron tablets
- Thyroid medicine
- Heart medicines such as digoxin
- Medicines for osteoporosis
- Some antifungals
When should I see a doctor instead?
Do not rely on Gaviscon, and see a doctor if you have:
- Chest pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, or with sweating or breathlessness (this may be your heart. Seek emergency care.)
- Trouble or pain when swallowing
- Black stools or vomiting blood
- Weight loss without trying
- Heartburn that continues for more than 2 weeks, or returns again and again
- Reflux that wakes you at night most days
Gaviscon vs Eno vs Risek: Which Is Better?
| Gaviscon | Eno | Risek (omeprazole) | |
| Type | Raft-forming reflux medicine | Fizzy antacid powder | Acid-reducing capsule (PPI) |
| Works by | Blocks acid from coming up | Neutralises acid | Lowers acid production |
| Speed | Within minutes | Within minutes | Takes a day or more |
| Best for | Heartburn after meals, reflux, pregnancy (with advice) | Occasional acidity | Frequent acidity, GERD, ulcers |
| Doctor needed? | Usually not | Usually not | Usually advised |
There is no single “best” one. Mild, occasional heartburn may settle with Gaviscon or Eno. Frequent symptoms need a doctor’s plan, which may include Risek.
Gaviscon Syrup Price in Pakistan
|
Pack |
Approximate Price (PKR) |
|
Gaviscon syrup/liquid, 120 ml |
Roughly Rs. 250 – 400 |
Prices depend on the version (regular, Advance, flavour), the shop, and the city. Please check at your pharmacy before buying.
FAQs
It is for short-term use. If you need it daily for more than about a week, see a doctor.
It is often used for reflux in pregnancy when needed, but ask your doctor first, especially if you have high blood pressure or swelling.
Most people feel relief within minutes, and the effect can last for a few hours.
Under 12, only on a doctor’s advice.
It contains an antacid part, but its main action is forming a raft that blocks reflux.
It works best after meals and at bedtime, when reflux is most likely.
