Eno Sachet Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It

Eno is a fizzy antacid powder. You mix one sachet in water and drink it to get quick relief from acidity, heartburn, sour belching, gas, and an overfull stomach. It works in minutes, but the relief is short. It is not for daily use, and it does not treat the cause of acidity.

What Is Eno?

Eno Fruit Salt is a well-known antacid from Haleon (formerly GSK). It comes in 5-gram sachets in Pakistan, in regular, lemon, and orange flavours.

Each sachet has three simple ingredients:

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Neutralises stomach acid
• Citric acid: Gives the fizz and the sour taste
• Sodium carbonate: Also helps neutralise acid

When you add water, the powder fizzes. This releases carbon dioxide gas (that is why you may burp afterwards), and the mix works as an antacid inside your stomach.

What Is Eno Used For?

People take Eno for short-term relief of:

• Acidity and heartburn (burning in the chest or throat)
• Sour taste or sour burps
• Indigestion after a heavy or oily meal
• A bloated, over-full stomach
• Gas-like discomfort (the burp it causes may bring relief)

Eno does not work for:

• Ulcers
• Long-term reflux (GERD)
• Stomach pain that has other causes
• Chest pain from the heart

How to Take Eno: Step by Step

1. Open one sachet (5 grams).
2. Pour it into half to one full glass of cool water (roughly 150 to 200 ml).
3. Wait for the fizz to settle, then drink it all at once.
4. Do not swallow the powder dry.
5. Do not take a second dose for at least 2 hours.
6. Use it only when symptoms appear, not as a daily habit.

Good to know

• Eno is for adults and children 12 and older. Do not give it to younger children.
• Do not keep a mixed glass for later. Make it fresh each time.
• Follow the dose on the pack or your doctor’s advice.
• Keep the sachets in a cool, dry place, below 30°C.

Is Eno Safe? Side Effects

For most healthy adults, an occasional sachet is safe. Possible effects:

Common and mild

• Burping and a gassy feeling
• Mild stomach discomfort
• Nausea
• Loose motions (in some people)

Less common

• Headache or dizziness
• Swelling of hands or feet, if used too much because of the sodium

Stop and get medical help if you have

• Severe stomach pain or a stomach that feels very swollen
• Vomiting that does not stop
• Muscle twitching, confusion, or extreme weakness
• Swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing (allergy)

Why too much Eno can be a problem

• It contains sodium, which can raise blood pressure and cause fluid to build up in people with heart or kidney problems.
• Using antacids a lot can upset the body’s salts and acid balance.
• It can hide the symptoms of a more serious illness, such as an ulcer or heart problem, so you delay seeing a doctor.
• Using it every day does not fix the cause of acidity.

Who Should Be Careful or Avoid Eno?

Ask a doctor first if you have:

• High blood pressure or heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease with fluid in the belly
• Pregnancy (especially if your feet are swelling)
• A low-salt diet from your doctor
• Constant vomiting, or you are dehydrated
• Allergy to any ingredient

Taking Eno with other medicines

Antacids can change how some medicines are absorbed. As a safe habit, leave about 2 hours between Eno and other tablets, unless your doctor says otherwise. This is especially true for antibiotics, iron tablets, thyroid medicine, and some heart medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Eno vs Gaviscon vs Risek: What Is the Difference?

For regular acidity, read our Risek capsule usage guide.

Simple Ways to Reduce Acidity Without Medicine

• Eat smaller meals, and chew slowly.
• Avoid lying down for 2 to 3 hours after eating.
• Cut down on fried, spicy, and very oily food, strong tea, and fizzy drinks.
• Do not smoke, and avoid late-night heavy meals.
• Raise the head of your bed slightly if night-time heartburn is a problem.
• Keep a healthy weight.

Eno Price in Pakistan

Prices differ by flavour, shop, and pack. These are rough guides from online listings:

This section is reviewed and refreshed quarterly.

FAQs