Gaviscon cool

How does it work?

Gaviscon cool is available as tablets and liquid. Both contain three active ingredients, sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. These three ingredients work together to relieve the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux, such as heartburn.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is stomach acid flowing from the stomach back into the food pipe (oesophagus). Various conditions can cause reflux as a result of the pressure they exert on the stomach, for example, pregnancy and hiatus hernia. Reflux can cause symptoms such as indigestion, acid regurgitation, or the painful burning sensation of heartburn. Over long periods of time the acid can also damage and inflame the lining of the foodpipe. This condition is known as reflux oesophagitis.

The active ingredients of Gaviscon cool are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead they work by forming a "raft" that floats on the surface of the stomach contents, physically preventing the acid from flowing back into the foodpipe.

Sodium alginate is a naturally occuring substance that is found in a particular type of seaweed. In the presence of the calcium carbonate it reacts with the acid in the stomach to form a gel. Sodium bicarbonate also reacts with the acid in the stomach to form bubbles of carbon dioxide. These bubbles are trapped by the gel and they allow the gel to float like a raft on top of the stomach contents.

The raft prevents acid in the stomach from flowing back into the food pipe. This relieves the symptoms of reflux such as heartburn and indigestion.

The raft lasts for about three to four hours on top of the stomach contents and is then broken down in the digestive system and excreted in the faeces.

What is it used for?

Relieving the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux, such as heartburn

Warning!

This medicine contains sodium and may not suitable for people on a strict salt restricted diet, eg those with heart or kidney disease. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

If symptoms persist after treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Not to be used in

Gaviscon cool liquid is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Gaviscon cool tablets are not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for further advice.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy. It may be used to relieve heartburn during pregnancy.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Very rarely, allergic reactions such as itchy rash (urticaria) or breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to interact with any other medicines.

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