Health Centres - Gaviscon infant
How does it work?
Gaviscon infant contains two active ingredients, sodium alginate and magnesium alginate. These are naturally occuring substances that are found in a particular type of seaweed. Alginates act locally in the stomach to physically prevent the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the food pipe (reflux) and being regurgitated.
Regurgitation of the stomach contents is common in babies and infants. It occurs because the muscular ring at the lower end of the food pipe (oesophagus) is not yet fully developed, and it can allow the contents of the stomach to flow back into the food pipe when the stomach is full. This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux and may result in small amounts of milk and stomach acid being regurgitated back into the mouth. Some infants are particularly susceptible, especially if they are very hungry prior to a feed or swallow more air than normal as they feed. In some babies it is merely the appropriate response to overfeeding. It is no cause for concern if the baby is happy, feeds well and gains weight, and normally resolves itself as the infant starts to eat more solids and spend more time in an upright position.
Sometimes though, if the baby is not gaining weight properly or has complications of the reflux, this medicine may be recommended by a doctor or pharmacist. It may also be recommended if the child has a hiatus hernia that is causing the reflux. It should only be given on the advice of a medical professional.
The active ingredients of Gaviscon infant are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead they work by reacting with the stomach contents to form a gel. This gel thickens the stomach contents, making it more difficult for them to be refluxed back into the food pipe and be regurgitated.
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Gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants
- Preventing regurgitation of the stomach contents in infants
Warning!
- This medicine should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor or other health professional.
- Follow the dosage instructions supplied with the medicine carefully. Do not give more than six times in 24 hours. The medicine contains sodium and excessive use could raise the amount of sodium in the child's blood.
- The child should be reviewed by a doctor after seven days of treatment with this medicine, or earlier if the child's condition worsens.
- This medicine is not appropriate for use in adults or elderly
Not to be used in
- Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)
- Inflammation of the stomach and intestine (gastroenteritis)
- Decreased kidney function
- Situations where excessive water loss is likely, eg fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or high room temperature
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.
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.
- Swelling of the stomach (gastric distension)
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
This medicine should not be used with thickening agents or infant milk preparations containing a thickening agent, as this could lead to over-thickening of the stomach contents.
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