Gaviscon Advance Suspension aniseed , 500ml
£8.99
What is Gaviscon Advance Suspension?
Gaviscon advance is used to provide long-lasting relief (up to 4 hours) from acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion. Its formulation has been constructed to ensure it doesn’t enter the bloodstream.
It’s suitable for pregnant women.
How to buy Gaviscon Advance Suspension online
You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Gaviscon Advance Suspension online in the UK with free and next day delivery, simply add it to your bag and checkout.
How to use Gaviscon Advance Suspension
Take 5-10 ml (one to two 5 ml spoonfuls) after meals and at bedtime, up to four times a day.
This medicine is only for adults and children over 12 years.
If your symptoms last longer than 7 days contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Gaviscon Advance work
Gaviscon Advance forms a protective barrier that helps keep stomach acid from rising back up the oesophagus (food pipe).
What is heartburn & acid reflux
Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation feeling in your chest that can travel up your neck and throat. Usually the stomach acid is kept in the stomach by the lower oesophageal sphincter. When it isn't working properly stomach acid is allowed to travel up into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation. If it is a chronic condition it is known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It can affect anyone sometimes with no obvious cause.
Common symptoms are:
- Heartburn
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Cough or hiccups
- Bad breathe
- Hoarse voice
- Bloating
- Nausea
Your symptoms may be worse after eating, when lying down or bending over.
Sometimes it is caused by or made worse by:
- Obesity
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Certain foods - spicy, acid or fatty foods
- Stress
- Certain medicines such as anti-inflammatories
- Bacterial infections
- Stomach ulcers
- Hiatus hernia
Acid reflux can sometimes be caused by something more serious. Watch out for the following
- If lifestyle changes or over the counter medicines do not help
- Symptoms persist longer than 5 days while taking omeprazole
- Heartburn occurs frequently for 3 weeks or more
- You struggle to swallow food
- You are being sick
- Unintended weight loss
If any of the above occur then contact your doctor, they can perform tests to see if your acid reflux is due to something more serious.
Easing heartburn and acid reflux
There are certain steps you can take to help ease acid reflux and heartburn yourself.
- Try eating smaller and more frequent meals
- At night raise the head end of your bed by 10 - 20cm, raising your chest and head above your waist. This will help stop stomach acid travelling up your throat
- Weight loss if you are overweight
- Relax and de-stress
You should avoid:
- Foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms
- Eating before you go to bed, avoid eating 3 - 4 hours before bed
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Tight clothes
If you follow the advice above and your symptoms persist, you can consider treatment. While taking treatment you should keep following the steps as they can help improve treatment outcomes.
Gaviscon Advance side effects
As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects of Gaviscon Advance include
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Flatulence
If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.
Gaviscon Advance interactions
Anatacids interact with:
- Thiazide diuretics such as bendroflumethiazide
Taking these medications together can lead to an increase in your calcium levels and lead to hypercalcaemia. Inform your doctor before taking these medicines together so they can monitor your calcium levels.
Anatacids can form complexes and reduce the effectiveness with certain medicines:
- Antibiotics
- Digoxin
- Bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid
- Dolutegravir
- Beta-blockers
- Levothyroxine
- Eltrombopag
- Fluorides
- Iron containing products
Always leave a 2 hour gap between taking antacids and any other medication to prevent this from happening.
Gaviscon Advance and pregnancy
Gaviscon Advance is considered safe to take during pregnancy. If you have any concerns speak to your doctor.
Gaviscon Advance and breastfeeding
Gaviscon Advance is considered safe to take while breastfeeding. If you have any concerns speak to your doctor.
Gaviscon Advance and fertility
Gaviscon Advance does not affect fertility in either men or women.
Gaviscon Advance and alcohol
You can drink alcohol while taking Gaviscon Advance as the two don't interact. However be aware that alcohol can make acid reflux symptoms worse.
Gaviscon Advance tablets alternative
If you find Gaviscon Advance tablets aren't providing enough relief you can try:
You can also buy the following prescription medicines from us, using our online consultation service:More Gaviscon Advance Suspension information
If you would like more information on Gaviscon Advance Suspension you can find the SPC here.
Gaviscon Advance FAQs
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Can I take Gaviscon Advance with other acid reflux medicines?
Yes you can take Gaviscon Advance with another acid reflux medicine such as a PPI e.g. omeprazole. Leave a 2 hour gap between taking the medicines so they can absorb correctly.
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Will Gaviscon Advance interact with any medication?
Yes Gaviscon Advance can interact with various other medicines when taken at the same time. Always leave a 2 hour gap between antacid and other medicines to prevent this from happening. It can also increase calcium levels if taken together with thiazide diuretics such as bendroflumethiazide, talk to your gp before taking the two together as they may need to monitor your calcium levels.
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How long can I use Gaviscon Advance tablets for?
If you find you are needing to use your Gaviscon Advance for longer than 14 days, contact your doctor.
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Can I take Gaviscon Advance while pregnant?
Gaviscon Advance is considered safe to take during pregnancy. If you have any concerns speak to your doctor.
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Can I take Gaviscon Advance while breastfeeding?
Gaviscon Advance is considered safe to take while breastfeeding. If you have any concerns speak to your doctor.
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Can I buy Gaviscon Advance over the counter?
Yes you can buy Gaviscon Advance for a maximum of 14 days use over the counter after a short consultation with a pharmacist.
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Are there any long term effects of taking Gaviscon Advance?
Taking Gaviscon Advance long term can cause diarrhoea and vomitting. It may also mask something more serious. If you find you are needing to use your antacids for longer than 14 days, contact your doctor.
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Is it safe to buy Gaviscon Advance from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC. -
Does Gaviscon Advance expire?
Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the month. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
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How should I store Gaviscon Advance?
They should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.
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Can I drink alcohol while taking Gaviscon Advance?
You can drink alcohol while taking Gaviscon Advance as the two don't interact. However be aware that alcohol can make acid reflux symptoms worse.
