“Is Gaviscon actually protected for my Acid Reflux?”
I requested the identical factor to myself after I first heard of the drug from a pal of mine. Her description of it was a liquid antacid that tastes good (I do not learn about you, to me… form of) and is kind of efficient in assuaging the signs of acid reflux disease, GERD, or heartburn.
Sounds good to me, I believed to myself. However I am not the one that simply jumps into newer treatment, particularly those that it’s important to take frequently. In case you are like me, I usually do analysis and get the information straightened out and simply do not belief any physician’s recommendation. I even have my very own tackle different meds such because the purple tablet (Nexium), Maalox, and different antacids (even TUMS).
So I suppose it is a pure response for me to ask if Gaviscon is de facto protected for my acid reflux disease. Does it truly do what it claims to do? Or are there any higher options?
This is what I discovered that I consider each particular person affected by the above digestive issues ought to know. That is fairly a bit lengthy article however the data discovered right here is priceless:
To begin with, Gaviscon is an antacid that helps deal with acid indigestion, heartburn, peptic ulcers, hiatal hernias, in addition to reflux esophagitis. In generic type, it is aluminim with magnesium hydroxide. It’s stated to assist by neutralizing the abdomen acid, whereas concurrently producing a viscous materials which floats on the abdomen content material.
Now that is one thing that drove my curiosity. The aim of this viscous materials is to function a barrier to keep away from reflux of acidic content material. Consider it as a protecting defend.
It likewise claims to assist in the therapy of different types of abdomen ulcers and might stop them from bleeding. I’ve had ulcers earlier than however by the point I used to be launched to this drug, they have been already healed utilizing safer and pure strategies. My greatest concern at the moment was my GERD.
I’ve discovered that though Gaviscon is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug (that means you’ll be able to simply get in most drugstores), it’s nonetheless greatest to get a health care provider’s advice. He might imagine you are an oddball (like me) because it’s categorized as an antacid, however there is no hurt asking. And moreover, he will get paid a session charge.
In case you are a pregnant or breast feeding mom DO NOT take this drug. Additionally it is necessary that you’re not allergic to any of its elements or such containing aluminum or magnesium. Inform your physician as nicely in the event you or any member of the household had or has liver or kidney illness or appendicitis. And it’s NOT advisable to take Gaviscon to your GERD, if you’re each outdated and affected by Alzheimer’s.
Gaviscon may additionally change the results on another treatment that you’re taking – a tough record contains Nizoral, Mandelamine, Rifamate and Tetracycline antibiotics. If you happen to ask me, even when these different meds are non-prescribed or encompass nutritional vitamins or meals dietary supplements, you continue to want your sensible physician’s recommendation.
There should not be any unintended effects or issues in the event you comply with the above precautions nicely, save that the one issues it’s best to remind your self of when taking this drug are that it’d trigger dizziness and subsequently, you shouldn’t drive or function heavy equipment after taking it. One time after dinner and consuming the improper sort of meals (spicy pasta), I had no selection however to take it. I did really feel a bit dizzy however nonetheless managed to drive. I consider the impact varies from individual to individual.
For information’s sake, the widespread unintended effects embody “dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and diarrhea”, of which if any of those happen whereas taking Gaviscon, you’re suggested to seek the advice of your physician instantly.
I am certain you are additionally asking if there’s such a factor as Gaviscon overdose. The reply to that’s positively, similar to all medication do. That is why it’s best to solely use the really useful dosage and in the event you suppose you had an overdose, contact your physician instantly. Overdose signs embody “drowsiness, dizziness, abdomen issues, weak point, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and lack of consciousness”. By no means ever take a double dose at a time… even when the packaging is agreeable to the attention and it tastes good to you, similar to it does to me.
If you wish to know crucial factor to recollect about Gaviscon for GERD is that as a result of it’s an antacid, it shouldn’t be taken any longer than 2 weeks or bigger doses than those really useful. All antacids (chewable or liquid type) ought to solely be used for momentary aid of acid reflux disease or heartburn signs.
In the middle of my battle with acid reflux disease and GERD, I’ve discovered that Gaviscon, together with different regular prescriptive medicines, ought to usually be taken for emergency functions solely. If you wish to have long-lasting aid and even remedy your situation, then typical strategies should not going to be of any assist to you in any respect. At greatest you’ll be able to take them for per week, however that is frankly nothing extra however a “band-aid” strategy – specializing in masking the signs, as an alternative of centering on the basis trigger.
Simply having to learn and bear in mind all of the unintended effects, precautions, warnings on overdosage, and necessary issues to recollect about Gaviscon, and also you’re clearly clever sufficient to know that in the event you’re not cautious, you’ll be able to simply create one other illness or well being drawback in your physique due to this drug. That is one of many issues pharmaceutical corporations don’t desire of us such as you and me to learn about… although they’re already plain in sight.
If you need an sincere advice, take Gaviscon to your acid reflux disease when you’ve got taken all the mandatory precautions and if it’s worthwhile to. Take it persistently for per week on the most after which, for emergency functions solely. However discover safer and pure methods to deal with your situation. You will be glad you probably did.