Gaviscon, its trade name, is also called sodium bicarbonate, alginic acid or aluminum hydroxide as its generic names. It is an antacid compound that neutralizes and absorbs stomach acid. Nowadays, the demand of people for such antacid is continuously declining for the reason that there are lots of potent drugs that are less troublesome and more effective compared to the drug. But still, this drug is helpful in relieving infrequent indigestions and intermittent heartburns. If ever these conditions are often experienced by a person, it is advisable for him to seek medical help and diagnosis since it can be a more serious disorder.
About Gaviscon
Gaviscon is known to be a mineral. The saliva is reacted upon by the so called alginic acid within the body to produce the foamy froth which layers on the stomach liquid. This is to prevent the acid reflux from entering the esophagus.
Gaviscon is helpful in temporarily relieving the occasional heartburn and indigestion of one person. Nightly, frequent or daily signs often indicate more serious problems to the health. The antacid content of Gaviscon is not accountable anymore for these cases. It is true that the current medications in the present time are all highly superior to the antacids.
Side Effects of the Drug
Undesirable reactions can take place at any drug or even those over-the-counter medications. Many of these antacids can only cause minor side effects since they are used infrequently only. Such minor bad effects can be relieved by reducing the frequency or dose of the medicine. But for the cases of major side effects, it is already a need to contact your physician immediately.
Gaviscon can lead to constipation at times and even bowel blockage for rare cases. With this case, the high fiber diet can be helpful. Long-term or excessive usage of antacid products containing aluminum can open the possibilities of having weak bones, mental changes and subtle poisoning. These medicines should not be used by the patients on dialysis or with chronic kidney failure if not checked with their physicians first.
Using Gaviscon, a person can observe several side effects such as abdominal pain and constipation as minor problems and severe weakness, mental or mood changes and severe abdominal pain for major bad effects.
More About Gaviscon
Gaviscon is known to be one of the oldest health partners. By taking Gaviscon, an individual can be relieved from the occasional indigestion or heartburn instantly. It has been a tradition for most people to ensure that Gaviscon or other antacids are always inside their homes and accessible at all times. But remember that if the signs occur more than the normal times, then it could be a worse problem, which is more serious. There is a possibility that your esophagus has a serious acid injury or you have ulcer. Such conditions are not often healed through the antacids alone, like Gaviscon. You must have a specific diagnosis with your physician. The antacids like Gaviscon are your best choices for relieving the pain temporarily, but still, they are not the answers to those problems.
