Antacid (gaviscon)

Question 1

Gaviscon contains alginates and antacids - how do each of these ingredients work in the treatment of GORD and dyspepsia?

Answer 1

contains antacid and alginate
- often taken as compound preparations (antacid + alginate) but antacids can be used for short-term relief of dyspepsia

alginates:
- reacts with the stomach acid to form a viscous “floating raft” which acts as a physical barrier between the gastric contents and the gastro-oesophageal junction

=prevent reflux and therefore protect against mucosal damage

antacids:
- buffers the stomach acids

Question 2

Gaviscon - indications

Answer 2

GORD - symptomatic relief

Dyspepsia - short term relief

Question 3

Gaviscon - adverse effects

Answer 3

very few side effects - very safe

if any side effects experienced, it may be:

• diarrhoea
• constipation
• nausea +/- vomiting

Question 4

Gaviscon - cautions

Answer 4

• thickened milk preparations because can lead to excessively thick stomach contents that cause bloating and abdominal discomfort
• patients with fluid overload or hyperkalaemia (e.g.- renal failure)
• some preparations contain sucrose which can worsen hyperglycaemia in people with diabetes mellitus

Question 5

Gaviscon - interactions

Answer 5

1) Affect absorption of following drugs (space out use of antacids and these drugs for 2 hrs)

• ACEi
• some antibiotics (cephalosporin, ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines)
• bisphosphonates
• digoxin
• levothyroxine
• PPI

2) Increased secretion of Aspirin