Reflux

Question 1

Gaviscon chewable tablets

Answer 1

Use if mild symptoms: 1-2 episodes/week / if present for short time
Suck or chew before swallowing
- Adults, children >12: 2-4 tablets 3-4 times daily (after meals and 30min before bed) (max 16tabs/day)
- Children 6-12: 1-2 tablets
- DONT TAKE WITH OTHER MEDS (separate by at least 2 hours)
- Adverse effects: constipation

Question 2

Gaviscon liquid

Answer 2

More effective than tablet alternative
Adults, children >12: 10-20ml as needed after meals and 1/2 hour before bed
- Children 6-12: 5-10mL
- Adverse effects: constipation

Question 3

Esomeprazole (20mg) tablets

Answer 3

First line for GORD (>2 episodes a week)
- swallow whole or disperse in 1/2 glass of noncarbonated liquid
- 1 (20mg) tablet daily for 7-14 days
(take before breakfast if symptoms more prevalent in the day or before dinner if symptoms more prevalent at night)
- Adverse effects: headache, nausea
- CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE IN 1ST TRIMESTER

Question 4

Reflux referral

Answer 4

• chest pain
• difficulty/pain swallowing
• children <12 except infants
• new symptoms aged >55
• recurrent vomiting
• unexplained weight loss
• GI bleeding (dark, tarry stools / vomiting blood)
• radiating pain in the shoulder arm or neck
• atypical symptoms: hoarseness, cough nausea