Gaviscon medicine for heartburn during pregnancy. Can Gaviscon be used for heartburn during pregnancy? Gaviscon mint suspension


"Gaviscon" is a medicine that helps with a feeling of discomfort (burning) behind the sternum, spreading through the esophagus, that is, with heartburn.

Since this medicine contains sodium, you should consider the amount if your diet requires reduced content salt. This diet is often indicated for edema, kidney problems or heart failure.

In addition, for diseases associated with calcium metabolism, the dose of the drug must also be selected individually.

Side effect

Fortunately, side effects This drug has very little. These include:

  • individual intolerance;
  • bloating in case of overdose.

Individual intolerance is very rare and is usually expressed in a rash or redness of the skin, as well as. If, while taking Gaviscon, you notice heaviness in your stomach, simply reduce the dose of the drug.

Possible contraindications

There are very few contraindications for taking Gaviscon:

  • individual intolerance to the substances that make up the drug;
  • excess sodium or calcium in the body.

The composition of the medicine includes sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. The last two substances almost never cause allergic reactions, but alginate intolerance sometimes occurs. In this case, another heartburn medication is prescribed.

Excess sodium can be dangerous if you have edema, heart failure, or kidney problems. In such conditions, which are not so rare during pregnancy, a salt-free or low-salt diet is usually prescribed, and then Gaviscon intake should be eliminated or limited.

Excess calcium is harmful in diseases with impaired calcium-phosphorus metabolism; in this case, it is also better to avoid taking Gevsikon. In addition, although calcium supplements are usually prescribed during pregnancy, excessive amounts can lead to ossification.

Analogs of the drug allowed during pregnancy

There are several alginate-based drugs approved during this period, for example:

  • "Laminal";
  • "Maalox";
  • "Gastal";
  • "Almagel"
  • magnesium, calcium and sodium alginates.

In addition, antacid medications are sometimes prescribed during pregnancy. They are cheaper and also allowed during this period, but there are still more side effects of these drugs.

Gaviscon is modern medicine, which is often prescribed to pregnant women by both gynecologists and therapists. There are very few contraindications for taking it, but before taking it it is better to consult a doctor and take the drug only as needed.

Gaviscon is a real lifesaver during pregnancy. After all, many pregnant women, especially later, we know that disgusting feeling of heartburn. Many people use baking soda to get rid of it, not realizing that they are causing even more harm to their stomach. But there are a lot of safer and more effective means.

To eliminate heartburn, antacid drugs such as Rennie, Maalox, Gaviscon (including Gaviscon Forte) are used. During pregnancy, these drugs are preferable due to the fact that they are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and only provide local action in the stomach.

Gaviscon (suspension) during pregnancy stands apart. The fact is that most drugs contain components that undergo a neutralization reaction with gastric juice, thereby reducing its acidity. But the essence of heartburn is that the contents of the stomach are thrown into lower sections esophagus (so-called gastroesophageal reflux), which do not have protective mechanisms against the effects of hydrochloric acid contained in gastric juice. And even if the amount of acid decreased under the influence antacid drug, it is still present in the gastric juice and still affects the esophageal mucosa. In this case, heartburn may well appear even while taking drugs that reduce acidity, although it may be less pronounced.

Can I use Gaviscon during pregnancy?

To understand whether Gaviscon can be used during pregnancy to combat heartburn, it is necessary to consider its mechanism of action, which is somewhat different from the mechanism of action of conventional antacid drugs.

In addition to sodium bicarbonate (the same baking soda), Gaviscon contains sodium alginate. This substance, reacting with hydrochloric acid of gastric juice, forms a gel that envelops the gastric mucosa and prevents harmful influence gastric juice. In addition, when gastric contents are thrown into the esophagus, this gel is ahead of the gastric contents and manages to cover the mucous membrane of the esophagus, protecting it from acid.

Active substances, contained in the drug, are practically not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and do not have a systemic effect on the body. Excipients can be absorbed into the blood, so the drug should be used under supervision laboratory tests in people suffering from urolithiasis, severe renal dysfunction, severe cardiac pathology (in fairness, we note that with such diseases, pregnancy itself is almost always contraindicated). At least that's what the instructions say about it.

Gaviscon during pregnancy can thus be called the drug of choice to combat heartburn. The drug described is quite new and modern. So don't be alarmed if your doctor prescribes you Gaviscon.

Price (during pregnancy this is quite important nuance, because there will be big expenses!) ranges from 150 to 300 rubles, depending on the form of release and the amount of the drug in the package. But the undoubted advantage of this antacid is its high efficiency, quite long action(about 4 hours), as well as the presence of special studies that have proven the safety of using Gaviscon during pregnancy.

During the period of bearing a baby, a woman faces some complications. They are usually associated with a hormonal shift in the body of the expectant mother - progesterone stimulates the relaxation of all smooth muscles. Also, negative symptoms arise due to compression of adjacent anatomical structures by the enlarged uterus - the intestines, Bladder, diaphragm.

Gaviscon during pregnancy is indicated for the treatment of uncomfortable organ symptoms gastrointestinal tract- nausea, belching, heartburn, bloating, feeling of heaviness. The drug has affordable price, is dispensed from pharmacies without a prescription form, and also has no side effects on the fetus. That is why the drug is actively used in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and esophagus in pregnant women.

Release form

Gaviscon Double Action is a tablet for internal reception. The medicine is available in cardboard packages containing blisters.

The medicine is produced in several forms. The most popular of them is mint suspension. The drug is available in a dark glass bottle of 100, 150 or 300 milliliters.

Gaviscon chewable tablets for pregnant women are medicinal product for internal reception. The medication is available in cardboard packs with blisters.

Gaviscon Forte - suspension for oral administration. Medicine sold in pharmacies in glass bottles of 150 and 250 milliliters or in sachets of 10 milliliters.

All types dosage forms should not be left in areas accessible to young children. The drug should be stored avoiding direct contact sun rays at a temperature not higher than 26 degrees. The shelf life of tablets is 24 months, suspensions are 36 months. After its expiration, taking the medicine is strictly prohibited.

Gaviscon mint suspension

This release form contains 0.5 grams of sodium alginate, 0.26 grams of sodium bicarbonate and 0.16 grams of calcium bicarbonate.

It is recommended to use the medication immediately after eating and before bedtime. The medicine is taken orally and swallowed. You should drink 10 milliliters of the drug at one time. Maximum amount suspension is 80 milliliters per 24 hours. Pregnant women should not use the medicine for more than a week in a row without consulting a specialist.

The active ingredients of the drug are 0.25 grams of sodium alginate, 0.1 grams of sodium bicarbonate and 0.18 grams of calcium carbonate.

The tablets are intended for internal use. After placing it in the mouth, the patient should chew the medication thoroughly. Gaviscon should be taken immediately after meals or before bed, two tablets at a time.


10 milliliters of suspension contains 1 gram of sodium alginate and 0.2 grams of potassium bicarbonate.

It is recommended to use the medicine immediately after eating and before bedtime. The suspension is taken orally and swallowed. You should drink 10 milliliters of the drug at a time. The maximum amount of suspension is 80 milliliters per day. Average duration therapy - 3-5 days.

Chewable tablets Gaviscon

The composition of the drug includes 0.25 grams of sodium alginate, 0.13 grams of sodium bicarbonate and 0.08 grams of calcium carbonate.

The drug should be chewed thoroughly oral cavity. The dosage is selected by the attending physician. Typically, experts recommend taking 3 tablets per day immediately after eating. Expectant mothers are prohibited from using more than this amount of medicine per day. The average course of treatment is 3-5 days.

Effect on the fetus

During repeated clinical trials Scientists have not found any harmful effect of the drug on the body of the unborn child. A special feature of the drug is its local effect within the stomach. Gaviscon is not absorbed in the human intestinal tract, so it does not enter the systemic circulation.

During experiments on laboratory animals, experts did not reveal the teratogenic effect of the drug - it does not cause congenital anomaly development in the fetus. Also the medicine does not have toxic effect on the body of the unborn child. Taking Gaviscon does not contribute to intrauterine growth retardation and development of the baby.

However, many experts recommend avoiding taking medications when possible. early stages pregnancy. In the 1st trimester of the gestation period, the formation and development of all organs of the unborn child is observed. Negative factors external environment may contribute to pathologies in these cell division processes.

The drug can be taken until the end of the gestation period. The active ingredient of Gaviscon does not affect the contractility of the uterus, so it does not have negative influence on the birth process.

Mechanism of action

The principle of action of the drug is based on the binding of hydrochloric acid of gastric juice. Due to this reaction, the pH increases towards an alkaline environment. Binding acid in the stomach eliminates its negative and irritating effect on the mucous membrane internal organs Gastrointestinal tract.

Indications for use

The main indication for the use of all forms of the drug is the treatment of pathologies and relief of symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract. Before using the drug, the expectant mother should consult a doctor.

Gaviscon is most often used as a rapid treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. This pathology characterized by weakening of the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, as a result of which undigested food remains can be thrown into the upper sections Gastrointestinal tract.

The drug is part of the symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The drug quickly relieves the negative symptoms of the pathology, but it does not affect its cause. Gaviscon combats sour belching.

Also the medication is indicated for relief pain syndrome at peptic ulcer stomach. The drug binds hydrochloric acid, which has an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the organ. Similar effect this remedy has in the presence of chronic gastritis with increased secretion of gastric juice.

In early pregnancy, Gaviscon is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of toxicosis. The drug fights nausea and vomiting, relieves the feeling of heaviness in the supra-umbilical area.

At later stages of pregnancy, the medication can be used to relieve negative symptoms resulting from compression of the stomach by an enlarged uterus. Most often, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, expectant mothers experience heartburn, sour belching and heaviness in the abdomen.

Features of the treatment of heartburn in pregnant women

Contraindications

According to the instructions for use, the drug should not be used by children under six years of age. Also, the drug is prohibited for persons who have allergic reactions to components. Gaviscon should not be taken by patients suffering from phenylketonuria.
  • in the presence of chronic pathology urinary system;
  • if the patient is prone to the formation of oxalate stones;
  • in the presence of urolithiasis in the anamnesis;
  • in the presence of increased calcium levels in the blood plasma;
  • if the patient has nephrocalcinosis;
  • in the presence of chronic liver failure in the stage of decompensation.

Side effects

If the dosage is observed, the drug does not cause side effects. In rare cases, while taking the drug, patients experience negative symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract - flatulence, stool disorders such as diarrhea or.

In persons with a predisposition, long-term use of the drug may contribute to the formation of kidney stones. This effect due to increased calcium content.

IN exceptional cases People have experienced allergic reactions while taking Gaviscon. They usually manifest themselves as skin rashes such as urticaria and dermatitis, as well as itching. Less commonly, an allergy to the components of the drug was accompanied by bronchospasm and angioedema.

Interaction

Gaviscon increases the acid-base composition of gastric contents. Due to this it is not recommended simultaneous administration drug and other medicines. Gaviscon may cause premature breakdown of the drug shell.

At least 120 minutes should pass between taking Gaviscon and using another drug. The drug inactivates the effect of many antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, antipsychotics, and antihypertensive medications.

Overdose

If the dose is exceeded by 3 or more times, negative symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract may develop. Usually a large number of Gaviscona causes severe bloating and diarrhea.

To treat symptoms of overdose, the patient must first stop taking the drug. According to indications, doctors recommend gastric lavage and a cleansing enema. It is also possible to take enterosorbent - activated carbon.

Gaviscon analogs

Rennie is a combined analogue of a drug containing calcium and magnesium carbonates. The drug is available in the form chewable tablets with different flavors, indicated for rapid treatment of dyspeptic syndrome - nausea, heartburn, belching, pain in the stomach. The medication is approved for use in pregnant women from the first trimester of gestation. The drug should not be used in persons with disorders of the ionic composition of the blood and chronic renal failure.

Medicine, active substance which is aluminum phosphate. The drug is sold in the form of a gel for internal use. Due to its composition, the drug can be used for increased acidity gastric juice, pathology of the valve between the stomach and esophagus, as well as for the treatment of functional diarrhea. If the dosage is observed, the medication is approved for use in expectant mothers.

Almagel is a drug containing Algeldrat, Benzocaine and magnesium hydroxide. The medication is available in the form of a suspension for oral administration. The drug is indicated to relieve heartburn, nausea, belching, and heaviness in the stomach. During pregnancy, Almagel is allowed to be taken for no more than three days in a row.

Maalox is a combination preparation containing Algeldrate and magnesium hydroxide. The medicine is sold in pharmacies in the form of a suspension for internal use. Maalox is indicated for the relief of pain in gastric ulcers and chronic gastritis, also for the treatment of dyspeptic syndrome. The drug can be used during pregnancy.

While carrying a child, a woman often experiences new sensations, and not always pleasant ones. One of them is heartburn, which causes discomfort for pregnant women and spoils their mood. To eliminate the problem, gynecologists prescribe Gaviscon to their patients. What kind of medicine is this, how to take it and how does it differ from other heartburn medications?

While carrying a child, a woman often experiences new sensations, and not always pleasant ones. One of them is, which causes discomfort to pregnant women and spoils their mood. To eliminate the problem, gynecologists prescribe Gaviscon to their patients. What kind of medicine is this, how to take it and how does it differ from other heartburn medications?

Gaviscon during pregnancy: instructions

The action of Gaviscon is based on the properties of potassium, sodium, baking soda. The drug contains macrogol, aspartame, acesulfame potassium and natural flavors. They play a supporting role and give the medicine the necessary physical properties.

Gaviscon should not be used continuously during pregnancy. And although the instructions for the drug recommend taking it after each meal and before bed, pregnant women state that Gaviscon has operational action when taken during periods of exacerbation of heartburn. Once in the stomach, the active components of Gaviscon interact with gastric juice, resulting in the formation of a specific gel. It has a softening effect and eliminates the burning sensation when stomach acid enters the walls of the esophagus.

The drug Gaviscon is prescribed to pregnant women orally in 5-10 ml doses. According to the instructions, this should be done before bed and after each meal. Maximum dose medication per day is 40 ml. If you are using packaged Gaviscon, then before opening the bag you need to knead and thus mix its components.

When prescribing Gaviscon to the expectant mother the doctor must take into account general state her health. For example, in cases where women comply due to kidney problems or heart failure. Adjustment of the dose of this medicine is also necessary for other diseases of a woman associated with a violation metabolic processes. That is why you cannot prescribe the drug yourself, referring to the experience of your friends. Dosages and treatment regimens should always be determined by the attending physician.

Interaction of Gaviscon with other drugs

Gaviscon is popular among pregnant women due to its safety for the fetus and the absence of a negative effect on the pregnancy as a whole. After all, its components are not absorbed into the blood. Gaviscon can be safely used in parallel with other drugs. It goes well with medications. The only contraindication for the use of Gaviscon is the pregnant woman's individual intolerance to the components of the drug. The consequence of this may be skin rashes and allergic reactions.

Which is better: Gaviscon or Rennie during pregnancy?

Pregnant women often wonder what medications similar action can be taken for heartburn. The pharmacological purpose of Gaviscon is the same as Rennie. But Gaviscon belongs to the group of alginates - drugs whose components form a gel protection on the surface of the stomach. Unlike Rennie, Gaviscon is effective for four hours after consumption, and the course of administration should not exceed seven days. The dose of Gaviscon per day is limited to 2-4 tablets, and Renia - 1-2 tablets. If Rennie does not give the expected effect, then you need to take another tablet. The contraindications for the drugs are the same. Taking Rennie is not recommended for renal failure, increased content in the blood and sensitivity to the components of the drug.

On women's forums, expectant mothers share their reviews of the use of both drugs. Rennie is better for some, Gaviscon for others. Therefore, even a doctor will not be able to predict how your body will react to taking this or that medicine. Be healthy and feel comfortable!

Especially for- Elena TOLOCHIK

It is familiar to many women, but not everyone knows how to deal with this unpleasant phenomenon. There are quite a lot of drugs on the modern market that help normalize the well-being of a pregnant woman, and one of the most famous is Gaviscon. What kind of composition this is and whether it is safe to use it during pregnancy - we will tell you further by carefully studying the instructions for its use.

What does it help with?

This drug is an excellent remedy for symptomatic treatment digestive disorders caused by gastroesophageal reflux. It perfectly helps normalize acidity levels and cope with heartburn, which manifests itself in regurgitation of acidic contents.

The drug is no less effective for severe heartburn, and in some cases, Gaviscon is prescribed after operations on the esophagus.

Important!In each individual case, the dosage will be different, so consulting a doctor is essential.

How the drug works

The main active ingredient of the drug is sodium alginate, obtained from Laminaria hyperborea algae, which grows off the Norwegian coast.

Generally, therapeutic effect Gaviscon is based on the properties of sodium, baking soda and potassium, complemented by the beneficial effects of aspartame, macrogol, natural flavors and acesulfame potassium. The latter play more of a supporting role, giving the medicine the desired physical properties.
This composition provides a unique mechanism of action for Gaviscon: the drug forms a dense barrier on the surface of the stomach that prevents aggressive contents from entering the esophagus (this is what happens when the stomach contracts).

Moreover, alginates, which are the first to enter the esophagus during strong contractions, protect its walls from chemical burn stomach acid.

This unique action allows you to completely eliminate heartburn and all associated with it discomfort already in the third minute, preventing the occurrence of repeated attacks within 4 hours.

Is it possible or not during the “interesting” period?

The instructions for use of Gaviscon do not indicate that it should not be taken during pregnancy, which means that after consulting with your gynecologist and choosing the appropriate dosage, you can safely use it to eliminate heartburn in the third trimester, without fear for the future (the components of the medicine are not absorbed into the blood).
In the early stages, that is, in the first or even second trimester, use this drug there is no need, since a woman is rarely tormented by unpleasant sensations.

Release form

The described drug can be found in pharmacies in several forms: classic, with double action, as well as especially for pregnant women (Gaviscon Forte). They all differ in quantity active ingredients and their dosage.

They can be supplied both in the form of a suspension with different flavors (80, 150, 250 ml in glass bottles or 10 ml in multi-layer bags), and in the form of dragees or chewable tablets.

Expectant mothers are allowed to take any form of the drug that is convenient for them. And therefore, each woman can decide for herself which is better: tablets or suspension.
Doctors advise using Gaviscon Forte for pregnant women, as it is different convenient form release, and its composition includes twice as much sodium alginate and excludes sodium bicarbonate, which significantly reduces the risk unpleasant consequences for the unborn child and his mother.

Reception scheme

In most cases, the medicine is prescribed to pregnant women 5-10 ml orally (if it is a suspension), after meals or at night, but no more than 40 ml can be used per day. When taking a packaged drug, before opening the package, knead it in your hands to mix all the ingredients well.

A single dose can be 10-20 ml, which is determined by the severity of heartburn. If you are going to take Gaviscon in tablets, then a single use of 2 to 4 pieces is allowed, which depends on the strength of the discomfort.
When prescribing a drug to an expectant mother, the doctor must obtain detailed information about it (for example, possible kidney problems, heart failure or metabolic disorders) and, if necessary, adjust the medication regimen.

For the same reason, you cannot treat yourself with Gaviscon, citing the positive experience of many friends. Each organism is individual, the treatment regimen should be similar.

Did you know? Most babies are born with blue or gray-blue eyes, which is due to their lack of melanin pigment. After 6 months, everything will change and the eyes will acquire their permanent color.

How often can I take it?

According to the instructions for use, continuous use of Gaviscon Forte for pregnant women is allowed (15-20 minutes after breakfast, lunch, dinner and at night), but many expectant mothers prefer to take the drug only during periods of exacerbation of heartburn.
He quickly copes with all its manifestations; there is no need to use the medicine again if there are none.

Side effects

The described drug has practically no associated negative manifestations. Only in some cases, allergic reactions to the constituent component (sodium alginate), bronchospasms, and in case of overdose, also bloating, can be observed.

The solution to these problems will be to reduce the dosage of Gaviscon or select another remedy for heartburn.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of the described medicinal composition few. Among the main ones, it is worth highlighting individual intolerance to its constituent components, excess calcium or sodium in a woman’s body, heart failure, kidney problems and impaired calcium-phosphorus metabolism.
In the last few cases, a reduction in the dosage of the composition is allowed.

Before you start using Gaviscon or change your dosage regimen, you must consult a doctor. Do not risk yourself and your baby by self-medicating.