Heartburn pills for pregnant women Gaviscon. Can pregnant women drink Gaviscon. Indications for the use of this drug during gestation
Pregnancy is a miracle of the birth of a new life. At this wonderful time, a woman experiences many pleasant sensations, but there are also minor difficulties. They include heartburn. For peace and comfort during this period, many drugs have been released that help to cope with the burning sensation and. One of them is Gaviscon.
Action Gaviscon
Gaviscon is a synthetic drug. It has an antacid effect - it reduces acidity in the stomach, bringing it to the physiological norm. It consists of:
- sodium alginate - interacting with gastric juice, forms a gel that prevents the contents of the stomach from being thrown back into the esophagus, because of this it occurs;
- potassium bicarbonate - reduces the acidity of gastric juice;
- calcium carbonate - maintains normal acid-base balance.
Is it possible to take the drug during pregnancy?
The effect of Gaviscon on the health of the pregnant woman and the baby was studied in an open multicenter study, which was conducted in hospitals and maternity hospitals in the UK and South Africa. It consisted in the fact that expectant mothers suffering from heartburn had to take the drug as needed and evaluate its result on a five-point scale.
As a result of this experiment, it was found that the antacid is highly effective in relieving the symptoms of heartburn. It has also been shown to be safe to use during pregnancy.
Gaviscon is allowed during pregnancy and lactation, since its active ingredients are not absorbed into the general circulation, but only create a protective gel film, protecting the mucous tissue lining the stomach and esophagus from the effects of gastric acid. Clinical studies prove the absence of a negative effect of the drug on the course of pregnancy and the fetus.
When the doctor prescribes Gaviscon and for how long
Gaviscon is prescribed to a pregnant woman by her attending physician if she has:
- heartburn;
- dyspepsia;
- discomfort and heaviness in the stomach that occurs after eating.
In most cases, the cause of heartburn is the pressure of the growing uterus as a result of the growth of the baby on all internal organs. Therefore, in the eighth or ninth month, the expectant mother increasingly has these unpleasant sensations.
Gaviscon has become an excellent remedy for heartburn during the period of bearing a child, it is allowed to use it in the early stages in the first trimester. Despite the fact that this drug is available in pharmacies without a prescription, it is not recommended to use it without a doctor's prescription.
How to take Gaviscon?
Take Gaviscon should be according to the instructions, that is, in the evening before bedtime and in the afternoon after each meal. But due to the fact that the drug has an effect for quite a long time, pregnant women are advised to use it as heartburn occurs.
If you bought a packaged suspension, then the bag must first be thoroughly kneaded and then opened (due to this, all its components will mix well).
Types and form of release: tablets, suspension, sachet
The drug has the following release options:
- Gaviscon Forte and Gaviscon Forte for pregnant women.
Different types of Gaviscon differ in the number of active components and their dosage. They are sold as a suspension in vials or sachets and chewable tablets. This medication has no other forms of release.
Pregnant women often confuse Gaviscon with another medicine that has a similar name - Hexicon (candles for thrush).
Women in position are allowed to take any variant of the drug. But if circumstances force you to drink this medicine for a long time, then doctors advise using Gaviscon Forte for pregnant women. It has a convenient release form, and also contains twice as much sodium alginate and does not include sodium bicarbonate, which significantly reduces the risk to the health of the unborn baby and his mother.
Differences between Gaviscon classic, Forte and Double Action - table
| Substance | Gaviscon | ||||
| suspension, 10 ml | tablets, 1 pc | suspension, 10 ml | tablets, 1 pc | suspension, 10 ml | |
| sodium bicarbonate | 267 mg | 133.5 mg | 213 mg | 106.5 mg | - |
| calcium carbonate | 160 mg | 80 mg | 325 mg | 187.5 mg | - |
| sodium alginate | 500 mg | 250 mg | 500 mg | 250 mg | 1000 mg |
| Potassium bicarbonate | - | - | - | - | 200 mg |
Views of Gaviscon - photo gallery
Gaviscon has a classic balanced anti-heartburn formula 
Gaviscon Double Action is characterized by a high content of calcium carbonate in its composition 
Gaviscon Forte for pregnant women is designed specifically for women in the position 
Gaviscon Forte contains only two active ingredients
Contraindications and possible side effects according to the instructions
Gaviscon has virtually no side effects. Very rarely observed:
- allergic reactions;
- bronchospasm;
- bloating in case of overdose (in this case, it is necessary to reduce the dose of the drug).
Gaviscon also has few contraindications:
- individual intolerance to its constituent components;
- excess sodium or calcium in the body of a pregnant woman.
Gaviscon is better to exclude or reduce its dosage if a woman in position has heart failure, kidney problems, and calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorders.
Interaction of Gaviscon with other drugs
Gaviscon has wide popularity among women, as it is safe for the health of the fetus and the expectant mother. It has no negative impact on the course of pregnancy in general. Due to the fact that its constituent components are not absorbed into the blood, the drug can be taken in parallel with other drugs. But between taking an antacid and another medication, at least two hours must pass. This is especially true for histamine H 2 receptor blockers and antibiotics.
Gaviscon's analogs
To date, there are no analogues of Gaviscon. But there is a wide variety of drugs based on other active substances that can be used during pregnancy.
Heartburn drugs and not only allowed for pregnant women - table
| Name of the drug | Release form | Active substance | Contraindications | Use during pregnancy |
| Maalox |
|
|
| Appointment is possible only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the risk to the fetus. |
| Rennie | chewable tablets |
|
| Not dangerous to the fetus if you follow the instructions and do not exceed the recommended dosage. |
| Gastal | lozenges |
|
| Due to the lack of studies, it should be taken only if the benefit to the pregnant woman outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. |
| Rutacid | chewable tablets | hydrotalcite | individual sensitivity to the components of the drug | There are no data on the danger to the pregnant woman and the fetus. The drug can be used as prescribed by a doctor if the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. |
Familiar to many women, but not everyone knows how to deal with this unpleasant phenomenon. There are 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 is this and is it safe to use it during pregnancy - we will tell further, having carefully studied the instructions for its use.
What helps
This remedy is an excellent remedy for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders caused by gastroesophageal reflux. It perfectly helps to normalize the level of acidity in and cope with heartburn, which is manifested in the regurgitation of sour contents.
The drug is no less effective for severity of heartburn, and in some cases, Gaviscon is prescribed after operations on the esophagus.
Important!In each case, the dosage will be different, so a doctor's consultation is simply necessary.
How the drug works
The main active ingredient of the drug is sodium alginate, obtained from Laminaria hyperborea algae, which grow off the Norwegian coast.
In general, the therapeutic effect of Gaviscon is based on the properties of sodium, baking soda and potassium, complemented by the beneficial effects of aspartame, macrogols, natural flavors and acesulfame potassium. The latter play a more auxiliary role, giving the drug 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 exactly what happens when the stomach contracts).
Moreover, alginates, which are the first to enter the esophagus during strong contractions, protect its walls from chemical burns by gastric acid.
This unique action allows you to completely eliminate heartburn and all the discomfort associated with it already in the third minute, preventing the occurrence of repeated attacks within 4 hours.
Possible or not in 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 drug are not absorbed into the blood). 
In the early stages, that is, in the first or even in the second trimester, there is no need to use this drug, since a woman is rarely tormented by discomfort.
Release form
The described drug can be found in pharmacies in several forms: classic, with double action, and also specially for pregnant women ("Gaviscon Forte"). All of them differ in the number of 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 multilayer sachets), 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 has a convenient form of release, and it contains twice as much sodium alginate and sodium bicarbonate is excluded, which significantly reduces the risk of unpleasant consequences for the unborn child and his mother. Reception scheme
In most cases, the drug is prescribed to pregnant women at 5-10 ml orally (if we are talking about 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, shake it in your hands to mix all the components well.
A single dose can be 10-20 ml, due to the severity of heartburn. If you are going to take Gaviscon tablets, then a single use of 2 to 4 pieces is allowed, which depends on the strength of the manifestation of discomfort. 
When prescribing a drug to a future mother, the doctor must obtain detailed information about her (for example, there may be kidney problems, heart failure or metabolic disorders) and, if necessary, correct the medication regimen.
For the same reason, it is impossible to self-treat with Gaviscon, referring to 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 blue-gray 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 you take
According to the instructions for use, the constant 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 an exacerbation of heartburn. 
He quickly copes with all its manifestations, there is no need to use the medicine again if they are not there.
Side effects
The described drug has practically no concomitant negative manifestations. Only in some cases can there be allergic reactions to the constituent component (sodium alginate), bronchospasm, and in case of an overdose, also bloating.
The solution to these problems will be to reduce the dosage of Gaviscon or to select another remedy for heartburn.
Contraindications
There are few contraindications to the use of the described medicinal composition. Among the main ones, it is worth highlighting the individual intolerance of its constituent components, an excess of 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 proceeding to the use of "Gaviscon" or changing the scheme of its reception, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Do not risk yourself and your baby by self-medicating.
Ask any woman who has given birth about the most unpleasant moment of pregnancy, and 99 out of 100 will say that it is heartburn. It is especially difficult for those who, before pregnancy, did not even suspect the existence of such a phenomenon.
To the fact that pregnancy is not only a pleasant feeling, each of the expectant mothers prepares herself in advance. But one should not make oneself a hostage of heartburn either, especially since the modern pharmaceutical market is able to offer a lot of effective remedies that reduce or eliminate heartburn.
Among them, Gaviscon deserves a separate discussion - a new drug that is not very well known to the mass consumer. But those who have used it as a tool against an unpleasant burning sensation speak of the medicine as the best in its segment.
Risk of heartburn during pregnancy
It would seem: heartburn, although unpleasant, but quite a natural reaction of the body to the neoplasm that has appeared. All organs are being rebuilt, the hormonal background is changing, and it does not adhere to the previous stability - it jumps up and down. Under such conditions, no organ can function normally, and the valve located between the stomach and esophagus is the first to “surrender”. Its relaxation in the first weeks of pregnancy leads to the release of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus.
Every pregnant woman tries to treat this phenomenon with a certain amount of patience, but no one has the strength to endure constant painful burning. But an acute manifestation of heartburn is only “flowers”. The real danger lies in the consequences of an untimely, insufficient or inadequate fight against heartburn, which can manifest itself in:
- bleeding of the esophagus;
- narrowing of the esophagus;
- violation of the process of cell division, often provoking cancer of the esophagus.
Hydrochloric acid, pepsin and bile acids have a destructive effect on the esophagus, and not just cause discomfort to a person. To avoid dangerous consequences, of all antacids, you should choose the one that can affect us all the substances that provoke burning, and all the links in the development of heartburn.
How Gaviscon works
Medical statistics claim that about 60% of pregnant women suffer from heartburn, and another half of them continue to feel heartburn (to a slightly lesser extent) while taking antacids. Why?
Without detracting from the effectiveness of popular and advertised remedies for heartburn, we will explain the mechanism of action of Gaviscon.
When reacting with acids, it not only neutralizes them, but forms a protective neutral gel - a kind of plug between the stomach and esophagus. When there is a release of gastric juice into the esophagus, it is the "cork" - the gel - that enters the lumen first and provides the walls of the esophagus with reliable protection that does not allow acids to destroy tissues. Accordingly, the patient cannot feel any burning sensation when acidic contents are ejected from the stomach. The gentle and mild effect of Gaviscon practically leaves no chance for heartburn.
None of the "fashionable" drugs against heartburn has a similar principle of action.
The active substance of Gaviscon
The composition of the drug is quite simple, its main substances:
- sodium bicarbonate (ordinary baking soda, which we used to “extinguish” the internal “fire”, if there were no other means at hand);
- sodium alginate (a substance responsible for the formation of a saving gel when interacting with gastric juice).
None of the substances present in the drug can be absorbed into the blood and cross the placenta, so Gaviscon is recognized as the safest drug during pregnancy.
Release form and dosage for pregnant women
Gaviscon is better known as a suspension, but in pharmacies it is also offered in the form of tablets. The suspension is produced for a single dose (volume of 5-10 ml) and in vials.
To eliminate heartburn, it is enough to take one dose of a single-use Gaviscon or take an identical amount of the drug from the vial, Gaviscon in tablet form is prescribed in the amount of 2-4 tablets.
With constant use of the drug, adhere to the regimen prescribed by the doctor: take Gaviscon three times a day after meals, perhaps even an additional use - before bedtime.
The daily dose of the drug should not exceed 40 milliliters.
The nuance of taking a packaged (single-use) Gaviscon is that before use it must be kneaded in a bag, and then opened.
Indications for use
The most common indication for the appointment of Gaviscon during pregnancy is heartburn and its "accompaniment":
- sour belching;
- heaviness and discomfort in the stomach;
- flatulence.
Often the drug is prescribed in the postoperative period.
Possible side effects
It is wrong to name side effects after using Gaviscon in the plural, since it is only one and is an allergic reaction in the form of a skin rash.
But even one side effect during pregnancy is too many. Intolerance to the components of Gaviscon can cause allergies, and each of the expectant mothers should think about whether this rash, which is not dangerous for her, will harm the health of the unborn baby.
At the first sign of allergy, you should stop taking the drug and visit a doctor.
Innovative and Conservative Physicians
Not all of the doctors took Gaviscon as a necessary antacid and do not agree with everything that is written in the instructions. Therefore, they are in no hurry to prescribe the drug to their patients, urgently saving them from debilitating heartburn.
They call the main argument in defense of their conservatism the lack of research on the new drug and, simply, they are reinsured in case the reaction of the pregnant woman's body turns out to be not quite adequate to the substances of Gaviscon.
Another category of attending physicians (innovators) are not afraid of the negative impact of the drug on the health of the mother and fetus, because they are confident in the safety of the drug and constantly reinforce their confidence by vigilant monitoring of the condition of their patients. The close attention of the doctor is riveted to pregnant women suffering from heart or kidney failure.
Gaviscon by trimester
1 trimester
A pregnant woman receives the first "calls" from her stomach in the first weeks of pregnancy - immediately after the embryo has attached to the wall of the uterus.
But the uterus is not able to give the necessary level of protection to the fetus, this requires a placenta, until the final formation of which there are several weeks. Pharmacists, instructions and even progressive grandmothers at the entrance will tell you that Gaviscon is a completely safe and good remedy that does not enter the bloodstream, but a pregnant woman should only listen to her attending physician, who knows all the nuances of her new position much better than uninitiated people and even better future mother herself.
2 trimester
It is far from uncommon when the second trimester of pregnancy is marked by the continuation of the “saga” of heartburn, even though by all indications it should disappear. Perhaps its cause is the frequent stress that a woman experiences at work or in public places.
The best way to deal with this type of heartburn is to go on an “early maternity leave”. But if this is not possible, take medications, in the first place among which is Gaviscon. Do not forget to consult with your doctor.
3rd trimester
Most doctors are sure that in the third trimester it is impossible to completely eliminate heartburn by any means: the baby has grown up and puts constant pressure on the diaphragm, provoking the release of stomach acid.
Gaviscon with its specific effects (formation of a gel and a thin gel film on the walls of the esophagus) can completely defeat the stereotype that has been created.
While carrying a child, a woman often experiences new sensations, and not always pleasant ones. One of them is heartburn, which makes pregnant women uncomfortable and spoils their mood. To eliminate the problem, gynecologists prescribe Gaviscon to their patients. What is this medicine, how should it be taken, and how is it different from other drugs for heartburn?
While carrying a child, a woman often experiences new sensations, and not always pleasant ones. One of them is, which gives pregnant women discomfort and spoils the mood. To eliminate the problem, gynecologists prescribe Gaviscon to their patients. What is this medicine, how should it be taken, and how is it different from other drugs for heartburn?
Gaviscon during pregnancy: instructions
The action of Gaviscon is based on the properties of potassium, sodium, baking soda. The composition of the drug includes macrogol, aspartame, acesulfame potassium and natural flavors. They play an auxiliary role and give the drug 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 at bedtime, pregnant women state that Gaviscon has a prompt effect 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 burning sensation when stomach acid enters the walls of the esophagus.
The drug Gaviscon is prescribed to pregnant women inside 5-10 ml. According to the instructions, this should be done before bedtime and after each meal. The maximum dose of the drug per day is 40 ml. If you use packaged Gaviscon, then before opening the bag, you need to knead and thus mix its components.
When prescribing Gaviscon to a future mother, the doctor must take into account the general state of her health. For example, in cases where women observe due to kidney problems, heart failure. Adjusting the dose of this medication is also needed for other diseases of a woman associated with impaired metabolic processes. That is why you can not 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 childbearing in general. 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 individual intolerance of the pregnant components of the drug. This can result in skin rashes and allergic reactions.
Which is better: Gaviscon or Rennie during pregnancy
Pregnant women are often interested in what drugs of a similar effect can be taken for heartburn. The pharmacological purpose of Gaviscon is the same as that of 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 valid for four hours after consumption, and the course of admission 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 pill. Contraindications for drugs are the same. Rennie is not recommended for renal failure, elevated blood levels and sensitivity to the components of the drug.
At women's forums, future mothers share their feedback on 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 medication. Be healthy and feel comfortable!
Specially for- Elena TOLOCHIK
Acesulfame potassium, magnesium stearate, mint or lemon flavor.
AT Gaviscon Double Action the dose of the main substances is twice as high - sodium bicarbonate contains 267 mg, calcium carbonate - 160 mg.
Release form
As chewable tablets white or cream colors, 8 pieces in a blister.
This form of the drug, like candles, is not available.
pharmachologic effect
Gaviscon is antacid . In the acidic environment of the stomach, it turns into alginate gel , which has a pH value of zero. At the same time, a protective layer is formed on the gastric mucosa, which does not allow the development gastroesophageal reflux . In case of reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, the gel protects the esophageal mucosa from irritation.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The absorption of the drug into the systemic circulation does not affect the pharmacodynamics.
Indications for use
What is Gaviscon used for?
The drug is intended to eliminate:
- symptoms that occur when the acidity of the stomach increases and reflux of contents into the esophagus ( belching sour , heaviness in the stomach , including those used in the period );
- heaviness in the stomach;
- discomfort after eating.
Contraindications
- individual intolerance;
- children under 12 years of age.
Side effects
Allergic reactions.
Exceeding therapeutic doses of calcium carbonate causes, rebound syndrome , hypercalcemia .
Instructions for use Gaviscon (Method and dosage)
About how to take Gaviscon, instructions for use explain in detail: adults and children over 12 years of age take the tablets orally, chewed well, after meals or, if necessary, at bedtime in a dose of 2 to 4 pieces.
In case of use Gaviscon Double Action, the maximum dose that can be taken per day is 16 tablets.
Overdose
There is bloating. Symptomatic therapy is used as treatment.
Interaction
If necessary, treatment with other drugs, the interval between taking with Gaviscon Dual Action must be at least two hours.
Terms of sale
Without recipe.
Storage conditions
Temperature regime 15-30°C, away from children.
Best before date
special instructions
If a low-salt diet is necessary, the sodium content of the preparation must be taken into account.
In patients with a tendency to form calcium, with nephrocalcinosis , hypercalcemia use with caution, due to the content of calcium carbonate in the composition.
Do not administer to patients with phenylketonuria , since it contains aspartame .
From what pills can lose their effectiveness? At low stomach acid the effect of the drug is reduced.
If the condition does not improve within 1 week of taking Gaviscon, a doctor should be consulted.
It should be borne in mind that tablets can mask signs of serious lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
children
For children under 12 years of age, use only as directed by a doctor.
During pregnancy and lactation
Gaviscon is approved for use, as the available observations have shown no adverse effects.
Reviews about Gaviscon
There are reviews on the forums about Gaviscon as an effective medicine for eliminating heaviness in the stomach after eating, removing heartburn . The tablets have a pleasant taste, but many people notice that the drug sticks strongly to the teeth, and this causes some discomfort. Also, the disadvantages include high cost, since to eliminate heartburn you have to take 4 tablets at once.
There are a small number of reviews with complaints about the side effect in the form nausea .
Gaviscon is also widely used during pregnancy. Very often, pregnant women are interested in reviews about candles. Therefore, you need to pay attention that this form of release does not exist. Apparently confused with suppositories, which are used as an anti-inflammatory drug in gynecology.
As for Gaviscon, reviews during pregnancy in large numbers are only positive and speak of the drug as a good tool to remove bitterness and heartburn , so often occurring in this condition. Due to this, Gaviscon has been widely used in pregnant women.
Gaviscon price, where to buy
The cost ranges from 104 - 147 rubles. for 16 tablets up to 213 rubles. for a pack of 32. In Moscow, the price of Gaviscon for 32 pcs. is 170 rubles.
heartburn pills Gaviscon Dual Action in Moscow cost 146 rubles. 16 tablets.
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