Gaviscon works best when taken shortly after meals and at bedtime, up to four times a day. Unlike many antacids that simply neutralize stomach acid, Gaviscon forms a protective barrier (sometimes called a “raft”) on top of your stomach contents, preventing acid from splashing back up into your throat. Getting the timing and form right makes a real difference in how well it works.
Dosage by Formulation
Gaviscon comes in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and the dose depends on which product you have. For adults and anyone 12 or older:
- Gaviscon Original liquid: 10 to 20 ml after meals and at bedtime, up to 4 times a day
- Gaviscon Advance liquid: 10 ml, up to 4 times a day
- Chewable tablets: 2 to 4 tablets, up to 4 times a day
Gaviscon Advance is more concentrated, which is why the dose per serving is smaller. If you’re buying Gaviscon for the first time, check the label carefully so you know which version you have. The maximum for all versions is four doses in 24 hours.
How to Actually Take It
If you’re using the liquid, shake the bottle well before measuring your dose. The active ingredients can settle at the bottom, and an unshaken bottle may give you an uneven dose. Use the measuring cup or spoon that comes with the product rather than a kitchen spoon, which can be surprisingly inaccurate.
If you’re using the chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. Swallowing them whole reduces their effectiveness because the ingredients need to mix with your saliva and stomach contents to form that protective barrier properly.
Why Timing Matters
Taking Gaviscon after eating is the key to making it work. When you eat a meal, your stomach produces acid to digest food. The acid-rich stomach contents are what cause heartburn when they rise into your esophagus. Gaviscon sits on top of those contents and acts as a physical barrier, so timing it right after a meal means the barrier forms exactly when you need it most.
A dose at bedtime is particularly useful if you get heartburn when lying down. Gravity no longer helps keep stomach contents in place when you’re flat, and the protective raft compensates for that. If you only get occasional heartburn, you can take Gaviscon as needed rather than on a fixed schedule. If heartburn is a daily occurrence, the regular pattern of after meals and at bedtime gives the most consistent relief.
Spacing Gaviscon Around Other Medications
This is one of the most important and most overlooked details. Gaviscon can interfere with how your body absorbs other medicines. You should leave at least a two-hour gap before or after taking any of the following:
- Thyroid medication (levothyroxine)
- Iron supplements
- Certain antibiotics (quinolones and tetracyclines)
- Antihistamines
- Heart medications (beta blockers)
- Bone-strengthening drugs like alendronic acid
- Antifungal medicines
- Steroids
- Antipsychotic medicines
The protective barrier Gaviscon creates can physically block other medications from being absorbed properly, reducing their effectiveness. If you take a morning thyroid pill, for example, wait at least two hours before using Gaviscon. Planning your doses around this gap is worth the effort.
Safety During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Gaviscon is considered safe during pregnancy, which matters because heartburn is one of the most common pregnancy complaints, especially in the second and third trimesters. Follow the standard dosing instructions and stick within the recommended amounts. It’s also safe while breastfeeding and is not expected to cause any side effects in your baby.
Sodium and Calcium Considerations
Each 10 ml dose of Gaviscon liquid contains about 143 mg of sodium and 160 mg of calcium. For most people, this is not a concern. But if you’re on a low-salt diet due to heart failure or kidney problems, those sodium levels add up. Four doses a day means roughly 570 mg of sodium from Gaviscon alone, which is a meaningful amount when you’re trying to restrict salt intake.
People with kidney disease should also be aware of the calcium content, particularly anyone with a history of calcium-based kidney stones. If you fall into either category, talk to your pharmacist about lower-sodium alternatives before making Gaviscon a daily habit.
How Long You Can Keep Taking It
Gaviscon is intended for short-term, symptom-based relief. If you find yourself reaching for it every day for more than two weeks, that’s a signal the underlying cause of your heartburn needs attention. Persistent acid reflux can sometimes indicate a condition that benefits from a different type of treatment. Occasional use for predictable triggers, like a heavy meal or spicy food, is perfectly fine on an ongoing basis.