How does Gaviscon work?

[champagneSupernova]

It seems to be almost instantaneous and I'm just wondering how I can feel so gurgly and full of acid one minute and fine the next?

god knows - but gaviscon advance is certainly the miracle cure I've been looking for! Can't decide if I am more psychologically dependant on the gaviscon or the extra pillows in the bed!

Well according to the TV ad it's all down to a team of firemen who shoot white stuff down the back of your throat.

i could definitely do with the firemen round here

i had it and it was like chulk[yuk]
i quite liked rennie chewy, and used to have dozen a day.

"The active ingredients of Gaviscon advance are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead they work by forming a "raft" that floats on the surface of the stomach contents, physically preventing the acid from flowing back into the foodpipe.

Sodium alginate is a naturally occuring substance that is found in a particular type of seaweed. It reacts with the acid in the stomach to form a gel. Potassium bicarbonate also reacts with the acid in the stomach to form bubbles of carbon dioxide. These bubbles are trapped by the gel and they allow the gel to float like a raft on top of the stomach contents.

The raft prevents acid in the stomach from flowing back into the food pipe. This relieves the symptoms of reflux such as heartburn. In the case of reflux oesophagitis it not only relieves the symptoms, but also protects the inflamed foodpipe from the acid and allow it to heal.

The raft lasts for about three to four hours on top of the stomach contents and is then broken down in the digestive system and excreted in the faeces."

Well you did ask

it coats your tummy with something that counteracts the acid

was told last night, by NHS direct, that if I wanted to take a paracetomal to help with the pain I needed to do so before the gaviscon because the coating would stop it being absorbed quickly

You can get it prescribed free if pg too. Good thing as it is really expensive. I prefer the tablets as it feels more slow-release.