Gaviscon® what is it and what does it contain?

Sodium alginate and sodium bicarbonate are the active ingredients contained in Gaviscon®. They work in the treatment of peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disorder and occasional heartburn.

The active ingredients act quickly by combining with gastric acid and form a gel barrier with an almost neutral pH which floats on the stomach contents, protecting it from the harmful action of gastric juices.

The barrier effect lasts up to 4 hours and helps curb the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. In the event that the patient suffers from severe reflux, the barrier can still be rejected up to the esophagus, but the reflux results in having an emollient and non-acidic effect thanks to the presence of this gel.

The product also contains other substances listed below. The mint flavored chewable tablets contain:

• mannitol;
• calcium carbonate;
• copovidone;
• aspartame;
• magnesium stearate;
• acesulfame potassium;
• macrogol;
• mint flavour.

The mint flavored oral suspension contains:

• calcium carbonate;
• methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
• carbomer;
• propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
• mint flavor;
• sodium saccharin;
• sodium hydroxide;
• purified water.

Gerdoff® what is it and what does it contain?

Gerdoff®  is a product that performs a mechanical action against reflux and is used in the therapy against the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. It allows you to immediately reduce symptoms such as acid regurgitation, heartburn, epigastric pain, irritable cough and deepening of the voice caused by acid reflux.

The product is also taken for symptomatic therapy against hyperacidity, to counteract occasional pain and heartburn.

Gerdoff® contains the following ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid;
• Aluminum hydroxide;
• chondroitin sulfate.

These substances in combination go to act by counteracting the various symptoms caused by gastric reflux disorder. Gerdoff® tablets  work by creating a soothing barrier against acidity and heartburn.

Gerdoff® in chewable tablets also allows you to stop acid reflux and does not allow it to go back up to the throat and irritate the respiratory system, esophagus, etc.

Are there any side effects?

Gaviscon® should not be taken if the subject is allergic to sodium alginate or sodium bicarbonate or to any of the excipients contained in the product. The product is not suitable for prolonged use but should only be used to resolve sporadic episodes.

In adolescents, the product should be used only in case of real need and only after medical supervision. In case of renal insufficiency, the product should be used with caution and following medical supervision.

If you are taking, have taken or might take any other drug together with Gaviscon®, it is recommended to consult your doctor as this product could interfere with the intake of other medicines, even over-the-counter ones.

It is generally recommended to leave an interval of about two hours between taking Gaviscon® and taking another product.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the product should only be taken following medical supervision. Gaviscon® can have side effects such as:

• anaphylactic reactions;
• anaphylactoid reactions;
• hypersensitivity;
• bronchospasm;
• urticaria;
• edema;
• nausea;

Gerdoff®  contains aluminum which could interact with other medicines, for this reason it is advisable to take any other medicines about one or 2 hours after using the product. If the patient notices the symptoms of an interaction, it is advisable to interrupt the treatment and consult your doctor.

If you have to take other medicines during therapy with  Gerdoff® , if they have been taken recently or if they are taking, it is advisable to seek the advice of your doctor.

Gerdoff® also contains sucrose and should be administered with caution to diabetic patients, we advise you to seek medical advice before taking it. Prolonged use could lead to constipation due to the effects of aluminum.

The product should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity to one of the excipients or to any of the active ingredients. The product is contraindicated in case the patient suffers from renal insufficiency and hypophosphataemia.

It does not seem to have contraindications during pregnancy and breastfeeding  , but it is however recommended to take the product only after careful medical supervision.

The information contained in our comparison guide between Gerdoff® and Gaviscon® are to be considered valid at the time of publication and may change. The information provided does not in any way replace the advice of a pharmacist or your doctor.

Conclusions

Which product to choose? The products have a very similar effect, but patients generally prefer to take Gaviscon® because it is available in various formats and is more easily adapted to the needs of each individual.

Subjects note the effectiveness of both products, but in general Gaviscon® is preferred by those with gastric reflux problems. Obviously, each patient has different needs and we recommend that you seek the doctor’s opinion before choosing the most suitable product.