The Story
Gaviscon Advance 600ml Aniseed — Alginate Heartburn & Reflux Relief
Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed is one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion available in Irish pharmacy. Unlike standard antacids that simply neutralise stomach acid, Gaviscon Advance works by forming a strong alginate raft on top of the stomach contents — physically preventing acid from refluxing back up into the oesophagus.
The 600ml format is the most economical size — providing approximately 40 doses and representing excellent value for regular reflux sufferers. The aniseed flavour is the most popular variant in Ireland.
How Gaviscon Advance Works
Gaviscon Advance contains sodium alginate (derived from seaweed) and potassium bicarbonate. When it reaches the stomach, the alginate reacts with stomach acid to form a thick, stable gel raft that floats on top of the stomach contents. This raft acts as a physical barrier, preventing stomach acid and digestive contents from refluxing into the lower oesophagus — providing fast, lasting relief from heartburn and reflux symptoms.
What Gaviscon Advance Treats
- Heartburn — burning sensation in the chest and throat after eating
- Acid reflux (GORD) — stomach acid rising into the oesophagus
- Indigestion — discomfort, bloating and acid discomfort after meals
- Reflux in pregnancy — Gaviscon is one of the safest reflux treatments during pregnancy
- Nocturnal reflux — prevents acid rising during sleep when taken before bed
Key Features
- Alginate raft mechanism — stronger and longer-lasting than standard antacids
- 600ml — approximately 40 doses
- Aniseed flavour — most popular variant in Ireland
- Suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Available without prescription from Chemco Pharmacy
- Also available: Gaviscon Advance Peppermint flavour
How to Use
Adults and children over 12: 10–20ml (2–4 teaspoons) after meals and at bedtime. Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Shake well before use. Do not dilute.
Pharmacy medicine. Contains potassium — use with caution in kidney disease or if on a potassium-restricted diet. Speak with your pharmacist if you take other medications as antacids and alginate products can affect absorption of some drugs. Always read the patient information leaflet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gaviscon and Gaviscon Advance?
Standard Gaviscon Original contains sodium alginate plus calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate as antacids — it both forms a raft and neutralises acid. Gaviscon Advance contains a higher concentration of sodium alginate (500mg vs 250mg per 5ml) and potassium bicarbonate only — it forms a stronger, more durable raft with less antacid action. Gaviscon Advance is the preferred option for regular or moderate-to-severe reflux as the stronger alginate raft provides more effective and longer-lasting symptom control. For occasional mild indigestion, standard Gaviscon may be sufficient.
Is Gaviscon Advance safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Gaviscon Advance is one of the most commonly recommended treatments for heartburn and reflux during pregnancy by Irish GPs and midwives. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream and does not cross the placenta. It can be used throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If symptoms are severe or frequent, speak with your GP or midwife about ongoing management.
When should I take Gaviscon Advance for best effect?
Take after meals and at bedtime. The raft forms most effectively when taken after food as the stomach contents provide a surface for the alginate to interact with. Taking before meals significantly reduces effectiveness. At bedtime, it helps prevent the nocturnal acid reflux that commonly disrupts sleep in reflux sufferers — lying flat allows acid to pool in the oesophagus more easily.
Description
Gaviscon Advance 600ml Aniseed — Alginate Heartburn & Reflux Relief
Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed is one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion available in Irish pharmacy. Unlike standard antacids that simply neutralise stomach acid, Gaviscon Advance works by forming a strong alginate raft on top of the stomach contents — physically preventing acid from refluxing back up into the oesophagus.
The 600ml format is the most economical size — providing approximately 40 doses and representing excellent value for regular reflux sufferers. The aniseed flavour is the most popular variant in Ireland.
How Gaviscon Advance Works
Gaviscon Advance contains sodium alginate (derived from seaweed) and potassium bicarbonate. When it reaches the stomach, the alginate reacts with stomach acid to form a thick, stable gel raft that floats on top of the stomach contents. This raft acts as a physical barrier, preventing stomach acid and digestive contents from refluxing into the lower oesophagus — providing fast, lasting relief from heartburn and reflux symptoms.
What Gaviscon Advance Treats
- Heartburn — burning sensation in the chest and throat after eating
- Acid reflux (GORD) — stomach acid rising into the oesophagus
- Indigestion — discomfort, bloating and acid discomfort after meals
- Reflux in pregnancy — Gaviscon is one of the safest reflux treatments during pregnancy
- Nocturnal reflux — prevents acid rising during sleep when taken before bed
Key Features
- Alginate raft mechanism — stronger and longer-lasting than standard antacids
- 600ml — approximately 40 doses
- Aniseed flavour — most popular variant in Ireland
- Suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Available without prescription from Chemco Pharmacy
- Also available: Gaviscon Advance Peppermint flavour
How to Use
Adults and children over 12: 10–20ml (2–4 teaspoons) after meals and at bedtime. Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Shake well before use. Do not dilute.
Pharmacy medicine. Contains potassium — use with caution in kidney disease or if on a potassium-restricted diet. Speak with your pharmacist if you take other medications as antacids and alginate products can affect absorption of some drugs. Always read the patient information leaflet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gaviscon and Gaviscon Advance?
Standard Gaviscon Original contains sodium alginate plus calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate as antacids — it both forms a raft and neutralises acid. Gaviscon Advance contains a higher concentration of sodium alginate (500mg vs 250mg per 5ml) and potassium bicarbonate only — it forms a stronger, more durable raft with less antacid action. Gaviscon Advance is the preferred option for regular or moderate-to-severe reflux as the stronger alginate raft provides more effective and longer-lasting symptom control. For occasional mild indigestion, standard Gaviscon may be sufficient.
Is Gaviscon Advance safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Gaviscon Advance is one of the most commonly recommended treatments for heartburn and reflux during pregnancy by Irish GPs and midwives. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream and does not cross the placenta. It can be used throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If symptoms are severe or frequent, speak with your GP or midwife about ongoing management.
When should I take Gaviscon Advance for best effect?
Take after meals and at bedtime. The raft forms most effectively when taken after food as the stomach contents provide a surface for the alginate to interact with. Taking before meals significantly reduces effectiveness. At bedtime, it helps prevent the nocturnal acid reflux that commonly disrupts sleep in reflux sufferers — lying flat allows acid to pool in the oesophagus more easily.
