GAVISCON ADVANCE ® Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate

GAVISCON ADVANCE ® is a drug based on sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate.

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antireflux.

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications GAVISCON ADVANCE ® Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate

GAVISCON ADVANCE ® is used in the symptomatological treatment of all those linked to gastro-oesophageal reflux such as heartburn, indigestion, acid regurgitation and epigastric disorders.

Mechanism of action GAVISCON ADVANCE ® Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate

The anti-reflux action effectively performed by GAVISCON ADVANCE ® is guaranteed by the presence of sodium alginate in its formulation.

This chemical compound consisting of the sodium salt of alginic acid, once administered orally, reaches the gastric cavity where it inevitably comes into contact with the hydrochloric acid contained in the gastric juice, developing a layer of gel through a chemical-physical reaction low density and neutral ph, above the stomach contents.

This important liquid film prevents the contents of the stomach from rising towards the esophagus by forcing the cardia, and if the valve deficit is very evident, thanks to its almost neutral pH, it would avoid any type of inflammation of the esophageal mucosa even when in contact with the wall of this organ.

Its protective effect, which therefore takes place at the local level, without any need for systemic absorption, persists for about 4 hours from the oral intake of this medicine.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. GAVISCON AND REFLUSSO LARINGOFARINGEO

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is characterized by a return of the stomach contents first in the pharynx and then in the larynx, which is accompanied by an annoying symptomatology characterized by vocal fatigue, chronic cough and a broken voice. Administration of glaviscon has been shown to be particularly effective in reducing the aforementioned side effects in a few months of treatment.

2. GAVISCON AND GASTRO-ESOFAGEO REFLUX

This important randomized study shows how the administration of Gaviscon for four weeks in patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux can significantly reduce the presence of side effects associated with this pathology, significantly improving the quality of life and above all the night rest characterized by the absence of episodes of regurgitation.

3. GAVISCON AND REFLUX IN PREMATURED CHILDREN

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is one of the obvious symptoms in premature babies, which causes significant damage to the esophageal mucosa. This important, all-Italian study demonstrates how the administration of Gaviscon in these children can guarantee a reduction in episodes of regurgitation, also reducing gastric pH, guaranteeing an excellent safety profile, given the absence of systemic absorption.

Method of use and dosage

GAVISCON ADVANCE ® 100mg oral suspension of sodium alginate and 20mg of potassium bicarbonate per ml of product:

the recommended dose is 5-10 ml to be taken after meals and in the evening before bedtime.

It would be advisable to start the treatment with the minimum possible doses to increase them in case of reduced therapeutic efficacy.

The persistence of the symptomatology after a period of treatment at least weekly, requires a re-evaluation of the physio-pathological picture and of the clinical characteristics of the symptomatology.

Warnings GAVISCON ADVANCE ® Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate

The presence of sodium in GAVISCON ADVANCE ® requires special care in the administration of this medicine in patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure or renal failure.

In the same way, the presence of calcium carbonate makes the use of this drug potentially dangerous in patients suffering from hypercalcemia, nephrocalcinosis, kidney stones and accumulation pathologies of this element.

GAVISCON ADVANCE ® must be used under medical prescription, with particular attention in the above cases and in pediatric patients.

GAVISCON ADVANCE ® does not alter the normal ability to drive or use machinery.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

GAVISCON ADVANCE ® has proved to be particularly safe when taken during pregnancy both for the health of the mother and the unborn child.

The excellent safety profile established by clinical trials allows its use, without exaggeration, during pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding.

Given the delicacy of this period, it would be good to always seek the advice of your doctor and limit the duration of treatment as much as possible.

Interactions

At the moment there are no known clinically relevant interactions, or in any case such as to significantly alter the pharmacokinetic characteristics of certain active ingredients.

Contraindications GAVISCON ADVANCE ® Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate

GAVISCON ADVANCE ® is contraindicated in patients with proven hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

GAVISCON ADVANCE ® has proved to be very well tolerated both in clinical trials and in post-marketing experience.

The most documented side effects were those related to possible allergic reactions with correlated symptoms and the possible abdominal distension following the excessive consumption of this medicine.