GAVISCON ADVANCE ® is a drug based on sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate.
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Anti-reflux.
Indications GAVISCON ADVANCE ® Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate
GAVISCON ADVANCE ® is used in the symptomatic treatment of all those states related to gastroesophageal reflux such as heartburn, indigestion, acid regurgitation and epigastric disorders.
Action mechanism GAVISCON ADVANCE ® Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate
The anti-reflux action effectively carried out 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 through a chemical-physical reaction, a layer of gel low density and neutral pH, which overhangs the contents of the stomach.
This important liquid film prevents the contents of the stomach from going up 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 is therefore expressed locally, 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 LARYNGOPHARYNGAL REFLUX
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2009 Feb; 266: 243-51. Epub 2008 May 28.
The value of a liquid alginate suspension (Gaviscon Advance) in the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux.
McGlashan JA, Johnstone LM, Sykes J, Strugala V, Dettmar PW.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is characterized by a return of the contents of the stomach first into the pharynx and then into the larynx, which is accompanied by an annoying symptomatology characterized by vocal fatigue, chronic cough and broken voice. The administration of glaviscon has been shown to be particularly effective in reducing the aforementioned side effects within a few months of treatment.
2.GAVISCON AND GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX
Curr Med Res Opin. 1999; 15: 152-9.
A comparison of the efficacy of the alginate preparation, Gaviscon Advance, with placebo in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Chatfield S.
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 PREMATURE CHILDREN
Aliment Pharmacol Ci. 2011 Feb; 33: 466-70. doi: 10.1111 / j.1365-2036.2010.04545.x. Epub 2010 Dec 15.
The efficacy of sodium alginate (Gaviscon) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants.
L Corvaglia, Aceti A, E Mariani, M De Giorgi, MG Capretti, G Faldella.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux is one of the symptoms evident in premature babies, which causes significant damage to the esophageal mucosa. This important Italian study demonstrates how the administration of Gaviscon in these children can guarantee a reduction in regurgitation episodes, also reducing gastric pH, guaranteeing an excellent safety profile, given the absence of systemic absorption.
Method of use and dosage
GAVISCON ADVANCE ® oral suspension of 100mg 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 going to bed.
It would be advisable to start treatment with the lowest possible doses to increase them in case of reduced therapeutic efficacy.
The persistence of the symptoms after a period of at least weekly treatment requires a re-evaluation of the physio-pathological picture and of the clinical characteristics of the symptoms.
Warnings GAVISCON ADVANCE ® Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate
The presence of sodium in GAVISCON ADVANCE ® requires special care when administering this medicine to patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency.
Likewise, the presence of calcium carbonate makes the use of this drug potentially dangerous in patients suffering from hypercalcemia, nephrocalcinosis, kidney stones and accumulation diseases 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 affect the normal ability to drive or use machines.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
GAVISCON ADVANCE ® has been shown to be particularly safe when taken during pregnancy both for the health of the mother and the unborn child.
The excellent safety profile ascertained 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 known hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
GAVISCON ADVANCE ® 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 related symptoms and possible abdominal distension following excessive consumption of this medicine.
Note
GAVISCON ADVANCE ® a drug that can only be sold under medical prescription.
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