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Gaviscon Infant

Dr Roger Henderson
Reviewed by Dr Roger HendersonReviewed on 13.10.2023 | 2 minutes read
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Gaviscon Infant Sachets are available over the counter for children under 2 but should only be used under the recommendation of a healthcare professional. They are used to treat gastric reflux (heartburn) and regurgitation. This happens when stomach contents move up the food pipe (oesophagus) which can cause your child to feel uncomfortable. This is common in infants, as they can have an undeveloped muscle that prevents movement of the stomach contents back up the food pipe.

Gaviscon Infant Sachets contain a powder mixture, the two active ingredients are sodium alginate and magnesium alginate.

Doctor’s advice

How much should I give them?

Infants weighing 4.5kg or below can be given one sachet when required, no more than six times a day.

Infants weighing more than 4.5kg can be given two sachets when required, no more than six times a day.

If your infant is breastfed, mix the powder in 5ml cooled boiled water to form a smooth paste, after that add and mix in another 10ml cooled boiled water and give to your infant part way through a feed using a feeding bottle or a spoon. Follow these same directions if your infant has been weaned but give the mixture to them at the end of a meal.

If your infant is bottle-fed, mix the powder with 115ml of feed in the feeding bottle, make sure you shake the mixture well and give the feed as normal.

How does it work?

Sodium alginate and magnesium alginate are raft forming agents, they work by forming a layer of foam at the top of the stomach, preventing the movement of stomach contents up the oesophagus.

Who should not take the medication?

Do not give your child Gaviscon Infant Sachets if they have previously had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients listed in the medication. Also avoid giving Gaviscon Infant Sachets to your child if they - are premature, are under 1 year old, have blocked intestines, are being sick, have a fever, have diarrhoea, have kidney problems or are on a low sodium diet, unless their doctor has said otherwise.

Gaviscon Infant Sachets should not be used with feed thickeners and are not suitable for anyone over 2 years of age.

Are there any side-effects?

Side effects can include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and other stomach (gastrointestinal) side effects. Your doctor will likely have considered these when making the recommendation to start the medication.

As with any medication, seek urgent medical advice if any symptoms develop of an allergic reaction such as a skin rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, or swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, face or throat.

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Dr Roger Henderson
Reviewed by Dr Roger Henderson
Reviewed on 13.10.2023
EmailFacebookPinterestTwitter