Take Gaviscon tablets by chewing them thoroughly or letting them dissolve in your mouth, then swallow

Gaviscon tablets work by forming a protective layer over stomach acid, so they need to break down in your mouth and throat before reaching your stomach. Do not swallow them whole. Chew each tablet completely until it dissolves, or let it sit on your tongue and dissolve naturally — both methods work equally well. The tablet will taste chalky and slightly minty depending on the brand.

Take Gaviscon after meals and before bed, or whenever heartburn or indigestion starts. Most people find relief within 15 to 30 minutes. You can repeat the dose every two to three hours if needed, but do not exceed the maximum daily amount listed on your package — this varies by brand and strength.

Key Takeaways

  • Chew or dissolve Gaviscon tablets in your mouth rather than swallowing them whole, because the medication works best when it coats your throat and esophagus on the way down.
  • Take a dose after meals, before bed, or when heartburn begins, and wait 15 to 30 minutes for relief.
  • Do not exceed the maximum daily dose printed on your package, which depends on the specific product you bought.
  • Gaviscon tablets contain calcium carbonate and sodium alginate, which work differently than liquid antacids and may interact with certain medications.
  • If heartburn happens more than twice a week or does not improve after two weeks of regular use, talk to your doctor.

Typical dosage for adults and when to take it

The standard adult dose is usually one to two tablets, chewed thoroughly, taken after meals and at bedtime. If you need faster relief during the day, you can take a dose every two to three hours — but check your package for the exact maximum daily limit, because it differs between brands and formulations.

Timing matters. Gaviscon works best when taken after you have eaten, because food triggers the acid your stomach needs to digest. Taking it before meals is less effective. If you know certain foods trigger your heartburn — spicy dishes, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine — take a dose right after eating those foods rather than waiting for symptoms to start.

For nighttime heartburn, take your dose 20 to 30 minutes before lying down. This gives the tablet time to dissolve and coat your esophagus before gravity works against you.

How Gaviscon tablets differ from liquid antacids

Gaviscon tablets contain sodium alginate, which creates a foam barrier that floats on top of your stomach acid. Liquid antacids like Tums or Rolaids use only calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, which neutralize acid but do not create this protective layer. Because of the alginate, Gaviscon tablets are often more effective for reflux that reaches your throat or causes a burning sensation in your chest.

The tradeoff is that tablets take slightly longer to work than liquids — usually 15 to 30 minutes instead of 5 to 10 — because they need time to dissolve and the alginate needs to expand. If you need very fast relief, a liquid antacid may work quicker, but Gaviscon's protection lasts longer.

Medications and supplements that may interact with Gaviscon

Gaviscon tablets contain calcium, which can bind to certain medications and prevent your body from absorbing them properly. If you take any of the following, separate your Gaviscon dose by at least two hours: bisphosphonates (used for bone health), tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, iron supplements, or thyroid medication.

The safest approach is to take your regular medications first thing in the morning with a full glass of water, then take Gaviscon after meals later in the day. If you are unsure whether your specific medication interacts, ask your pharmacist — they have your full medication list and can tell you the safest timing.

Do not take Gaviscon within two hours of taking any other over-the-counter antacid or acid-reducer, because combining them can cause your calcium intake to become too high.

Side effects and when to stop taking Gaviscon

Most people tolerate Gaviscon tablets well. The most common side effects are constipation (because of the calcium) and, less often, bloating or nausea. If constipation develops, drink more water and eat more fiber-rich foods. If bloating or nausea occurs, try taking smaller doses or switching to a liquid antacid instead.

Stop taking Gaviscon and contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or black or bloody stools — these can signal a more serious condition that needs medical attention. Also stop if you develop signs of an allergic reaction: rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat.

When to see a doctor instead of using Gaviscon

Gaviscon is meant for occasional heartburn, not chronic acid reflux. If you find yourself reaching for tablets more than twice a week, or if heartburn persists even after two weeks of regular use, talk to your doctor. Frequent heartburn can signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may need prescription medication or lifestyle changes that Gaviscon alone cannot address.

Also see a doctor if your heartburn is new and you are over 60, if it comes with chest pain or difficulty swallowing, or if it started after you began taking a new medication. These situations warrant a proper diagnosis rather than self-treatment.

Storage and shelf life

Store Gaviscon tablets in a cool, dry place — a kitchen cabinet or bathroom medicine cabinet works fine. Keep them in their original container with the lid tightly closed, because moisture can cause them to clump or lose potency. Do not store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Check the expiration date on your package before taking a dose. Expired tablets are unlikely to cause harm, but they may not work as well. If your tablets have hardened, clumped, or developed an off smell, discard them and buy a fresh package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Gaviscon tablets with food or do I have to take them on an empty stomach?

Take Gaviscon after eating, not on an empty stomach. The medication works best when there is food in your stomach to trigger acid production. Taking it before meals is less effective because there is nothing for the alginate to coat.

How long does it take for Gaviscon tablets to work?

Most people feel relief within 15 to 30 minutes of chewing a tablet. Liquid antacids work faster — usually 5 to 10 minutes — but Gaviscon tablets provide longer-lasting protection because of the alginate barrier.

Can I take Gaviscon tablets every day?

Gaviscon is safe for daily use as long as you stay within the maximum daily dose on your package. However, if you need it every day, talk to your doctor. Daily heartburn often signals a condition that needs prescription treatment, not just over-the-counter tablets.

What should I do if I accidentally swallow a Gaviscon tablet whole?

One whole tablet will not harm you, but it will not work as well because the medication needs to dissolve in your mouth and coat your throat. Next time, chew or let the tablet dissolve on your tongue. If you have trouble chewing tablets, ask your pharmacist whether a liquid version would work better for you.

Can children take Gaviscon tablets?

Gaviscon tablets are generally not recommended for children under 12 without a doctor's approval. Children's dosing is different, and a pediatrician needs to rule out other causes of heartburn first. Ask your child's doctor what is safe for their age and weight.