From the Research
A GI cocktail is a medication mixture used in emergency departments to quickly relieve symptoms of upper gastrointestinal distress, particularly heartburn, indigestion, and non-cardiac chest pain. The traditional GI cocktail typically contains three main components: an antacid (usually aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, like Maalox), a local anesthetic (viscous lidocaine), and an anticholinergic (typically simethicone) 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study available does not support the use of a GI cocktail as more effective than plain liquid antacid for dyspepsia symptoms 1.
Key Components of a GI Cocktail
- Antacid (usually aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, like Maalox)
- Local anesthetic (viscous lidocaine)
- Anticholinergic (typically simethicone) Modern variations may include just an antacid and lidocaine, or sometimes add H2 blockers like famotidine 2. The standard dose is usually 10-30 mL taken orally as a single dose, which works by neutralizing stomach acid, coating the esophagus and stomach lining, and reducing gas.
Mechanism of Action
- The antacid component neutralizes stomach acid to provide immediate relief
- Lidocaine numbs the esophageal and gastric mucosa to reduce pain sensation
- Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles While GI cocktails can provide quick symptom relief, they are primarily diagnostic and therapeutic tools rather than definitive treatments for underlying conditions, and their effectiveness varies among patients 3.