Yes, Gaviscon and Ativan can be taken at the same time
There is no clinically significant drug interaction between Gaviscon (alginate-aluminum-magnesium antacid) and Ativan (lorazepam), and they can be safely administered concurrently.
Key Evidence
The FDA drug label for Ativan explicitly addresses antacid interactions. According to the official prescribing information, concurrent administration of lorazepam with several medications including cimetidine, ranitidine, metoprolol, disulfiram, propranolol, metronidazole, and propoxyphene had no effect on lorazepam pharmacokinetics 1. Importantly, the label states: "No change in ATIVAN dosage is necessary when concomitantly given with any of these drugs" 1.
While Gaviscon is not specifically listed, the FDA label's guidance on antacids is instructive. The only antacid-related caution mentioned in the Ativan literature pertains to azithromycin absorption being reduced by aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids 2—this is an interaction affecting the antibiotic, not the benzodiazepine.
Clinical Context
Research on benzodiazepine-antacid interactions has been conducted. A study examining diazepam (another benzodiazepine) with various antacids found that aluminum hydroxide actually hastened the onset of diazepam's effects marginally and increased absorption, while magnesium trisilicate tended to delay it slightly 3. These effects were not clinically striking and did not contraindicate concurrent use.
The primary concern with Ativan is not antacid interactions, but rather concurrent use with other CNS depressants (opioids, alcohol, other benzodiazepines, antipsychotics) which can cause additive sedation and respiratory depression 1. Gaviscon does not fall into this category.
Practical Recommendations
- Take both medications as prescribed without timing separation required
- No dose adjustment of Ativan is needed when taking Gaviscon
- Monitor for the expected therapeutic effects of each medication independently
- Be aware of Ativan's CNS depressant effects (drowsiness, sedation), but these are not potentiated by Gaviscon
Important Caveat
If excessive drowsiness occurs from Ativan, guidelines recommend withholding the benzodiazepine 4, but this is unrelated to Gaviscon co-administration and reflects standard benzodiazepine monitoring.