Maximum Recommended Dose of Gaviscon for Adults
The maximum recommended dose of Gaviscon (aluminum and magnesium alloy) for adults is 80 mL (4 doses of 20 mL) per day, typically taken after meals and at bedtime.
Dosing Guidelines
- The standard dosing regimen for Gaviscon is 10-20 mL four times daily, administered after meals and at bedtime 1, 2
- Single doses can be taken with the main meal or at bedtime for convenience 1
- There is no evidence supporting intermittent dosing; regular dosing provides more consistent symptom relief 2, 3
- Gaviscon can be used as monotherapy for mild to moderate GERD symptoms or as add-on therapy to proton pump inhibitors for breakthrough symptoms 4
Efficacy and Mechanism of Action
- Gaviscon forms a physical barrier (raft) that floats on top of stomach contents, helping to prevent reflux of acidic material into the esophagus 5
- Studies show Gaviscon provides symptom relief within 15 minutes in approximately 68% of patients 3
- The beneficial effect typically lasts more than 4 hours in about 75% of patients 3
- Gaviscon has been shown to be non-inferior to omeprazole in achieving a 24-hour heartburn-free period in moderate episodic heartburn 1
Special Considerations
- Elderly patients may require lower doses due to increased risk of side effects, similar to other medications with potential anticholinergic properties 6
- Patients with renal impairment should use caution with aluminum-containing antacids as aluminum can accumulate in the body 7
- For patients with significant breakthrough symptoms despite maximum Gaviscon dosing, additional or alternative therapies should be considered 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Exceeding the maximum recommended dose of 80 mL per day may increase the risk of side effects without providing additional therapeutic benefit 2, 5
- Taking Gaviscon simultaneously with other oral medications may reduce the absorption of those medications; separate administration by at least 2 hours 3
- Relying solely on Gaviscon for severe GERD symptoms or those with alarm features (dysphagia, weight loss, anemia) is inappropriate; these require further evaluation 1, 4
- Long-term use of aluminum-containing antacids without medical supervision may lead to phosphate depletion in some patients 7
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Patients should be reassessed after 2-4 weeks of therapy to determine efficacy 2
- If symptoms persist despite maximum dosing, further diagnostic evaluation should be considered 1, 4
- Patients using Gaviscon long-term (>6 months) should have periodic evaluation of symptom control and consideration of step-down therapy if symptoms are well-controlled 2