What is the recommended dose of Gaviscon (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate) for pregnant women?

Gaviscon Dosing for Pregnancy

For pregnant women with heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux, the recommended dose of Gaviscon is 10-20 mL (2 tablespoons) taken four times daily after meals and at bedtime.

Standard Dosing Regimen

The established dosing protocol for Gaviscon in pregnancy is:

• 10-20 mL (2 tablespoons) four times daily - taken after each meal and at bedtime 1
• Alternatively, 5-10 mL as needed for symptom relief can be used for on-demand dosing 2
• Both liquid suspension and tablet formulations are effective, though the liquid form is most commonly studied 3

Evidence for Efficacy and Safety

Gaviscon demonstrates rapid and effective symptom relief in pregnant women:

• Symptom relief occurs within 10 minutes in 57% of women 2
• Complete relief of heartburn is achieved in 88-91% of pregnant women as rated by investigators 4, 2
• Treatment success rates of 90-98% have been documented across multiple studies 1, 4
• The medication is effective throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy 1

Safety Profile

Gaviscon has an excellent safety record in pregnancy:

• Very few adverse events related to the medication have been reported in large prospective studies 4
• Serum sodium levels remain unchanged with treatment 4
• Tolerance is excellent in over 95% of cases 3
• The medication presents no known significant safety concerns for mother or child 2

Duration of Treatment

• Treatment typically lasts one month for initial assessment, though it can be continued as needed throughout pregnancy 1
• The medication can be used as required for symptom control rather than on a fixed schedule 2

Clinical Context

While pharmaceutical treatments like Gaviscon show moderate-quality evidence for complete heartburn relief compared to placebo (with women experiencing relief 1.85 times more often than those receiving placebo), the overall evidence base consists of small trials 5. However, the consistent safety profile and high efficacy rates across multiple studies support its use as a first-line treatment for pregnancy-related heartburn.