What is the generic name of Gaviscon (sodium alginate and magnesium carbonate)?

Generic Name of Gaviscon

The generic name of Gaviscon is sodium alginate, typically formulated in combination with antacids such as magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate. 1

Active Ingredients and Formulations

• Gaviscon contains sodium alginate as the primary active ingredient, which forms a protective raft on top of gastric contents 1, 2

• The formulation includes antacid components that vary by product version:

  • Calcium carbonate (in Gaviscon Double Action formulations) 2
  • Sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate (in standard formulations) to generate carbon dioxide for raft formation 1
  • Magnesium carbonate in some formulations 1

Mechanism of Action

• In the presence of gastric acid, sodium alginate precipitates to form a gel, and the bicarbonate component converts to carbon dioxide which becomes entrapped within the gel, creating a foam that floats on gastric contents like a raft 1

• This alginate-based raft provides a pH-neutral barrier that can move into the esophagus ahead of acidic gastric contents during reflux episodes, acting as both a physical and chemical barrier 1, 3

• The raft forms rapidly within seconds of dosing and can be retained in the stomach for several hours, providing longer-lasting relief than traditional antacids 1

Clinical Applications

• The American Gastroenterological Association recommends alginate-antacids for breakthrough symptoms in GERD patients, particularly for post-prandial and nighttime symptoms 4, 5

• Gaviscon has demonstrated non-inferiority to omeprazole in achieving a 24-hour heartburn-free period in moderate episodic heartburn 6

• Clinical studies show Gaviscon is superior to placebo and equal to or better than traditional antacids for relieving heartburn symptoms 1, 7