Gaviscon Forte: instruction, side effect, route of administration and dose
Dyspepsia is a disorder of the normal functioning of the stomach, as well as painful and difficult digestion. In this condition, the patient may feel pain or discomfort( for example, gravity, early saturation and overflow) in the epigastric region. These symptoms may be due to peptic ulcer disease, cholelithiasis, gastroesophageal reflux disease or chronic pancreatitis. 
Most often, dyspepsia is caused by high acidity of gastric juice. To normalize digestion and eliminate all unpleasant symptoms, experts recommend using the medicine "Gaviscon Forte".Instructions for use, contraindications, analogs, side effects and the form of this medication are presented below.
Composition of the preparation, its packaging, description and form of release
What form is typical for the Gaviscon Forte medication? Suspension - in this form the drug can be purchased at any pharmacy. There are two different tastes to choose from:
- Anise suspension intended for oral administration. The drug solution has a viscous texture, as well as almost white or light brown color, with a pleasant anise aroma.
The main ingredients of this product are potassium bicarbonate and sodium alginate. Also, the composition of the preoral drug includes such auxiliary substances as sodium hydroxide, fennel flavor, carbomer, calcium carbonate, sodium saccharinate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, purified water and propyl parahydroxybenzoate.
You can buy this product in multi-layer bags of 10 ml or in bottles of dark glass for 80, 250 or 150 ml.
- A mint suspension for ingestion of a viscous texture, white or light brown in color, with a pleasant mint flavor.
This medication also includes potassium hydrogen carbonate and sodium alginate. In addition to the main components, this preparation also contains auxiliary: propyl parahydroxybenzoate, calcium carbonate, mint flavor, carbomer, sodium hydroxide, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, purified water and sodium saccharinate. 
Oral solution "Gaviscon Forte" is sold in dark glass bottles and multi-layer bags, which are placed in boxes of thick paper.
Mechanism of action of medicament
What is the drug "Gaviscon Forte"( suspension)?Instruction for use indicates that this agent has a pronounced antacid effect. After taking the solution inside, its active ingredients begin to react very quickly with the acidic contents of the stomach. As a result, an alginate gel is formed, which prevents the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux.
In the event that a patient experiences a gastric emptying into the esophagus, this drug reduces the irritation of his mucosa.
Pharmacokinetics of the drug
What kinetic parameters are characteristic for the Gaviscon Forte suspension? According to the instruction, the mechanism of action of this medicine does not depend on its absorption into the systemic bloodstream.
Indication for the administration of
What is the purpose of the patient for a medication such as Gaviscon Forte? Doctors say that the drug in question is quite effective in dyspepsia( as a symptomatic treatment), which is associated with high acidity of gastric juice and gastroesophageal reflux. It is actively used for severe heartburn, acidic eructations and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating. 
Does Gaviscon Forte prescribe for pregnant women? Women in the position of such a means to use is not prohibited. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies began to produce this medication with the label "during pregnancy".
Also considered medicine is allowed to use during breastfeeding, but only on strict indications.
Contraindications to receiving
suspension In what cases do patients not receive Gaviscon Forte medication? According to experts, this tool is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. In addition, it is forbidden to use with increased sensitivity to the main and additional substances of the drug.
The dosage of the preparation and the method of its use
How should I use a suspension of Gaviscon Forte( tablets as a form of release of this drug are absent)?This medication is prescribed for adults and children over 12 years only inside. A single dosage of the solution is 5-10 ml. Use it after eating, and also before bedtime.
The maximum dose of this medication per day is 40 ml.
Before using the contents of the sachet, it should be carefully kneaded with your fingers( to mix the solution).
For elderly people, dose adjustment adjustments are not required. 
Adverse events
Receiving a suspension of "Gaviscon Forte" can cause allergic reactions. If they are clearly expressed, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Solution overdose and drug interaction
When an overdose of Gaviscon Forte, the analogs of which are listed below, the patient may complain of a sensation of bloating. In this case, a gastric lavage is required. Symptomatic therapy may also be required.
No information has been provided on the drug interaction of this medication in the instructions. However, before taking the suspension, specialists recommend informing their attending physician about the use of other drugs.
Special recommendations
The drug "Gaviscon Forte" during pregnancy should be used only on strict indications and only after consulting a doctor.
According to the instruction, 10 mg of the suspension in question contains about 78 mg( ie 2 mmol) of potassium and about 106 mg( ie 4.6 mmol) of sodium. This fact should always be considered when it is necessary to comply with a salt-free diet( for example, with impaired renal function or congestive heart failure).In addition, the presence of these elements in the drug should be known to those who use it simultaneously with medications that can cause the development of hyperkalemia. 
It should also be noted that 10 ml of the Gaviscon Forte solution contains 200 mg of calcium carbonate. In this regard, it is with particular caution prescribed to people with recurrent formation of kidney stones containing calcium, as well as hypercalcemia and nephrocalcinosis.
If after the beginning of therapy the improvement does not occur within 7 days, urgent medical consultation is required.
This medication has no effect on the patient's ability to drive vehicles and manage dangerous mechanisms.
Storage and purchase conditions, expiration date
Suspension "Gaviscon Forte" is dispensed in a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. Keep it away from small children, subject to a temperature regime of at least 15 and not above 30 degrees. Shelf life of this medication is 24 months. After two years it must be disposed of.
Medication cost, similar to
The price of this medication may vary, depending on its packaging and volume. The average cost of the Gaviscon Forte suspension is 230-280 rubles. 
At the moment there are no structural analogs to the drug in question( that is, with the same active substance).If this drug is contraindicated to you, then you need to contact your doctor who will pick up a replacement medicine for you with similar properties, but with another active ingredient. As a rule, such funds include the following: Gastrika-GF, Espumizan, Motinorm, De-Nol, Kuplaton, Esinorm Forte, Pariet, Karmolis, Itomed, The Vikalin. All these drugs are designed to improve the digestive process, protect the stomach and esophagus mucosa, and also eliminate the feeling of nausea, epigastric pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
Consumer and medical reviews about the drug
Suspension "Gaviscon Forte" - a fairly popular drug that quickly eliminates dyspepsia and related unpleasant symptoms. There are a lot of positive reviews about this medicine. Patients claim that this medication manifests itself as a highly effective remedy for heartburn. After its reception inside almost immediately eliminates discomfort in the stomach, a sour taste and bitterness in the mouth.
It should be specially noted that the drug in question is often used in the complex therapy of rather serious pathologies of the digestive tract.
One can not help saying that many patients are very happy with the fact that Gaviscon Forte can be used even during pregnancy to eliminate heartburn.
Also to the merits of this drug include its availability, a relatively low cost, the absence of serious contraindications, as well as side effects. 
The disadvantage of this medication is its inconvenient form of release.