Gaviscon Double Action Tablet

Gaviscon Double Action Tablet is a chewable antacid tablet manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser, sold over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies and online platforms such as DoctorOnCall without needing a doctor’s prescription. Each tablet contains 250mg sodium alginate, 106.5mg sodium bicarbonate, and 187.5mg calcium carbonate as the active ingredients.

This tablet form sits alongside the Gaviscon Peppermint and Gaviscon Advance liquid formulations within the same overall Gaviscon range, but is formulated specifically as a chewable tablet rather than a liquid suspension, which some customers prefer for convenience and portability. The combination of alginate and dual antacid components (sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate) gives this formulation its “double action” name.

Gaviscon Double Action Tablets are typically sold in blister strips of a set tablet count per box, and are commonly flavoured with mint or peppermint. Some versions of this chewable tablet contain aspartame as a sweetener, which is relevant for anyone who needs to monitor their phenylalanine intake.

• Chew 1 to 2 tablets thoroughly after meals and at bedtime, up to four times a day, or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. Do not swallow the tablets whole; they are designed to be chewed before swallowing.
• Take a glass of water after chewing the tablets if desired, though this is not required for the tablets to work. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose stated on the packaging.
• If you also take other oral medicines, leave a gap of at least 2 hours between taking this product and taking those other medicines, since the alginate-antacid combination can reduce the absorption of some drugs if taken together.

Adults and children aged 12 years and above: 1-2 tablets, chewed thoroughly, after meals and at bedtime (up to four times in 24 hours). Use in children under 12 years should only be under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

If a dose is missed, take it at the next scheduled time around a meal or bedtime; do not double the dose. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days of regular use, or worsen, stop self-treating and see a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing to increase how often you take it.

Store below 25°C to 30°C, in a dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tablets in the original blister strip until ready to use, and store out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Bloating or a feeling of fullness shortly after dosing.
• Common: Mild changes in bowel habit, such as constipation, with regular use.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing, which require urgent medical attention.

• Known hypersensitivity to sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, or any other listed ingredient in this tablet.
• Contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine – not suitable for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) if the specific batch or variant contains this sweetener; check the printed ingredient list on the pack.
• Not suitable for anyone advised to strictly limit sodium intake without first checking with a doctor or pharmacist, given the sodium bicarbonate content.
• Not recommended for children under 12 years unless directed by a doctor or pharmacist.

• Taking this product at the same time as other oral medicines can reduce their absorption; leave at least a 2-hour gap between this tablet and other oral drugs, particularly antibiotics such as tetracyclines or quinolones, iron supplements, and digoxin.
• The calcium carbonate content means very frequent use alongside calcium or vitamin D supplements should be discussed with a pharmacist to avoid excessive calcium intake.
• No specific food interactions are known; the tablet is taken after meals as part of its normal directions for use.

• Chew the tablets thoroughly rather than swallowing them whole for the intended effect.
• Take your dose after meals and at bedtime rather than on an empty stomach.
• Keep tablets in their blister strip until just before use to protect them from moisture.
• Keep track of how many tablets you take in 24 hours so you do not exceed the maximum stated on the label.
• Leave a 2-hour gap between this product and other oral medicines you are taking.
• Check the ingredient list for aspartame or sodium content if you are monitoring either in your diet.

Gaviscon Double Action Tablet is manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser and is the chewable tablet format within the Gaviscon range, sitting alongside the Gaviscon Peppermint and Gaviscon Advance liquid formulations, each with a different active ingredient ratio.

Precautions: Use with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, elderly, have kidney problems, have phenylketonuria, or are on a medically supervised low-sodium diet – speak with a doctor or pharmacist first in these situations. Do not use as a substitute for a doctor’s assessment if symptoms are severe, new, or accompanied by unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting blood.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if symptoms persist beyond 7 days of regular use, recur frequently, or are accompanied by chest pain, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or black or bloody stools.