Pregnancy is the most crucial period. However, while carrying a child, women may experience some discomfort, as well as some difficulties.
One of the unpleasant sensations is heartburn and its accompanying manifestations. That is why many are interested in whether Gaviscon is possible during pregnancy, since this drug is considered the safest.
Causes of discomfort
Heartburn is an unpleasant sensation or burning sensation that can radiate to the neck. It can provoke very strong discomfort and leads to a deterioration in mood, which is highly undesirable during pregnancy. A similar problem occurs due to exposure to hydrochloric acid.
Heartburn is often observed in pregnant women, regardless of whether they have had this problem before or not. Often it appears after overeating.
During pregnancy, heartburn occurs due to the relaxation of the stomach muscles. It comes from-for the influence of hormones, which, when carrying a child, change their level. Another factor is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. This is due to the enlargement of the uterus.
Quick fix
Heartburn in pregnancy mostly occurs at the end of the first trimester or at the beginning of the second. It can continue until the very birth, and at the same time the discomfort increases all the time. After that, it may decrease, or heartburn disappears completely on its own.
Many gynecologists recommend their patients to take Gaviscon during pregnancy, as it helps to quickly eliminate existing discomfort and normalize well-being.
Feature of the drug
The medicine "Gaviscon" during pregnancy is a real salvation, as many women suffer from heartburn during this period. After taking the remedy begins to act immediately. The active components of the drug literally envelop the walls of the stomach with a film, thereby creating a strong barrier. This allows you to protect the mucosa from the aggressive effects of hydrochloric acid contained in gastric juice.
An important feature of the drug is that it does not affect the acidity of the stomach. This makes it possible to digest the food consumed in the usual way, but without negative manifestations.
Can I take it while pregnant?
According to the instructions for the drug, "Gaviscon" during pregnancy is not prohibited. The composition of the medicinal product is sufficientsimple and does not contain prohibited components. The action of the drug is based on its components such as sodium, baking soda and potassium. It is soda that helps to neutralize stomach acid, as a result of which, after taking the drug, literally in 15-20 minutes, heartburn completely disappears.
The drug belongs to the group of alginates, that is, drugs that, after taking, form a special film on the surface of the esophagus and stomach. It is she who serves as a barrier and does not allow the effect of hydrochloric acid on the mucosa of the esophagus.
Ongoing tests have shown that the active ingredient of the drug does not have a toxic effect on the embryo. In addition, it is not absorbed into the systemic circulation and does not cross the placenta.
It is worth noting that the drug "Gaviscon" from heartburn during pregnancy has a symptomatic effect. The medicine helps to quickly and effectively cope with the unpleasant symptoms of dyspeptic disorders, but does not eliminate the main cause of their occurrence.
Often, heartburn and belching go away on their own immediately after delivery, as they occur as a result of pressure from the enlarged uterus on the stomach area and when the hormonal background changes. If unpleasant symptoms persist even after childbirth, then it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination, as well as treatment.
Composition and release form
Depending on the form of release, the instruction "Gaviscon" during pregnancy recommends taking into account the dosage of the drug. This medicinal product is available indosage forms such as:
- dosed sachets;
- suspension;
- chewable.
You can buy it without a prescription, however, despite this, it is highly undesirable to self-medicate. The drug "Gaviscon" during pregnancy should be prescribed only by the attending physician. It consists of:
- baking soda;
- sodium;
- potassium;
- fragrance;
- acesulfame potassium;
- macrogoal.
All these components do their job very well and give the drug the desired properties.
In addition, the drug has the following variations:
- Gaviscon (Classic);
- Gaviscon Double Action;
- Gaviscon Forte;
- Gaviscon forte (during pregnancy).
Different versions of the drug differ in the number of active ingredients and their dosage. Many often confuse the Gaviscon prescribed during pregnancy and the Hexicon candles. The latter drug is used to treat sexually transmitted diseases or diseases of the urinary system.
Women are allowed to take absolutely any combination of medication while carrying a child. If circumstances force, then you can drink the drug for a long time. In such cases, doctors recommend exactly "Gaviscon forte" (during pregnancy). It has a very convenient form of release, as well as a slightly different composition, which significantly reduces the risk to future he alth.baby.
When does a doctor prescribe medicine and for how long?
The drug "Gaviscon" during pregnancy is prescribed exclusively by the attending doctor. Among the indications for taking this remedy, it is necessary to highlight:
- dyspepsia;
- heartburn;
- discomfort and heaviness in the stomach.
Often, heartburn occurs later, and the reason for this is the increased pressure of the growing uterus. However, it is worth noting that you can take Gaviscon during pregnancy and in the early stages, in the first trimester, since this drug has almost no contraindications.
The pharmacological action of the drug is based on the fact that when interacting with gastric juice, it creates a kind of barrier that is located on the surface of the stomach and protects its walls from acid exposure. Once taken, the drug works for approximately 4 hours.
Application features
Depending on the woman's well-being and the chosen form of the drug, an individual dosage is prescribed. The most convenient form are tablets, as they are very easy to carry around with you all the time and take them if necessary. According to the instructions for use, "Gaviscon" during pregnancy is prescribed in a single dosage of 2-4 tablets. No water is required for taking, as the lozenges have a rather pleasant aftertaste, thanks to flavorings, and are easily chewed. Pregnant women are advised to start taking it with a lower dosage, and with a weak effect, it is necessaryincrease.
Also, the drug is available in the form of dosed sachets, which are intended for single use. It is allowed to use them up to 8 times a day. Before use, the sachet should be slightly crushed to ensure better mixing of the components. The drug "Gaviscon forte" (during pregnancy) is prescribed in a volume of 5-10 ml per dose, but not more than 40 ml per day. This type of remedy is characterized by the fact that it is prescribed exclusively to women during the period of bearing a child.
Gaviscon suspension during pregnancy helps to quickly eliminate an attack of heartburn. It is better to take it immediately after a meal, as it creates an enveloping protective film. According to the instructions, "Gaviscon" during pregnancy in the form of a suspension should be taken 10-20 ml, but not more than 80 ml per day. The drug should be taken after each meal and at bedtime. Such a scheme will not only effectively get rid of heartburn at the moment, but also prevent its recurrence. In this case, it is imperative to strictly adhere to the dosage and course of treatment prescribed by the doctor.
The course of therapy should be no more than 7 days. Prolonged use of this drug requires monitoring of the functioning of the heart and kidneys.
Side effects and contraindications
Despite the proven safety of Gaviscon, it is not recommended for use in case of hypersensitivity to the main component. During pregnancy, a woman becomesespecially sensitive, which is why drug treatment can provoke an allergy. If, after taking the drug, rashes, itching, and many other signs of an allergic reaction appear, then you need to cancel it and consult a doctor to prescribe an analogue. In addition, among the main contraindications, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- impaired kidney function;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- individual intolerance to certain components of the drug.
The composition of the preparation "Gaviscon" includes calcium, which is why, in the presence of stones or sand in the kidneys, the use of this remedy can only aggravate the course of urolithiasis. In such cases, doctors recommend choosing analogues with other active ingredients. If a pregnant woman has cardiovascular diseases, then the use of Gaviscon can only aggravate their course.
There are no side effects with this drug, but occasional allergies or skin rashes may occur. If they appear, you should immediately stop taking the drug.
Overdose and drug interactions
According to the instructions for use, with an overdose of Gaviscon, the patient may experience bloating. You can solve the problem by conducting symptomatic treatment.
This drug is very popular with pregnant women and young mothers as it is completely safefor fetus and infant. It can be used along with other medicines. However, it is worth noting that at least 2 hours should elapse between taking an antacid and another drug. Particular attention should be paid to histamine receptor blockers and antibiotics.
Expert Tips
It is worth noting that reviews regarding the use of the drug "Gaviscon" do not always coincide with the opinion of experts. Many doctors believe that it is not necessary to use it constantly during pregnancy.
According to a survey conducted among pregnant women, Gaviscon works very quickly to neutralize heartburn. This happens due to the fact that when the drug enters the stomach, the components contained in it almost instantly interact with gastric juice. Thus, they help eliminate burning sensation and carefully protect the walls of the esophagus.
In addition, doctors say that if a woman has kidney problems or heart failure, then you must definitely follow a special diet, and strictly follow the dosage selected by the doctor. It is also required to control the course of therapy for other diseases that are associated with metabolic disorders.
Analogues of the drug
To date, there is no complete analogue of the drug "Gaviscon", however, there is a wide variety of medicines created on the basis of other active ingredients. These drugs can also be used during pregnancy after consulting a doctor.
Among the analogues, it is necessary to single out the drug"Maalox", which is available in the form of chewable lozenges, as well as suspensions. Among the contraindications can be noted hypersensitivity to its constituent components, renal failure. This medicinal product should only be used if the potential benefit to the mother's well-being far outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
In addition, another good analogue is the drug "Rennie", which is presented in the form of tablets for chewing. Among the contraindications of this drug, it is necessary to highlight severe renal failure, an increased content of calcium and phosphorus in the body. This drug is not dangerous to the fetus if the dosage is strictly followed and not exceeded.
Any analogue of a drug should be selected with the attending doctor, and not done on your own.
Patient testimonials
The drug "Gaviscon" during pregnancy reviews is quite good, if you strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. Patients note that this drug acts very quickly and helps to effectively cope with the existing problem.
Painful sensations and heartburn, the drug helps to eliminate almost instantly and for a long time. In addition, many note that the medicine has a very convenient form of release, which is an additional plus. Also, pregnant women really like the pleasant taste of the drug.
