Medically reviewed by Bandela Mgoqi (B.Pharm, M.Pharm, MPS). Last updated on September 10, 2026.
GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID is a combination of two antacids (calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate) and an alginate and works in two ways:
GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID is used for gastric reflux (reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus), reflux oesophagitis (inflamed food pipe), heartburn and indigestion.
Do not take GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID:
Take special care with GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID:
Always tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicine. (This includes all complementary or traditional medicines). Large doses of GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID may affect the absorption of other oral medicines. A time interval of 2 hours should be considered between GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID intake and the administration of other medicines especially antihistamines, tetracyclines, digoxin, fluoroquinolones, iron salts, thyroid hormones, ketoconazole, neuroleptics (for mental illness), thyroxine, penicilamine, beta-blockers for heart conditions (atenolol, metoprolol, propanolol), glucocorticoid, chloroquine (for malaria), bisphosphonates (for osteoporosis), and estramustine (for prostate cancer). GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID may increase blood levels of calcium if taken together with thiazide diuretics (water tablets) or vitamin D. Speak to your doctor if you are taking these medicines before you take GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID.
This medicine is usually taken after meals and at bedtime. Do not take GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID with large amounts of milk or milk-products. To do so may increase the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No effects of GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID have been shown in breast fed newborns/infants of treated mothers. GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID can be used during breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider for advice before taking this medicine.
Fertility: Clinical Data do not suggest that GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID has an effect on human fertility.
GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID has no or negligible influence on driving or the ability to operate tools or machines. GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID contains calcium carbonate. High blood levels of calcium and acid rebound can occur following the regular use of high doses of calcium carbonate, especially in patients with a history of kidney problems.
SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE. Always take GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist or nurse has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.
The usual dose is:
If you have the impression that the effect of GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person.
If you take more GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID than you should: Very large doses may cause bloating. In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre.
If you forget to take GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID: If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses.
GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID, please consult your health care provider for advice.
If any of the following minor side effects continue, are severe or bother you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist:
If any of the following side effects occur, speak to your doctor immediately:
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:
• Stomach cramps
• Flatulence
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal distension
• Abdominal cramps
Side effects with unknown frequencies:
If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects: If you get side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You can also report side effects to SAHPRA via the “6.04 Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Form”, found online under SAHPRA’s publications: https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of GAVISCON DOUBLE ACTION LIQUID.
Store at or below 25°C. Do not refrigerate. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store in bathrooms. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the bottle. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist.
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