Gaviscon Infant Sachets (Pack of 30)

Gaviscon Infant Sachets are the only reflux formulation on the market that is specifically designed for babies.

Gaviscon developed and special formulation, Gaviscon Infant Sachets are intended to treat reflux in early ages of life when reflux happens because muscles at the base of your baby’s food pipe have not fully developed, so milk can come back up easily.

Symptoms of reflux in babies include:

• Bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding
• Coughing or hiccupping when feeding
• Being unsettled during feeding
• Swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding
• Crying and not settling
• Not gaining weight as they’re not keeping enough food down
• Sometimes babies may have signs of reflux, but will not bring up milk or be sick. This is known as silent reflux.

Gaviscon Infant contains sodium alginate and magnesium alginate which belong to a group of medicines called “reflux suppressants”. Reflux is the process by which the stomach contents flow back up the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach (known as the gullet or oesophagus). This can cause an infant to be sick, spit up more than normal and become distressed. Gaviscon Infant prevents reflux by stabilising the stomach contents, so reducing the incidence of reflux and bringing up of feeds (posseting).

• Reflux in babies is very common, affecting about 4 out of 10 babies.
• Reflux in newborns usually begins before they are 8 weeks old.
• Around 5 in 100 babies with reflux get more than 6 episodes a day, but it settles down in about 9 out of 10 babies before they are one-year old.
• Reflux can also occur in older children but is less common than in babies.

Silent reflux

also called occult reflux by doctors – is the term used when all or part of the stomach contents comes up into the oesophagus but does not enter the child’s mouth. It’s not obvious to the child, parents or any healthcare professional observing the child.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

is the term used when symptoms are troublesome or complications occur. GORD occurs in otherwise healthy infants and children with some specific underlying risk factors. These include:

• premature birth
• parental history of heartburn or acid regurgitation obesity
• hiatus hernia (a condition in which part of the stomach rides up into the chest)
• history of repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia (a birth defect where there is a hole in the diaphragm)
• history of repaired congenital esophageal atresia (a birth defect affecting a baby’s oesophagus)
• a neurodisability ( a condition affecting the nervous system)
• Sandifer syndrome (a condition where a baby gets episodes where their neck muscles go into spasm (torticollis) causing the neck to stretch backwards and rotate, their back to arch and their chin to lift up
• To be honest, there is considerable overlap between GOR and GORD, and some confusion even among health professionals. The ‘take home’ message is that babies with simple GOR have no other symptoms, feed well and thrive. They are sometimes known as ‘happy spitters'.

 Practical Tips

• Seek advice/support from your health visitor
• Whilst you are feeding the child, hold them upright (they should be continuously held this way after they have fed for as long as possible)
• If your child drinks formula milk, feed them smaller feeds more regularly
• Ensure your child is sleeping flat on their back (not on their sides or stomach) and ensure their head is not raised
• Visit the following nhs website links about breastfeeding advice and bottle feeding advice

Effectiveness
Gaviscon Infant is a widely used and effective acid reflux medication for infants however every patient can respond differently to medication. If you find Gaviscon Infant is not effective for your child, you should get advice from your GP.

For more advice, please visit us on Instagram @rightdose_uk.

Can you help to avoid reflux in your baby?

There are two main things to consider: The food you give your baby and the way you feed your baby.

Food choices for a baby with reflux:

Breast milk is digested faster than formula and also contains enzymes that help digestion. So the chances of reflux are reduced.

If you're feeding formula milk, try smaller amounts more often. This is because small meals are digested quicker and, with less volume, the chances of reflux are reduced.

Tips for feeding a baby with reflux:

• Feed your baby slowly and hold them upright
• Burp your baby frequently when feeding
• Try holding your baby upright for half an hour after feeding
• Ensure your baby's nappy isn't too tight

What can you do to minimise reflux in babies?

If you take your child to see a healthcare professional about reflux, they may talk you through some of the advice above, such as breastfeeding and feeding schedules. They will take into account several factors such as your baby’s age, temperament towards food, and whether or not they were born prematurely. If they consider it a suitable path they may offer breastfeeding advice, or prescribe anti-regurgitation formulas. However, if your little one is aged one to two years old, they may suggest Gaviscon Infant.

Medications for adult reflux should not be given to young children or babies, but thankfully Gaviscon Infant is especially for that age group.

If you are in any doubt about your child's condition, always ask for advice from a paediatric dietician, paediatric nurse or your doctor (GP). But remember, very few babies and infants suffer from acid reflux or GORD, so enjoy your special feeding times together while you can – our little ones aren't little for very long.

All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If symptoms are severe or prolonged you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. 

Like all medicines, Gaviscon Infant can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Very rarely (less than 1 in 10,000) patients may experience constipation & diarrhoea. Side effects for which the frequency cannot be estimated from available data include hypersensitivity, bloating, discomfort of the stomach (gastric distension) and intestinal obstruction.

• If your child experiences any kind of side effect after using Gaviscon Infant, you should stop giving them this medication and seek advice from your doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

• Gaviscon Infant Sachets (Pack of 30)

The best foods for infant digestion

Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, there's nothing like the togetherness and intimacy that feeding times bring. But some babies may sometimes bring up small amounts of food, which is known as ‘posseting’ or reflux.

Feeding your baby can be a real pleasure. Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, there's nothing like the togetherness and intimacy that feeding times bring. But some babies may sometimes bring up small amounts of food, which is known as ‘posseting’ or reflux. This is common and may just be a sign that your baby has had enough food. However, if your baby is showing signs of discomfort when feeding, there may be some other reason. So, let's look at some.

Why are babies susceptible to reflux?
There are two factors that can contribute to reflux in babies. Firstly, their oesophagus (or food pipe) is shorter and narrower. Secondly, the muscular valve at the bottom of the food pipe is not yet fully developed. So, stomach acid can more easily pop out into the oesophagus. Unlike our stomach lining, the lining of the oesophagus in both babies and adults is not designed to withstand acid. Therefore, if the liquid that pops out into the oesophagus contains a lot of stomach acid, it may cause pain.

Acid reflux or GORD - in babies?
Heartburn in adults can be due to acid reflux or what is known as GORD - gastro oesophageal reflux disease, a common condition which causes acid to leak from the stomach. It's not uncommon in adults, but it can also affect babies and infants too. In fact, about half of all babies have some reflux in their first three months. Thankfully, this isn't all acid reflux and doesn't cause problems for many babies. And by 10 months, it's seen in only about 5% of babies. A few babies however may have acid reflux or GORD and need a little help to prevent or stop it. Here are some signs to look for:

Your baby brings up food frequently - soon after feeding or up to two hours afterwards

• Your baby arches their back when feeding or after a feed
• Refusing a feed, even if your baby is content to suck on a dummy or comforter
• Crying frequently
• Irritability
• Bad breath
• Difficulty sleeping

If these signs occur frequently, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

For oral administration. Suitable for infants aged 1 to 2 years.

• Not to be used in premature infants or infants under one year except under medical supervision.
• Not suitable for children over 2 years, adults or the elderly.

Directions:
Bottle fed infants up to 2 years of age:

• Mix each sachet into 115ml of bottle feed.
• Shake well and feed the infant as normal.
• Once the feed is over, use a spoon or bottle to administer Gaviscon Infant.

Breastfed infants and other infants up to 2 years of age:

• Mix each sachet with a teaspoon of boiled yet cooled water. A smooth paste will form.
• Add 2 teaspoons of boiled, coiled water and mix.
• Partway through the feed, use a spoon or feeding bottle to administer.

Infants under 4.5kg - ONE sachet should be used
Infants over 4.5kg - TWO sachets should be used

Do not administer more than 6 sachets over a period of 24 hours.

• If your baby is below the age of 1, consult with your doctor about the use of Gaviscon Infant.

Do not use more than the stated amount.

How to store Gaviscon Infant Sachets:

• Do not use this product after the expiry date (month/year).
• Do not store above 30ºC.
• Each sachet is security sealed. Do not use it if it is damaged.
• Each sachet of Gaviscon Infant contains approximately 21mg (0.92mmol) sodium. If your infant has been put on a low sodium (salt) diet ask your doctor or other health professional before giving the product.

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use Gaviscon Infant:

• if your baby was born prematurely
• if your child is allergic to ingredients
• if your child is being sick, has a fever or diarrhoea
• if you have been told or it is suspected that your child has damage to their kidneys or
• If your child has been put on a low salt diet (each sachet contains roughly 21 mg of sodium)
• If you have been told that your child has a blockage in their gut
• If your child is taking any other feed thickening agents (including thickening agents in their milk).

If your baby is under one year, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving Gaviscon Infant.

Taking Gaviscon Infant with other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking or has recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Taking Gaviscon Infant with food and drink
Do not use Gaviscon Infant with other feed thickening agents or infant milk preparations containing a thickening agent. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist before you give Gaviscon Infant to your child if you are not sure.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Gaviscon Infant
The maximum recommended daily dose of this medicinal product contains 287 mg sodium (found in table salt). This is equivalent to 14% of the adult recommended maximum daily dietary intake for sodium. To be taken into account by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

• Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you need this product on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time, especially if you have been advised to have a low salt diet.
• Gaviscon Infant should not be given to infants with kidney problems/damage or those on a low salt diet (see ‘Do not use Gaviscon Infant’).

Active Ingredients:

• 225mg Sodium alginate (per 10 ml)
• 87.5mg Magnesium alginate (per 10 ml)

The other ingredients are mannitol (E421) and colloidal silica.