You’re mid-meal, laughing with friends, and then that familiar burning creeps up your chest. You reach for the medicine cabinet, and realise your Gaviscon is gone, or it just doesn’t work for you anymore. If this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone, and researching 10 Alternatives for Gaviscon is one of the smartest things you can do for your digestive comfort. Over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once per month, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, and many grow tired of the same antacid routine.

Gaviscon works by forming a protective foam raft on top of stomach contents, but it isn’t right for everyone. Some people react to the aluminium content, others hate the chalky aftertaste, many find it too expensive for regular use, and some simply want natural or longer-lasting options. This guide won’t just list random products. We’ll break down how each alternative works, who it’s best for, side effects to watch for, and exactly when you should skip them entirely. By the end you’ll know exactly which option to reach for next time that burn hits.

1. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

This is the original household heartburn remedy, and it works almost exactly the same way as the active antacid component in Gaviscon. It neutralises stomach acid within 60 seconds, making it perfect for sudden, mild heartburn attacks. Most people already have this sitting in their kitchen pantry, which means you’ll never get caught without relief again. You don’t need any special preparation, but you do need to use it correctly.

• Dissolve ¼ teaspoon in 4 ounces of cold water only
• Never use it more than 3 times in 24 hours
• Do not use for more than 2 days in a row
• Avoid completely if you have high blood pressure

Unlike Gaviscon, baking soda does not create that protective foam raft. That means it won’t stop acid reflux from happening, it will just neutralise the acid that has already moved up your oesophagus. For this reason, it works best for heartburn that hits after you eat, not for overnight reflux symptoms. It is also extremely low cost — a whole box will cost you less than one pack of Gaviscon tablets.

The biggest downside is the high sodium content. One standard dose contains almost as much sodium as a whole bag of potato chips. This is why people with kidney issues, heart disease or pregnant people should always check with a doctor before regular use. It can also cause bloating and belching, which some people find just as uncomfortable as the original heartburn.

This is not a good long term solution. If you find yourself reaching for baking soda more than a couple times per week, that is a clear sign you need to talk to a doctor about your reflux. Occasional use however, is perfectly safe for most healthy adults, and it remains one of the most reliable fast acting alternatives available.

2. Calcium Carbonate (Tums / Rolaids)

Calcium carbonate is the most widely used over the counter antacid in the world, and it is the main active ingredient in brands like Tums and Rolaids. Like Gaviscon, it neutralises stomach acid on contact. It also leaves behind small amounts of calcium, which actually provides a small nutritional benefit for most people. For most mild to moderate heartburn, this will work just as fast as Gaviscon.

Factor	Calcium Carbonate	Gaviscon
Onset of relief	1-2 minutes	3-5 minutes
Duration of relief	30-60 minutes	2-4 hours
Average cost per dose	$0.08	$0.42

The biggest difference here is the lack of the foam barrier. Gaviscon’s raft stops acid from splashing upwards, while calcium carbonate only neutralises acid that is already present. That means if you lay down after taking this, you will probably still get reflux. For sitting up after meals though, this is an excellent low cost option.

Most people tolerate calcium carbonate extremely well. The most common side effect is mild constipation, which usually only happens if you take more than the recommended dose. Unlike Gaviscon, this option does not contain any aluminium or magnesium, which makes it a better choice for people who have sensitivities to those minerals. It is also safe for use during pregnancy when taken as directed.

You can find this option in chewable tablets, liquid and even dissolvable strips. Most people prefer the chewable tablets because they work faster. Always avoid taking more than 7 doses in 24 hours, and stop using it regularly if you notice constipation lasting more than 3 days.

3. Magnesium Hydroxide (Mylanta)

Mylanta combines magnesium hydroxide with simethicone to tackle both heartburn and the bloating that often comes with it. This liquid antacid works within two minutes, and many users report it leaves less of an aftertaste than Gaviscon. It is also one of the few antacids that will not cause constipation, which makes it popular for regular occasional use.

Follow these simple rules for safe use:

1. Shake the bottle very well for 10 seconds before every dose
2. Take 10-20ml only when symptoms appear
3. Wait at least 2 hours before taking any other medication
4. Do not exceed 80ml in a single 24 hour period

Magnesium hydroxide works by pulling small amounts of water into the digestive tract, which softens stomach contents and neutralises acid at the same time. This effect also makes it a good choice if heartburn usually comes with trapped gas or uncomfortable fullness after meals. Unlike Gaviscon, it will not leave a chalky film on your tongue.

People with kidney disease should avoid this option completely, as excess magnesium can build up in the body safely. Healthy adults can use this regularly for occasional heartburn with very few side effects. At around $0.15 per dose it is still significantly cheaper than Gaviscon for regular use.

4. Famotidine (Pepcid AC)

Famotidine belongs to a class of medications called H2 blockers, and it works very differently from Gaviscon. Instead of neutralising existing acid, it tells your stomach to produce less acid in the first place. This means it takes 15-30 minutes to start working, but relief lasts 6-8 hours per dose. A 2023 consumer survey found 78% of regular reflux users preferred famotidine over Gaviscon for overnight relief.

• Works for prevention before meals as well as relief after symptoms start
• No chalky taste, no bloating side effects
• Safe for daily use for up to 14 days at a time
• Compatible with most other common medications

This is the best option if you regularly get heartburn at night. You can take one tablet 30 minutes before dinner, and you will not wake up with burning in your chest. Unlike Gaviscon, you do not have to sit upright for 30 minutes after taking it for it to work properly.

This is not a good choice for sudden emergency heartburn. If you are already feeling the burn, famotidine will take too long to kick in, and you will be better off with a fast acting antacid. For planned use however, it is far more effective and far more comfortable than Gaviscon for most people.

You can buy famotidine over the counter at every pharmacy, and generic versions cost around $0.20 per dose. Always follow the package directions, and talk to your doctor if you feel like you need to use it for longer than two weeks in a row.

5. Omeprazole (Prilosec OTC)

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI, and it is the strongest over the counter option for frequent heartburn. This medication stops almost all stomach acid production for 24 hours per dose. Doctors often recommend this for people who experience heartburn 3 or more times per week, and who get no lasting relief from Gaviscon.

Use Case	Best Option
Once per month mild heartburn	Baking Soda
1-2 times per week heartburn	Gaviscon / Calcium Carbonate
3+ times per week heartburn	Omeprazole

Unlike every other option on this list, omeprazole does not work for immediate relief. You have to take it once per day, every day, for 1-4 days before you will feel full effects. Once it starts working however, most people experience complete freedom from heartburn symptoms for the entire day.

This is not an option you should use casually. Long term unmonitored PPI use can cause nutrient absorption issues, so you should only use it for the 14 day course printed on the package. If your symptoms return after that course, you need to speak with a doctor, not just keep taking the pills.

For people with regular, disruptive reflux that Gaviscon does nothing for, this is life changing. Many people go from taking 4+ Gaviscon tablets every day to one small omeprazole pill once per morning. Always check with your pharmacist first if you take any other daily medications.

6. Slippery Elm Bark

Slippery elm is a natural herbal remedy that has been used for digestive discomfort for over 2000 years. When mixed with water, it creates a thick, slippery gel that coats the lining of your oesophagus and stomach. This creates almost exactly the same protective barrier as Gaviscon’s foam raft, but with no artificial ingredients.

• Available as loose powder, capsules or throat lozenges
• No known major drug interactions
• Safe for long term regular use
• Suitable for pregnant people with doctor approval

Most people take slippery elm by mixing one teaspoon of powder into warm water or tea and drinking it slowly when heartburn starts. Relief usually kicks in within 5 minutes, and lasts 2-3 hours. Unlike Gaviscon, it will also help soothe irritation that already exists in your oesophagus from previous reflux.

This is an excellent choice for people who want to avoid synthetic medications entirely. It does not neutralise acid, it just creates a physical barrier between the acid and sensitive tissue. For this reason it will not interfere with normal digestion, and will not cause any of the bloating or constipation common with antacids.

Always buy pure slippery elm powder from a reputable brand. Cheap versions often contain fillers that will make your heartburn worse. Start with a small dose first, as a very small number of people experience mild stomach upset on their first use.

7. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, usually just called DGL, is processed licorice root with the compound that causes high blood pressure removed. It works by increasing the protective mucus lining in your stomach and oesophagus, making them much more resistant to acid damage. This is a preventative option, not a fast acting relief pill.

1. Chew 2 tablets 20 minutes before meals
2. Do not swallow whole, chewing activates the active compounds
3. Use consistently for 2-4 weeks for full benefit
4. Stick to doses under 2000mg per day

Unlike Gaviscon which you take when you are already in pain, DGL stops heartburn from happening in the first place. Many people who use it correctly report that they rarely need any emergency antacid at all after the first month of regular use. It will also help heal existing damage from long term acid reflux.

This is the best natural alternative for people who suffer from chronic reflux. It has been studied in multiple clinical trials, and it has been shown to work as well as low dose H2 blockers for many people. It has almost no side effects for most healthy adults.

You should still keep a fast acting antacid handy for occasional breakthrough heartburn when you first start using DGL. Most people notice a clear reduction in symptoms after 7 days of consistent use. Always check with your doctor before starting if you have high blood pressure.

8. Aloe Vera Juice

Most people know aloe vera for sunburn relief, but the same soothing properties work extremely well for heartburn. Pure, unflavoured aloe vera juice coats the oesophagus, reduces inflammation, and calms stomach irritation within just a few minutes of drinking it. This is one of the gentlest options on this entire list.

• Drink 2 tablespoons of pure juice only when symptoms start
• Always choose inner leaf juice, not whole leaf products
• Avoid versions with added sugar, flavouring or preservatives
• Do not drink more than 4 tablespoons per day

Aloe vera will not neutralise stomach acid, and it will not create a long lasting barrier like Gaviscon. What it will do is immediately calm the burning sensation and reduce the inflammation that makes heartburn feel so bad. Many people use it alongside other antacids for extra relief.

This is an especially good option for people who get heartburn from acid that has already burned the oesophagus lining. Even after the acid is gone, that inflammation can keep causing pain for hours, and aloe vera will calm that pain faster than almost any other product.

Be very careful when buying aloe vera juice. Most grocery store versions are mostly sugar water with a tiny amount of aloe added. Look for organic, cold pressed inner leaf juice that is 99% pure. A good quality bottle will cost around $15 and last for 2-3 months of occasional use.

9. Pepto Bismol

Pepto Bismol works very differently from Gaviscon, but it is an excellent alternative for heartburn that comes with an upset stomach, nausea or diarrhoea. The active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate coats the entire digestive tract, neutralises mild acid and calms irritation all at the same time.

Symptom	Pepto Bismol	Gaviscon
Heartburn only	Good	Excellent
Heartburn + nausea	Excellent	Poor
Heartburn + diarrhoea	Excellent	None

Relief starts within 5 minutes for most people, and lasts around 3 hours. The famous pink liquid has a very distinct taste that some people hate, but chewable tablets are now available that have almost no flavour at all. It is also very low cost and available at every grocery store and pharmacy.

You should not use Pepto Bismol if you are allergic to aspirin, if you are under 18 years old, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can also turn your tongue or stool black temporarily, which is completely harmless but can be alarming the first time it happens.

This is not the best option for regular everyday heartburn. But if your heartburn is part of a bigger stomach upset, or if you got burned from eating something very spicy or acidic, Pepto Bismol will work better than Gaviscon almost every single time.

10. Post Meal Posture Routine

This is the only option on this list that costs nothing, has zero side effects, and works better than almost any antacid for most people. Most heartburn after meals does not happen because you have too much acid. It happens because gravity is working against you, and stomach contents can splash up into your oesophagus. This routine will prevent 70% of post meal heartburn before it even starts.

1. Stay upright for 45 minutes after finishing eating
2. Do not slouch, lean back or lay down during this time
3. Avoid bending over or lifting heavy things
4. Take a slow 5 minute walk around the house if you can

Gaviscon works by creating a raft to hold stomach contents down. This routine uses gravity to do exactly the same thing, for free. Most people notice immediately that they don't need any antacid at all if they just follow these simple rules after big meals. This also works overnight — just prop the head of your bed up 4-6 inches on wooden blocks.

This is not a quick fix for heartburn that has already started. But it is the most effective long term solution you will ever find. Every single digestive health organisation recommends this as the first line treatment for acid reflux, before