Gaviscon in Spain: Which Antacid Should You Choose?
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 31 October 2026
Gaviscon in Spain is sold without a prescription. How it differs from Almax, Rennie and omeprazole, use in pregnancy, and when heartburn needs a doctor.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Yes, you can buy Gaviscon in Spain without a prescription. Spanish pharmacies sell Gaviscon and Gaviscon Forte as chewable tablets and liquid sachets. Gaviscon is an alginate with an antacid: it forms a protective layer and neutralises acid. Almax and Rennie are plain antacids. Gaviscon and Almax are for adults and children over 12.
- Gaviscon, Gaviscon Forte, Almax and Rennie are all sold without a prescription in Spain.
- Spanish Gaviscon contains sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. UK versions can differ.
- Antacids ease heartburn for a short time. They do not cure the cause.
- Keep antacids apart from other medicines, and check first if you have kidney or heart problems or eat a low-salt diet.
- Heartburn most days, trouble swallowing or weight loss needs a doctor. Crushing chest pain needs 112.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
What is Gaviscon and how does it work?
Gaviscon treats heartburn and acid reflux. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the middle of the chest. You may also notice a sour taste in your mouth. It is often worse after eating, when lying down or when bending over.
The Spanish Gaviscon products contain three ingredients:
- Sodium alginate (alginato de sodio). It forms a protective layer that helps keep acid from coming back up into the gullet.
- Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. These neutralise extra acid in the stomach.
The NHS says antacids and alginates help in the short term, but they do not cure the problem.
Which Gaviscon products are sold in Spain?
These are the Gaviscon products listed on CIMA, the Spanish medicines register run by AEMPS. Not every one is on the shelf at every pharmacy.
| Product | Form | Prescription in Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Gaviscon | Chewable tablets (mint or strawberry), liquid in sachets (mint) | No |
| Gaviscon Forte | Chewable tablets, liquid in sachets (plain or forest fruit) | No |
If you used Gaviscon in the UK, the box in Spain may not match. Several UK versions exist, and the ingredients differ between them. Gaviscon Advance does not appear on the Spanish register. Check the ingredient list (composición) and ask the pharmacist if you are unsure.
Gaviscon, Almax or Rennie: which antacid should I choose?
There is no single best antacid. They work in slightly different ways and have different side effects.
| Name in Spain | What it contains | Points to know |
|---|---|---|
| Gaviscon, Gaviscon Forte | Alginate with sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate | Contains sodium and calcium. Not with large amounts of milk or dairy. |
| Almax, Almax Forte | Almagate (aluminium and magnesium) | Not in severe kidney disease. No UK or US version. |
| Rennie | Calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate | Same brand as in the UK. |
| Omeprazole | A proton pump inhibitor that lowers acid production | For frequent heartburn. Not an antacid. |
MedlinePlus explains a useful rule. Antacids with magnesium can cause diarrhoea. Those with calcium or aluminium can cause constipation. The NHS adds that some antacids are high in sodium. That matters if you have high blood pressure or need a low-salt diet.
If you need something most days, an antacid is probably not the right tool. Read our omeprazole guide and our Almax guide.
Do you need a prescription for antacids in Spain?
No. Every Gaviscon, Almax and Rennie product we checked on CIMA is listed as sin receta. In Spain medicines are sold in pharmacies, not supermarkets. At night, look for the farmacia de guardia, the duty pharmacy.
Heartburn that keeps coming back, or antacids you need most days?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish. He looks at the pattern of your symptoms and tells you what the next step should be.
How do you take antacids safely?
- Follow the leaflet or the pharmacist. The NHS says most people take them with or soon after meals, and before bed.
- Keep them apart from other medicines. The Gaviscon leaflet says to separate other medicines by one to two hours. After Gaviscon, wait two hours before another medicine by mouth. The NHS says to leave 2 to 4 hours.
- This matters most for some antibiotics, thyroid tablets (levothyroxine), digoxin, beta blockers and iron.
- Do not take Gaviscon with large amounts of milk or dairy products. It adds calcium.
- The Gaviscon leaflet says to see a doctor if you are worse, or no better, after 7 days.
Who should check before taking antacids?
- Children under 12. The Spanish Gaviscon and Almax leaflets do not recommend them at that age. For a young child with heartburn or tummy pain, ask a doctor.
- Kidney problems. The Gaviscon leaflet says not to take it with severe kidney failure or kidney stones.
- Heart failure or liver disease. The NHS says some antacids may not be safe.
- A low-salt diet. Gaviscon contains sodium.
- Regular medicines. Ask the pharmacist how to space them.
Can you take Gaviscon when pregnant?
Heartburn is common in pregnancy, especially later on. The Spanish leaflet says Gaviscon can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. You should follow the instructions and not use it for a long time. The NHS says some antacids are not suitable, so always tell the pharmacist you are pregnant.
- Do not take antacids within 2 hours of iron or folic acid. They can stop them being absorbed.
- Small, frequent meals and not eating late in the evening often help.
See a doctor today, without waiting, if heartburn does not go away with heartburn medicines, or you have pain below the ribs, a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. The NHS lists each of these as a possible sign of pre-eclampsia. In Spain, go to the maternity emergency unit (urgencias de maternidad). Our pregnancy care page explains what a video visit can and cannot cover.
When is heartburn a reason to see a doctor?
Most heartburn is harmless. The NHS advises seeing a GP if:
- You have heartburn most days, or pharmacy medicines are not helping.
- Food sticks when you swallow.
- You keep being sick.
- You lose weight without trying.
- You have iron deficiency anaemia.
- You feel a lump in your stomach.
Call 112 if you have chest pain that feels crushing or squeezing, or pain spreading to your arm, neck or jaw. Also call if you have severe difficulty breathing, or pale, blue or grey lips or skin. The NHS warns that a heart attack can feel like indigestion. Call 112 too if you vomit blood or pass black poo and feel faint, dizzy or unwell.
Talking it through with a doctor by video
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults, children and pregnant patients by video, every day from 07:30 to 20:30 (Spain time). In the visit he will:
- Ask how often you get heartburn, what sets it off and what you have tried.
- Check for warning signs that need tests or an in-person exam.
- Review your regular medicines and how to space them with an antacid.
- Explain whether an antacid, an alginate or an acid reducer fits your case.
He does not promise any test or prescription before the visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works. It lasts 15 minutes and costs €50.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Gaviscon in Spain without a prescription?
Yes. Every Gaviscon and Gaviscon Forte product on the Spanish medicines register (CIMA) is listed as sin receta. You ask for it at the pharmacy counter.
Is Spanish Gaviscon the same as UK Gaviscon?
Not always. Spanish Gaviscon and Gaviscon Forte contain sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. UK versions vary, and Gaviscon Advance does not appear on the Spanish register. Compare the ingredients on the box.
Which is better, Gaviscon or Almax?
Neither is better for everyone. Gaviscon adds an alginate that forms a protective layer against reflux. Almax is a plain antacid with aluminium and magnesium. A pharmacist can help you choose based on your health and other medicines.
Can I take Gaviscon while pregnant?
The Spanish leaflet says it can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding if you follow the instructions and do not use it for long. Tell the pharmacist you are pregnant, and keep it two hours apart from iron or folic acid.
Can children take Gaviscon?
The Spanish leaflets do not recommend Gaviscon or Almax for children under 12. For a younger child with heartburn or tummy pain, ask a doctor.
When is heartburn an emergency?
Call 112 for crushing or squeezing chest pain, pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw, or severe difficulty breathing. Also call 112 if you vomit blood or pass black poo and feel faint, dizzy or unwell.
Sources
- AEMPS CIMA: Gaviscon Forte sachets package leaflet
- NHS: Antacids
- NHS: Heartburn and acid reflux
- NHS: Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy
- NHS: Indigestion
- NHS: Pre-eclampsia
- NHS: Heart attack
- MedlinePlus: Taking antacids
Related guides
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
