The Mode of Action and Complications of Infant Gaviscon

Because impacted gastric masses have occurred in infants taking feeds mixed with Infant Gaviscon, in vitro experiments were performed. Varying concentrations of Infant Gaviscon were added to several infant feeds. Hydrochloric acid was added, under pH control, with and without pepsin, to simulate in vivo conditions. The main changes were the formation of lumps which increased in size and number with increasing acidity, followed by a sudden marked increase in thickness at a critical pH. It has been generally assumed that Infant Gaviscon acts in infants in a similar way to Gaviscon in adults (by producing a viscous protective and neutralizing raft which floats on the gastric contents) but this is unlikely as the compounds are taken in different ways. These experiments suggest that Infant Gaviscon acts mainly by producing thickening of the feeding, and the changes observed in vitro appear to explain the occasional formation of aggregated masses.