Can Gaviscon Cause Black Stool?

Posted on Thu, 1 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I started. Taking Gaviscon about a month
For. Acid reflux i am still on it once a day
At night
The day after I started taking it
I am having black stools
Is that normal with gaviscon

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. This isn't from the Gaviscon

Detailed Answer:
Hello. PeptoBismol can cause black stools, but not Gaviscon.

Black stools imply an upper gastrointestinal bleed as with gastritis or a peptic ulcer.
With your reflux symptoms, you need upper endoscopy to check for either of those causes and the bleeding needs to be treated since you can get seriously anemic if it continues.

Please let me know if you need any more information

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad