Gaviscon Extra Strength Cherry, 60 Count Chewable Foamtabs Take after meals and at bedtime or as needed Chew 2-4 tablets four times a day as directed by a doctor For best results follow by a half glass of water or other liquid Do not swallow whole Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. Normally, when you swallow, a band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (your lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then the muscle tightens and contracts again. If your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn. Heartburn is a common condition that affects millions of people. A number of things can cause heartburn, like stress, spicy foods, acidic foods and beverages, over-eating, and foods with a high fat content. Gaviscon antacids are doctor-recommended and can keep stomach acids down for up to four hours, due to the foam barrier that forms in the presence of gastric acid.