The Benefits of Drinking Andrews for Digestive Relief

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

First sold over a century ago in 1894, Andrews Liver Salts remains a reliable remedy for common digestive discomforts. These effervescent salts offer a fast and effective way to address symptoms such as indigestion, constipation, and general stomach upsets.

Quick Summary

Andrews Liver Salts is a trusted, dual-action effervescent powder for rapid digestive relief. It functions as both an antacid and a laxative to alleviate indigestion, heartburn, excess acid, and constipation.

Key Points

Dual-Action Relief: Andrews functions as both a fast-acting antacid and a mild laxative for comprehensive digestive comfort.
Fast-Acting Formula: The effervescent powder ensures quick dissolution and rapid relief from symptoms like indigestion and heartburn.
Alleviates Indigestion: Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes excess stomach acid to soothe burning sensations and discomfort.
Eases Constipation: Magnesium sulphate draws water into the intestines, softening stools and promoting bowel regularity.
Treats Over-Indulgence: The salts help settle an upset stomach and alleviate the symptoms of overeating or drinking.
Not for Daily Use: Due to high sodium content and potential dependency, Andrews should only be used for short-term, occasional relief.

What is Andrews and How Does It Work?

Andrews Liver Salts, an effervescent powder mixed with water, functions as a dual-action medication for digestive health. It is comprised of three key active ingredients that work synergistically to provide relief.

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (Baking Soda): This is the primary antacid component. It works by neutralizing excess stomach acid, which helps to alleviate the painful, burning sensations associated with indigestion and heartburn.
Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salts): This ingredient acts as a laxative. It is not easily absorbed by the intestine, so it draws water into the bowel, softening stools and promoting bowel movement to relieve constipation.
Citric Acid: When mixed with the sodium hydrogen carbonate and water, citric acid creates the fizzing, effervescent reaction. This process helps the active ingredients dissolve quickly, ensuring rapid absorption and faster relief.

The Primary Benefits of Drinking Andrews

Fast-Acting Indigestion and Heartburn Relief

One of the most immediate benefits of Andrews is its ability to provide quick relief from indigestion and heartburn. The fizzing mixture delivers the antacid, sodium bicarbonate, directly to the stomach, where it works almost instantly to neutralize excess acid. This neutralising effect calms the stomach and reduces the discomfort caused by acidic food and drink.

Effective Relief from Constipation

For those suffering from constipation, Andrews offers a reliable laxative effect. The magnesium sulphate draws water into the intestines, which softens the stool and stimulates bowel movements. For constipation, following specific usage instructions is important for optimal effect.

Alleviating Symptoms of Over-Indulgence

Whether from a heavy meal or a late night out, over-indulgence can leave you with a bloated, upset stomach. Andrews is a traditional remedy for soothing the symptoms of over-indulgence, which often include excess acid, bloating, and nausea. The combination of antacid and laxative properties helps to settle the stomach and flush out the system.

Understanding Usage and Precautions

Following the usage instructions is critical for achieving the intended benefits and avoiding unwanted side effects, primarily diarrhoea from excessive laxative effect. It is important to use Andrews for occasional, short-term relief rather than as a long-term solution.

Andrews vs. Other Digestive Aids: A Comparison Table


Feature	Andrews Liver Salts	Milk of Magnesia	Gaviscon	Rennie
Primary Action	Antacid and laxative	Antacid and laxative	Forms protective barrier against acid reflux	Antacid only
Key Ingredients	Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Sulphate	Magnesium Hydroxide	Sodium Alginate, Calcium Carbonate	Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate
Onset of Action	Fast, due to effervescence	Can vary, but generally works quickly	Immediate, forms protective layer	Fast, chewable tablets
Main Use Case	Indigestion, heartburn, constipation, over-indulgence	Indigestion, heartburn, constipation	Heartburn, acid reflux	Indigestion, heartburn
Format	Effervescent powder	Liquid	Liquid and chewable tablets	Chewable tablets
Long-Term Use	Not recommended due to high sodium and potential dependency	Not recommended due to laxative effects	Can be used long-term under medical supervision	Suitable for occasional and chronic use

Who Should Avoid Drinking Andrews?

While generally safe for occasional use, Andrews is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain health conditions should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. This is particularly important for:

People on a controlled sodium diet, as Andrews has a high sodium content.
Individuals with high blood pressure, heart, or kidney disease.
Pregnant women.
Those taking prescribed medications, as the ingredients could affect absorption.

Conclusion: A Reliable Aid for Occasional Discomfort

For over a century, Andrews Liver Salts has been a trusted, fast-acting remedy for a range of digestive complaints, including indigestion, constipation, and over-indulgence. Its dual-action formula, combining antacid and laxative properties, offers comprehensive relief in a convenient effervescent form. However, its use should be occasional, and caution is advised for individuals with certain health conditions due to its high sodium content. As with any medication, always follow the usage instructions and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or you have any underlying health concerns. For further details on the specific ingredients and usage, it is always best to consult the patient information leaflet, which is available on sites like Chemist Direct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks to its effervescent formula, Andrews Liver Salts can begin to act within seconds of consumption, providing rapid relief for indigestion and excess acid.

While Andrews can help with the upset stomach and excess acid associated with over-indulgence, there is no strong scientific evidence that it is a cure for all hangover symptoms.

Andrews Liver Salts are suitable for children over the age of 3, but usage instructions should be followed carefully. It is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.

For constipation, follow the specific usage instructions provided on the packaging or by a healthcare professional. It is often recommended to be taken before breakfast or at bedtime.

Side effects from occasional use are typically mild, such as diarrhoea if too much is taken. However, prolonged or frequent use, especially in individuals with kidney problems, can lead to serious issues like electrolyte imbalances.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor or pharmacist before using Andrews Liver Salts to ensure it is safe for them.

If your symptoms persist, you should stop using Andrews and consult a doctor. Persistent digestive issues may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.