Almagel is rightfully considered one of the popular antacid drugs, the indications for use of which are not limited only to relieving heartburn. It is widely used for gastritis, ulcers, duodenitis, esophagitis and other acid-related diseases. It has good enveloping and adsorbing properties.
The drug Almagel also has a variant spelling “Almagel”. This confusion is due to the fact that the name of the original is written in Latin letters “Almagel”.
Next, we will take a closer look at the instructions for use, find out what the drug helps with, what are the contraindications for use and the main analogues with a similar effect.
Composition and release form
Almagel is a combination product produced in the form of a gel that acts as a protective film on the gastric mucosa. Stimulates the flow of bile from the stomach and has a laxative effect on the body. Unlike other drugs, it does not disrupt the electrolytic balance in the gastrointestinal tract.
| Active substance | Algeldrate + Magnesium hydroxide |
| Compound | The composition of the drug includes:
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| Release form | Available in two main dosage forms:
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The suspension contains various components that give the drug certain additional properties.
- Almagel suspension (contains only the main components - aluminum and magnesium hydroxide gel);
- Almagel A suspension (together with the main components contains the painkiller benzocaine);
- Almagel Neo suspension (together with the main components contains the substance simethicone, which eliminates gases).
White suspension intended for oral administration. It has a specific lemon smell. During long-term storage, a transparent layer of liquid forms on the surface. Homogeneity is restored by vigorous shaking of the solution.
Yellow "Almagel"
The medicine with the trade name “Almagel A” contains aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, and also contains anesthesin. The uniqueness of this drug lies in its analgesic effect. The medicine perfectly relieves stomach pain. Like its predecessor, yellow “Almagel” (during exacerbation of gastritis or a chronic disease) protects the gastric mucosa from damage and reduces the intensity of hydrochloric acid secretion.
“Almagel” is used daily, 1-2 measuring containers for up to 4 approaches. The medicine should not be used for more than two weeks at a time. As soon as the disturbing symptoms decrease and the patient feels better, the instructions recommend replacing the yellow “Almagel” with a green drug.
pharmachologic effect
Almagel is a medicine that is a balanced combination of algeldrate (aluminum hydroxide) and magnesium hydroxide. It neutralizes free hydrochloric acid in the stomach, reduces the activity of pepsin, which leads to a decrease in the digestive activity of gastric juice. Has an enveloping, adsorbing effect.
In addition, Almagel is capable of providing a local anesthetic effect, which helps overcome the main symptom of gastrointestinal diseases - pain. The medicinal substance is also capable of taking part in the production of bile (accelerates and improves the excretion of bile). Almagel can be classified as a laxative medication due to the content of the D-sorbitol component.
The drug forms a protective film on the walls of the stomach, preventing the formation of carbon dioxide, which causes:
- feeling of heaviness in the epigastrium,
- increased gas formation,
- secondary hypersecretion.
The medication does not have mutagenic, embryotoxic or teratogenic effects.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Almagel is a non-absorbable drug. If the correct dosage regimen and duration of treatment are observed, it is practically not resorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and has a long-lasting, uniform effect without disturbing the electrolyte balance and without creating the risk of alkalosis or other metabolic disorders.
- Does not irritate the urinary system and, with prolonged use, does not cause alkalosis and the formation of stones in the urinary tract.
What it helps with: indications for use
Classic, Almagel Neo, Almagel A, what is the difference becomes clear after carefully examining the composition. First Almagel for heartburn and other dyspeptic disorders will be the best choice. The second one is more appropriate to prescribe for bloating, flatulence and before various studies. The third is for stomach pain, acute gastritis and other conditions.
The drug is recommended for use in the following diseases:
- acute gastritis with high acidity;
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (exacerbation period);
- esophagitis;
- enteritis, duodenitis;
- food poisoning;
- flatulence;
- hiatal hernia in the diaphragm;
- abdominal pain or discomfort after excessive intake of nicotine, coffee, alcohol, taking various medications, or dietary disorders.
The drug "Almagel" in the treatment of gastritis
More than half of patients suffering from inflammation of the gastric walls experience increased acidity. This condition in itself causes considerable discomfort, adding new symptoms to gastritis. To feel good, patients are forced to take acid-lowering drugs in these situations. One of these is the drug “Almagel”.
For gastritis, this remedy is prescribed for several reasons:
- the drug has several varieties, one of which is sure to suit the patient;
- the active ingredients are not absorbed into the bloodstream, but act only in the stomach;
- the components of the drug allow you to avoid the “ricochet” syndrome, when after the end of its action all the symptoms arise with renewed vigor;
- the medicine protects, envelops the walls of the stomach, promotes healing of damaged areas;
- Some forms of the medication are approved for use during pregnancy and for young children.
Despite the fact that in many cases Almagel is used for gastritis, it should not be used independently. Listening to positive reviews, patients sometimes begin to use it without a doctor’s prescription, which worsens the nature of the disease. You need to know for sure that you have high acidity in your stomach. You should also choose a specific type of medication that is suitable for the patient. All types of “Almagel” are used for diseases such as:
- ulcer of the stomach or other parts of the digestive tract;
- acute or chronic gastritis;
- diaphragmatic hernia;
- reflux;
- enteritis.
Instructions for use for adults
Due to the obvious color differences between the packages, they are often called by color: Almagel green - classic. Almagel yellow - with anesthetic. Almagel red (orange) – with simethicone.
It is necessary to take the prescribed dose of the drug strictly 15 minutes before meals. The contents of the medication must be thoroughly shaken well each time before use to achieve uniform distribution of the active substance. Once the dose of Almagel is taken, it is prohibited to take any liquid for another quarter of an hour.
If you want to achieve an antacid effect from using the drug, which means eliminating the symptoms of heartburn, you should drink the selected dosage of the active component 45 minutes after eating and an hour before going to bed.
The instructions for use of Almagel indicate that for the purpose of prevention, the product should be taken in 5-10 ml or 1-2 tablets before a possible irritant effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa occurs.
How to take Almagel for adults?
According to the instructions for use, Almagel is prescribed to adults 1-2 teaspoons; if the effect is insufficient, the single dose is increased to 3 teaspoons.
The maximum daily dose of the drug should not exceed 16 teaspoons.
Tablets (Almagel T) are prescribed up to 6 times a day, 1-2 pieces. Negative symptoms stop after 30-60 minutes when taking the medication on an empty stomach. The duration of treatment is 10-15 days.
- To make the drug more effective, the tablets must be chewed thoroughly or held in the mouth under the tongue for a while until Almagel is completely dissolved.
- The gel or suspension must be homogenized before use by shaking the bottle or thoroughly kneading the package between your fingers.
Almagel instructions for children over 10 years old
Children under 10 years of age are prescribed 1/3 of the adult dose, and from 10 to 15 years of age - 1/2 of the adult dose. Almagel should be taken 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals and before bedtime.
The course of treatment with this drug lasts about 14 days.
How to use Almagel Neo?
Almagel Neo (in orange packaging) has an orange flavor and is available in the form of a suspension. It is recommended to drink it 3-4 times a day, 2 scoops, an hour after meals and before bed. If ineffective, the dosage can be doubled, but you should not drink more than 12 tablespoons of the medicine per day. For children over 10 years of age, the dose should be halved.
One of the main differences between Almagel Neo is that it is recommended to drink it after meals, and not before, like other products in this series. If this rule is not followed, the effectiveness may be reduced.
We recommend that you read: How to take De-nol correctly?
Contraindications
All variants of Almagel have both general contraindications for use and their own individual ones, characteristic of the specific form of the drug.
| Form | Contraindications for use |
| Green and yellow Almagel A |
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| Neo |
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| Pills |
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The drug should be taken with caution by the following group of people:
- women during lactation;
- people suffering from long-term constipation;
- patients with ulcerative colitis;
- patients with chronic diarrhea;
- patients with pain of unknown etiology.
What is better: “Almagel” or “Maalox” for gastritis?
Often patients have this very question. It would seem that the drugs are absolutely identical. Then what's the difference? To choose the best product, let's compare them.
- The medicine "Almagel" is available in the form of a suspension; tablets cannot be used for a long time. The drug "Maalox" has different forms of production: sachets, suspension, chewable lozenges. For this reason, it is more convenient to use.
- The active ingredients of the drugs are the same, but Maalox is more expensive than Almagel. The price of the latter is approximately two times lower.
- Practice shows that the consequences of using drugs in the form of constipation with Almagel occur more often. This makes the drug “Maalox” safer in the eyes of consumers.
- The advantage of the drug "Almagel" is its diversity of choice. Depending on the symptoms of the disease, you can choose a specific medicine for yourself.
What to choose - “Maalox” or “Almagel” - everyone decides for themselves. But do not forget to consult your doctor first.
Interaction with other drugs
When used simultaneously, Almagel can reduce the therapeutic effect:
- tetracycline antibiotics,
- histamine H2 receptor blockers,
- digitalis glycosides
- iron salts,
- ciprofloxacin,
- phenothiazines,
- isoniazid,
- beta blockers,
- indomethacin and ketoconazole.
The interval between taking Almagel and other medications should be 1-2 hours.
Use during pregnancy
During pregnancy, expectant mothers are under no circumstances prohibited from using all therapeutic forms of Almagel in order to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis and other gastrointestinal pathologies. It is allowed to take it in traditional doses that are prescribed for an adult. But there is only one condition - apply no more than 3 times a day.
This pharmaceutical product is not prohibited from being used for treatment of stomach pain, heartburn, after overeating and abuse of unhealthy foods. In this regard, it should be said that taking a maximum of three spoons per day will be quite enough. If discomfort occurs once in the epigastric zone, it is recommended to take the suspension. In general, for chronic diseases of the intestinal tract, you should first consult with your doctor. This will help avoid worsening problems in the future.
During lactation, Almagel NEO and tablets may only be used (!) with the permission of a doctor. If the predicted benefits of taking it are higher than the potential danger, most likely it will not be banned.
There are no studies on the effects of these pharmaceutical forms on the embryo; therefore, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is extremely undesirable.
Almagel is the safest, relatively cheap and highly effective product used for catarrh and other pathologies of the intestinal tract. It is designed to eliminate pain, burning, flatulence and other antipathetic symptoms quickly and thoroughly. Like any medicine, it must be used after examination and approval of the conclusion on the state of health.
