When symptoms such as heartburn, stomach pain, belching and other signs of gastrointestinal dysfunction occur, many people take antacids without prescription on their own. Antacids, neutralizing hydrochloric acid of gastric juice, are also often prescribed in acid-dependent diseases of the digestive system (chronic duodenitis, gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, etc.). One of the most common drugs in this group is Almagel and Maalox, which we will try to compare in this article.
Composition and pharmacological action of Almagel and Maalox preparations
Both Almagel and Maalox are available in two dosage forms: an oral suspension and chewable tablets. The main active substances in both preparations are two ingredients:
- Aluminum hydroxide - helps to reduce the acidity of the stomach , interacting with hydrochloric acid in the lumen of the stomach, and also helps to reduce gastric secretion of the enzyme pepsin, reducing the aggressiveness of gastric juice.
- Magnesium hydroxide - also enters into the reaction of neutralization of hydrochloric acid, providing alkalinizing effect.
Magnesium hydroxide acts quickly (after a few minutes), aluminum hydroxide - more slowly, but continuously (for 2 - 3 hours). At the same time, magnesium hydroxide has a relaxing effect, and aluminum hydroxide is a fixative. In addition, these substances have enveloping properties, bind bile acids and lysolecithin, adversely affecting the gastric mucosa.
The list of auxiliary components in medicines is somewhat different. So, Almagel contains such additional substances:
1. Suspension:
- sorbitol;
- hyethellosis;
- butyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- methylparahydroxybenzoate;
- propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- sodium saccharinate dihydrate;
- lemon oil;
- ethanol;
- water prepared.
2. Tablets:
- sorbitol;
- mannitol;
- microcrystalline cellulose;
- magnesium stearate.
The auxiliaries in Maalox are as follows:
1. Suspension:
- hydrochloric acid;
- citric acid monohydrate;
- oil of peppermint leaves;
- mannitol, methylparahydroxybenzoate;
- propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- sorbitol, sodium saccharinate;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- water prepared.
2. Tablets:
- sorbitol;
- mannitol;
- saccharin sodium;
- mint flavor;
- magnesium stearate;
- sugar;
- starch;
- sucrose.
Contraindications Almagel and Maalox
The drugs have both general indications and similar contraindications, the main of which are:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the agent;
- significant violations of kidney function;
- Alzheimer's disease ;
- hypophosphatemia.
With caution, Almagel and Maalox are used in pregnancy and lactation.
The main difference between Almagel and Maalox
The main difference between these drugs is that they contain the active ingredients in different proportions. So, in Almagel the ratio of aluminum-magnesium compounds is 3: 1, in Maalox, the same amount of these substances.
As a consequence, the following features of drugs with respect to their effects on the body (when taking standard doses) can be noted:
- Maalox operates almost twice as fast and longer than Almagel.
- Almagel helps slow down intestinal motility.
Therefore, when choosing which is better, Almagel or Maalox, in each specific case it is necessary to consider these moments. And, of course, it is necessary to pay attention to the list of auxiliary substances, to take into account possible reactions when they get into the body.