"Maalox" or "Almagel": the composition of the preparations, purpose, pros and cons of use

People who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract often wonder which antacid is better - Almagel or Maalox. Each medication has certain features, depending on which one should choose one or another medicine.

Both drugs relate to antacids, which affect the production of gastric juice. In addition, by their medicinal properties they are considered gastroprotectors. But they are slightly different from each other according to indications and have a different number of active components.

Almagel

The structure of this drug includes two active substances - aluminum and magnesium hydroxides. The main pharmacological property of Almagel is the elimination of the irritating effect of hydrochloric acid on the gastric mucosa. With the help of which acidity is reduced, which without neutralization leads to the appearance of heartburn and subsequently to ulcerative lesions of the stomach, as well as reflux esophagitis and other severe lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.

A medication, as a rule, is considered a gastroprotective agent, as it has an enveloping effect and creates a protective barrier on the surface of the mucous membrane. With the help of which, carbon dioxide ceases to be produced in the stomach, which stops the occurrence of increased gas formation.

Almagel is produced as a suspension in bottles of 170 milliliters in Bulgaria. This drug has several species with the inclusion of other substances that have an additional effect.

Maalox

The structure of this medication also includes magnesium hydroxide and aluminum algeldrate. The drug is an effective antacid and has a gastroprotective effect. It protects the human body from toxins during intoxication and restores digestive functions.

The medicine is released in France in the form of a suspension and chewable tablets. The drug in liquid form is packaged in disposable bags of 15 milliliters or bottles with a volume of 250 ml. Tablets are made in blisters, 20 and 40 pieces per pack.

What is the difference between Almagel and Maalox? Read on.

Description

General characteristics of these medicines:

1. They can regulate the acidity of the stomach.
2. They have an enveloping effect.
3. Improve digestive processes.
4. Eliminate dyspeptic reactions in the intestine.
5. They act as gastrocytoprotectors.

The main differences between the means are as follows:

1. With the same composition, the content of substances varies.
2. Due to its high concentration of aluminum, Almagel can lower intestinal motility, which can lead to intestinal obstruction.
3. "Almagel" is used according to the annotation to eliminate pathological processes in the stomach and intestines, and "Maalox" is not used for these purposes.
4. It is established that the impact of "Maalox" occurs faster and lasts a longer time.

Indications for use

The main indications for the use of these drugs are:

1. Gastric ulcer (a defect in the gastric mucosa that occurs under the influence of hydrochloric acid).
2. Duodenal ulcer.
3. Hyperacid gastritis (damage to the gastric mucosa, which is caused and accompanied by increased production of hydrochloric acid).
4. Gastroduodenitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the duodenum and pyloric zone of the stomach).
5. Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus, which is accompanied by damage to its mucous membrane).
6. Pancreatitis (damage to the pancreas).
7. Lesions of the esophagus, including a hiatal hernia.
8. Neutralization of the irritating effect of hydrochloric acid on the mucous membrane of the digestive system.
9. Discomfort and pain in the abdomen when diet is not followed, after drinking alcohol, as well as fatty, spicy and salty foods.

Which is better - Almagel or Maalox? According to patients' reviews, it is known that both drugs have similar actions, they effectively cope with a source that provokes diseases of the stomach.

How to take medicine?

To use "Almagel", you need to use a measuring spoon. A single dose should not exceed two tablespoons. The effect of the drug begins 5-7 minutes after oral administration and lasts 1-2 hours.

Knead “Maalox” in bags before use and warm in hands. A day you need to take no more than 6 packets or 90 milliliters of suspension.

The number of tablets should not exceed 12 pieces per day. With occasional use, the optimal dosage for an adult patient is 2 tablets. The medication begins to act in a few minutes and lasts 2-3 hours.

Side effects

Negative reactions that may occur with the use of Almagel:

1. Allergy.
2. Nausea.
3. Gastric colic (a symptom that can occur with various diseases and represents cramping abdominal pain associated with intense contraction of the intestinal wall).
4. Cramping.
5. Change in color of feces.
6. Osteoporosis (a disease in which bone density deteriorates, with the occurrence of its fragility and tendency to fractures).

Side effects when taking "Maalox":

1. Dyspeptic symptoms in the intestine.
2. Quincke's edema (reaction to the influence of various biological or chemical factors, in most cases has an allergic origin).
3. Osteomalacia (a systemic lesion characterized by insufficient bone mineralization).
4. Excessive accumulation of aluminum and magnesium salts in the body.
5. Hypercalciuria (high calcium in urine).

Contraindications

You can not use "Maalox" in case of impaired renal function. Almagel is not taken for acute and chronic kidney damage.

In addition, both medicines are not used in the following cases:

1. Childhood. "Maalox" is allowed to be used only from 15 years old, and "Almagel" can be used from 10 years old.
2. With elevated blood sugar.
3. Glucose intolerance.

Almagel should be used cautiously for people who are prone to constipation, as well as chronic diarrhea and hemorrhoids.

Which is better - "Almagel" or "Maalox"

Since both medicines have the same pharmacological actions, doctors believe that there are no special differences between them, the difference is insignificant.

Therefore, they can be used successfully as antacids and gastroprotectors, given contraindications for use. In an "interesting situation" it is better for a woman not to use any of these drugs, since there is no reliable information regarding their use during this period of life.

Which is better - "Almagel", "Maalox" or "Gaviscon"? It all depends on the presence of restrictions on the use, as well as the purpose of therapy. The first drug in most cases is prescribed for exacerbation of gastritis with increased acidity of gastric juice. "Maalox" is recommended for use in both acute and chronic form.

With a tendency to intestinal obstruction and impaired stool, it is best to opt for “Maalox”, since with treatment they are less likely to have constipation and obstruction. Otherwise, both drugs are the same. The cost of Almagel is from 180 to 400 rubles, and the second drug is from 150 to 900 rubles.

Which is better - Almagel, Maalox or Phosphalugel? A medicine that lowers the acidity of gastric juice has enveloping and adsorbing properties. In the process of using the drug, all recommendations contained in its annotation must be followed.

The medication is characterized by normal compatibility with other drugs. It is necessary to observe the time interval of at least two hours between the use of "Phosphalugel" and drugs of other groups. The drug as a whole is no different from the above antacids, has the same pharmacological actions.

Which is better - "Maalox" or "Almagel"? It is difficult to answer this question, since they have a similar effect. This largely depends on the characteristics of the body and the severity of the disease. Reviews about the use of these drugs are also very different, but, as a rule, indicate their positive effect.