To relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, doctors often prescribe drugs such as Almagel or Maalox. They relieve heartburn, abdominal pain, and normalize stomach acidity. Before choosing medications, you need to compare them.
To relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, doctors often prescribe drugs such as Almagel or Maalox.
General characteristics
Almagel and Maalox are gastroprotectors. They are presented in the form of tablets and suspensions. Contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Thanks to the action of the drugs, the negative effects of hydrochloric acid are reduced.
How they affect the body
Almagel helps to get rid of the irritating effect that occurs when hydrochloric acid enters the gastric mucosa and reduce overall acidity. As a result, the occurrence of heartburn, ulcers and other pathologies of the digestive organs is prevented.
The medicine has an enveloping effect, therefore reducing the likelihood of increased gas formation.
Maalox helps fight diseases of the esophagus - reflux esophagitis and effectively removes toxins from the body.
The drugs have the same effect on the body:
- stabilize the functions of the digestive organs;
- improve digestion;
- exhibit enveloping properties;
- regulate stomach acidity;
- do not allow dyspeptic symptoms to develop.
Almagel should not be taken if you have kidney failure.
Difference between medications
Medicines differ in composition. Almagel contains hyaetellose and lemon oil, and Maalox contains hydrochloric acid and peppermint oil. They differ in the concentration of the main component - Almagel contains more aluminum hydroxide. This remedy is prohibited for renal failure, and Maalox is prohibited for liver disease. The first drug is produced in France, the second in Bulgaria.
Which is better - Almagel or Maalox
When choosing a medication, the doctor takes into account the type of disease and contraindications. Experts recommend Almagel if gastritis has worsened and acidity has increased, as well as for flatulence. Maalox is best used for constipation and frequent bowel movements.
Difference between medications
When choosing which is better: Maalox or Almagel, you should compare their composition. The active ingredients in Almagel - alhydrate and magnesium hydroxide - are contained in a ratio of three to one, and in Maalox the same substances are contained in a ratio of one to one.
This difference is important because algedrate can reduce intestinal motility, and magnesium hydroxide can increase it.
Based on this, Maalox has no effect on the level of intestinal motility, and Almagel can cause constipation and intestinal obstruction. This side effect is especially observed with long-term use, as well as in the elderly and those prone to constipation.
According to reviews, the taste of Almagel is somewhat sweeter than that of Maalox. Comparing the price of drugs is complicated by the fact that they are available in different dosage forms and volumes. An approximate comparison of the same number of drugs shows only a slight difference in cost.
General characteristics
Comparison of medicines should be carried out not only by their composition and cost, but also by their effect on the body, which is manifested in the presence of certain adverse reactions, contraindications and indications. Only a gastroenterologist can take them into account individually for each case.
Indications for use
Indications for use of Almagel:
- gastritis;
- duodenogastric reflux;
- hiatal hernia;
- exacerbation of stomach and duodenal ulcers;
- colitis, enteritis, duodenitis;
- pancreatitis;
- pain and heartburn in the epigastrium.
Maalox is prescribed for the following diseases:
- sour belching, heartburn;
- reflux esophagitis;
- gastroduodenitis.
Maalox is recommended for the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Maalox
Suspension and tablets based on magnesium hydroxide paste and algedrate in equal proportions. Maalox is sold in 15 ml sachets, 250 ml bottles and in tablet form with 20 and 40 tablets per package. Efficiency develops within the same time frame as that of Almagel.
Indications for use
It is used to treat heartburn, as well as acid regurgitation in children over 15 years of age and adults.
Contraindications
Treatment with Maalox is prohibited in case of severe renal failure, hypersensitivity to magnesium and aluminum compounds. Other contraindications are similar to those for Almagel.
Adverse reactions
With a diet poor in microelements, osteomalacia and osteoporosis, a decrease in phosphate in the body and hypercalciuria may develop during treatment.
Possible disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, angioedema, skin rashes, itching, urticaria. Excessive concentrations of magnesium and aluminum may be found in the blood.
Before starting to use Maalox, you should contact a gastroenterologist, who will prescribe a suitable dosage regimen and take into account the drug’s compatibility with other medications or existing contraindications.
special instructions
Almagel is not recommended for patients with diarrhea, ileostomy, colostomy, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, constipation, liver cirrhosis, acute hemorrhoids. The medicine does not contain sugar, so it is approved for diabetes. Maalox often provokes constipation, and as a result of an overdose, intestinal motility is weakened.
Pregnancy and lactation
Almagel is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy and lactation, but if necessary, it is taken under the supervision of a doctor and for no longer than 6 days. Maalox is prohibited for pregnant women, but can be used during breastfeeding.
Childhood
Almagel is prohibited for up to 10 years, Maalox for up to 15 years.
Elderly age
Taking Maalox in high dosages by older people causes obstruction and intestinal obstruction. Almagel is safe for older people.
Almagel
Suspensions based on algedrate and magnesium hydroxide paste in a ratio of 3:1, respectively. Sold in 10 ml sachets or 170 ml bottles with a dosing spoon. The effect of the drug develops quite quickly - within fifteen minutes after use.
Indications
It is used for esophagitis, hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, acute and chronic gastritis. Indicated for gastroduodenitis, peptic ulcer of the intestines and stomach, as well as post-resection gastritis. For pancreatitis, it is used to improve the effectiveness of enzymatic preparations.
As a prophylactic agent, it is used simultaneously during treatment with corticosteroids, non-steroidal painkillers and other drugs that have a detrimental effect on the gastric mucosa.
Contraindications
The use of Almagel is prohibited for:
- constipation;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- severe pain without an identified cause;
- acute appendicitis;
- ulcerative colitis;
- chronic diarrhea, hemorrhoids;
- renal failure;
- lactation;
- hypophosphatemia.
Before use, consult a doctor who will take into account possible contraindications and, if necessary, adjust the dosage.
Side effects
When treated with Almagel, the following undesirable reactions may develop:
- change in color of stool, nausea, constipation, stomach cramps;
- renal dysfunction;
- allergic reactions - local and systemic;
- osteomalacia and osteoporosis;
- change in taste sensations.
If adverse reactions are detected, you should contact your doctor, who will change the dosage or discontinue the drug.
Reviews
Svetlana, 35 years old, Moscow: “I was on a diet for a long time, which led to the development of gastritis. At first the doctor prescribed Almagel, but after 2 days an unpleasant burning sensation appeared in the stomach. Then the doctor recommended Maalox. This remedy worked well, the pain went away in 1 day.”
Dmitry, 48 years old, St. Petersburg: “I have high stomach acidity, which I have been suffering from for several years. In the last 2 months, severe heartburn and other unpleasant symptoms began to plague me. The doctor prescribed Almagel. I took it 1 scoop 2 times a day. After a week, the pain went away and the stool returned to normal. There were no adverse reactions.”
What to choose between Maalox and Almagel?
The choice of Almagel or Maalox depends on the presence of contraindications, as well as the purpose of treatment. Almagel is often recommended for exacerbation of gastritis with high acidity of gastric juice. Maalox can be used for both acute and chronic forms.
If you have a tendency to constipation and stool disorders, it is better to choose Maalox, since when treated with it, the likelihood of constipation and obstruction is less. Otherwise, both drugs are identical; their price comparison is also inappropriate.
If there is renal dysfunction or a disorder of bone metabolism with the threat of osteomalacia and osteoporosis, it is strictly prohibited to take medications on your own without first consulting and receiving an individually selected treatment regimen.
Doctor's recommendations
“Both Maalox and Almagel are worthy representatives of antacids. Colleagues usually prescribe one that has already been tested in the treatment of certain pathologies and has shown itself to work well. I often prescribe Almagel to young patients, and Maalox to older patients, since this group of patients is more at risk of adverse reactions. Otherwise, I think it is inappropriate to compare such similar medications - the decision must be made after studying the anamnesis in detail.”
Vergun I.N., gastroenterologist-hepatologist, Moscow
Side effect
If Maalox is taken strictly following the dosage regimen, then the side effect is possible to a minor extent or does not appear.
With an unknown frequency, hypersensitivity to the immune system, allergies in the form of itching, and reactions associated with the absorption of substances appear: hyperalluminemia, hypophosphatemia, hypermagnesemia. As well as osteomalacia, hypercalciuria, increased activity of bone tissue resorption. Infrequent manifestations in the digestive system: diarrhea, constipation.
Side effects of Almagel: nausea, sometimes vomiting. Stomach cramps occur. When the dosage is reduced, the side effects disappear. Changes in the nervous system. Manifestations of allergies are the same as with Maalox.
Which is better, Almagel or Maalox
The drugs vary in specificity and composition. The narrow focus of the action depends on this. For example, for acute pancreatitis, the doctor may prescribe Almagel, and for heartburn or hiatal hernia, Maalox. The effectiveness of drugs is neither worse nor better. Maalox has a fast action, however, almagel does not lose its functions due to the lower ratio of the fundamental components in the composition, which affect the duration of action.
It is recommended to consult with a specialist to understand exactly which drug is best depending on the individual manifestations of ailments and illness.
Patient reviews
“After a starvation diet, my stomach upset and I developed serious gastritis. I tried Almagel, but for some reason it made my esophagus burn, the doctor prescribed Maalox in tablets. They dissolve slowly and the esophagus did not hurt.”
Olga, Nizhnekamsk
“You can rarely find Maalox anywhere here, which is strange. I take Almagel more often; after taking painkillers, I developed an ulcer. I can’t complain about the medicine, it works well, what about constipation is true. You can’t get carried away.”
Natalia, Pyatigorsk
