Gaviscon or Phosphalugel: which is better in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

Gaviscon or Almagel are medications that improve the functioning of the digestive system. They quickly eliminate symptoms and normalize the patient’s general condition.

Gaviscon or Almagel are medications that improve the functioning of the digestive system.

Active substance

The most important characteristic of each drug is its active ingredients. To decide which is better - Phosphalugel or Gaviscon, you should compare their compositions.

Active ingredients of Gaviscon: sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate. Available in the form of tablets, mint suspension, and also in Forte form, which contains double the amount of active ingredients and does not contain sodium bicarbonate.

Phosphalugel contains aluminum phosphate as an active ingredient. Available in oral gel, sachet or bottle form.

Maalox

Maalox is produced as a suspension and chewable tablets. 1 pill contains alhydrate and magnesium hydroxide (400 mg).

Additional composition of tablets:

• Sucrose
• E 420
• Starch
• E 954
• Mint flavor
• E 672
• Mannitol.

5 ml of suspension contains magnesium hydroxide (600 mg) and aluminum hydroxide (525 mg). Additional ingredients: water, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, E 330, peppermint oil, E 420, mannitol, E 954, E 218, E216.

Chewable tablets are placed in packs of 10, 20 or 40 pieces each. The suspension is packaged in bags (30 ml) or bottles with a volume of 250 mg.

The manufacturer of Maalox is Sanofi-Aventis, France. The price of the medicine is 122-720 rubles.

Maalox is prescribed for gastrointestinal diseases with excessive production of hydrochloric acid. The drug is also used to eliminate dyspeptic symptoms due to poor diet, abuse of alcohol or coffee drinks.

Contraindications:

• Lactation
• Intolerance to the components of the drug
• Age up to 12 years
• Renal dysfunction
• Hypophosphatemia
• Alzheimer's disease
• Pregnancy.

Maalox is used 60 or 90 minutes after meals. Suspension dosage – 15-30 mg. Duration of treatment – ​​up to 90 days.

The tablets can be taken from the age of 15 at a dose of 1-2 pills four times a day. The drug can be taken up to 6 times a day.

Maalox can provoke a number of negative reactions. These are allergic manifestations, nutritional and metabolic disorders. Hyperaluminemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypermagnesemia are also likely to occur. Sometimes constipation or diarrhea may occur.

Mechanism of action

According to the pharmacotherapeutic classification, these are drugs from different groups, but with similar effects. Gaviscon belongs to a group of drugs intended for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Phosphalugel is classified as a drug prescribed for acid-dependent pathologies of the stomach, antacids based on aluminum phosphate.

Gaviscon

Once in the stomach, the suspension interacts with gastric juice. As a result, a layer of alginic acid is formed on the mucous membranes. The acidity of the formed layer is close to neutral values. For four hours, the walls of the stomach remain covered with this layer.

Phosphalugel

Aluminum phosphate, like other antacids, due to its buffering properties, is able to neutralize excess hydrochloric acid, while maintaining physiological conditions for food digestion. Does not cause a rebound effect - secondary hypersecretion of gastric juice.

The resulting micelles of the drug envelop the mucous membranes, protecting them from the harmful effects of an aggressive environment. Promotes regeneration of mucous membranes. Mucus secretion increases, as the drug enhances the synthesis of prostaglandins.

Comparison of addiction between Gaviscon and Almageli

Like safety, addiction also involves many factors that must be considered when evaluating a drug.

Thus, the totality of the values ​​of such parameters as “o syndrome” in Gaviscon is quite similar to the similar values ​​in Almageli. Withdrawal syndrome is a pathological condition that occurs after the cessation of intake of addictive or dependent substances into the body. And resistance is understood as initial immunity to a drug; in this it differs from addiction, when immunity to a drug develops over a certain period of time. The presence of resistance can only be stated if an attempt has been made to increase the dose of the drug to the maximum possible. At the same time, in Gaviscon the meaning of the “syndrome” is quite small, however, the same as in Almageli.

Indications for use

Despite the similarity of pharmacological effects, the indications of the drugs also differ. This allows you to choose which is better between Phosphalugel and Gaviscon for a particular disease.

Gaviscon

The drug has a limited number of indications. It is prescribed to relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn.

The drug is used to eliminate unwanted symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy.

Phosphalugel

The drug is used both as monotherapy and as part of complex treatment regimens for diseases of the stomach and intestines. These include: stomach and intestinal ulcers, gastritis, hiatal hernia, reflux esophagitis.

Prescribed for functional diarrhea and dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorders resulting from poisoning, infections, and the use of irritating compounds. Also indicated for discomfort and flatulence, belching, heartburn, abdominal pain, if they are not caused by appendicitis or other emergency conditions.

Comparison of ease of use of Gaviscon and Almagel

This includes dose selection taking into account various conditions and frequency of doses. At the same time, it is important not to forget about the release form of the drug; it is also important to take it into account when making an assessment.

The ease of use of Gaviscon is approximately the same as Almagel. However, they are not convenient enough to use.

The drug ratings were compiled by experienced pharmacists who studied international research. The report is generated automatically.

Last update date: 2020-12-04 13:48:13

Contraindications

The different compositions of the drugs being compared also determine different limitations in their use in the treatment of different groups of patients.

A contraindication to the use of Gaviscon is a known or suspected allergic reaction to the active substances or auxiliary components. In addition, patients are often allergic to methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoates.

Phosphalugel should not be used by patients who have a medical history of episodes of hypersensitivity to aluminum phosphate or other components of the drug. It is forbidden to use Phosphalugel for severe abdominal pain unless the cause has been established by a physician. The drug is contraindicated in chronic diarrhea, constipation, and Alzheimer's disease.

What is better to take - Gaviscon or Almagel

Both drugs are easily tolerated by patients. Medicines come in different forms: tablets, packets and vials with gel or suspension. Almagel has more indications and different release forms with different compositions, this allows you to choose the right product for each patient. In this respect it is better than Gaviscon.

Both drugs are highly effective in treating digestive disorders.

The doctor decides which drug is best to prescribe depending on the course of the disease.

Instructions for use

Below are instructions for using both drugs. To clarify the dosage, frequency of administration and duration of treatment, you should consult your doctor for advice.

Gaviscon

Children over twelve years of age and adults are prescribed two to four teaspoons of the drug orally after meals and before bed. No dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients. A child over six years old is prescribed one to two teaspoons after meals.

Treatment should last no more than a week. If symptoms persist or progress, you should consult a doctor to adjust your treatment regimen.

Phosphalugel

Shake the bottle of gel and crush the sachet with your fingers to obtain a homogeneous structure. Can be used pure or mixed in one hundred milliliters of water.

Adults are prescribed up to two packets one to three times a day. The maximum number of sachets per day should not exceed six. Children under six months - no more than one teaspoon after each feeding. From six months - no more than two teaspoons.

For diaphragmatic hernia, gastroesophageal reflux, gastrointestinal reflux, the drug is taken after meals and before bedtime. For peptic ulcers - only a few hours after eating and when pain occurs. For gastritis and dyspepsia - before meals. For functional diarrhea - morning and evening.

The duration of treatment should not exceed two weeks.

Action of Almagel

Almagel includes active substances:

• aluminum hydroxide;
• benzocaine;
• sorbitol;
• Magnesium hydroxide.

The medicine is used for gastritis, peptic ulcers, bloating, intoxication, heartburn, hernia, and pain. Suspension dosage – 1-2 tsp. (for adult patients).

Almagel is used for gastritis, peptic ulcers, bloating, intoxication, heartburn, hernia, and pain.

Children under 10 years old are prescribed 1/3 of the adult dosage, from 10 to 15 years old - ½ part. The medicine is not prescribed to children under one year of age. The drug is taken for no more than three days. The suspension is produced in bottles of 170 ml, 200 ml and in bags.

Adverse reactions

For ease of comparison of undesirable symptoms, they are presented in table form for two drugs at once.

If undesirable symptoms are detected, you should contact your doctor to select a different drug or adjust the dosage.

special instructions

Application features often become the decisive factor for patients and gastroenterologists choosing Gaviscon or Phosphalugel.

Gaviscon

If improvements do not occur within a week, the advisability of treatment with Gaviscon should be reconsidered. Patients following a low-salt diet should note that the drug contains sodium.

Caution should be exercised in case of nephrocalcinosis, hypercalcemia, as well as progressive calcium stones in the kidneys. Patients with kidney disease should constantly monitor the levels of calcium, magnesium and calcium in the blood.

The drug does not affect pregnancy and breastfeeding, but during these periods it is recommended to use it only after consultation with your doctor.

Phosphalugel

Since aluminum phosphate reduces the level of phosphorus in the blood serum, it is not recommended to use Phosphalugel in chronic renal failure. If the symptoms of the disease do not disappear within a week, consultation with a gastroenterologist is required.

If abdominal pain occurs in combination with fever and vomiting, urgent medical attention is required.

The medicine contains sorbitol, so it should not be used to treat patients with fructose intolerance. Studies on the effect during pregnancy allow the use of Phosphalugel in the third trimester for a short period.

How do they affect the body?

Both medications are similar in their effects on the human body.

Gaviscon

The active ingredients of Gaviscon interact with the secretory fluid of the stomach, forming a dense gel-like barrier that remains on the surface of the stomach contents.

Due to this, the stomach wall becomes protected from gastric acid secretion. Slows down intestinal motility, has cytoprotective and enterosorbent effects without penetrating into the blood. The effect of the medication lasts from 3 to 5 hours.

Gaviscon is a drug that has an antacid, enveloping and absorbent effect.

Almagel

After oral administration, Almagel acts locally and is able to neutralize secreted gastric juice for a long time, reducing the content of hydrochloric acid to the required concentration. It has local anesthetic, choleretic and mild laxative effects.

During the interaction of aluminum hydroxide with pepsin, its production decreases. When magnesium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid, it is neutralized.

The active component sorbitol has a carminative effect and improves the process of bile secretion by the liver. After oral administration, the medication begins to act within 5 minutes. This effect lasts for more than 1 hour.

What is better between Gaviscon and Phosphalugel

By comparing two well-known drugs according to their main characteristics, a generalized comparison can be made between them. To eliminate heartburn and belching that are not associated with severe diseases of the stomach and intestines, Gaviscon is ideal. It will also help pregnant women out if the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted as a result of hormonal changes.

Gaviscon is one of the few drugs approved for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Phosphalugel is a drug with a wider spectrum of action in relation to the correction of gastrointestinal conditions. It is actively used to eliminate the symptoms of ulcers, gastritis, reflux esophagitis, and therefore claims to be more widely used among patients. Phosphalugel is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.

The advantage of Phosphalugel is that it is approved and absolutely safe for treating even infants. The difference with Gaviscon is that it is forbidden to give it to children under six years of age.

General characteristics

In view of the comparison, there is quite little in common between the drugs. The only thing that generalizes them is their effectiveness in relation to the symptoms of diseases of the digestive tract. But they eliminate these symptoms in different ways, so this property is only indirectly common.

Gaviscon - features

Gaviscon can be purchased as an oral suspension and chewable tablets. Sold in bottles of 80, 150 and 250 ml. This is a medicine that is used for inflammatory diseases of the esophageal mucosa. The main active ingredient is sodium alginate, which upon contact with water is converted into a viscous gel.

Gaviscon is used to protect the esophagus from the aggressive effects of gastric juice and to relieve the inflammatory process. The product envelops the mucous membrane, becoming a kind of barrier to negative factors.

The suspension has proven itself well as a prophylactic agent. Gaviscon helps get rid of unpleasant symptoms resulting from drinking alcohol and overeating. It is important to remember that self-medication can be hazardous to health.

The drug contains 1000 mg of alginate and 200 mg of potassium bicarbonate per 10 ml of suspension. The mixture has a pleasant taste due to mint flavoring

The following are available as excipients:

1. carbomer;
2. calcium carbonate;
3. water;
4. sodium saccharinate.

Gaviscon is not similar in action to other antacids, including Maalox, and all because when it enters a chemical reaction, it forms carbon dioxide and a gel. The bubbles, enclosed in polymer foam, create a protective layer that prevents reflux, the release of stomach contents into the esophagus. It is this mechanism that eliminates heartburn and a feeling of heaviness.

Cost and analogues

The price of Maalox in the form of a 250 ml suspension starts from 380 rubles, in the form of chewable tablets - from 120 rubles for 10 pieces. Gaviscon in the form of a 250 ml solution costs from 230 rubles, in chewable tablets - from 140 rubles for 14 pieces. Maalox is more expensive, but the difference in this regard is insignificant.

Affordable and effective analogues of the products:

1. Almagel - a drug in the form of a gel for oral administration, copes with stomach pain, eliminates the feeling of heaviness, heartburn;
2. Stomalox - chewable tablets with antacid action, protect the mucous membrane;
3. Gastal is a drug that reduces the acidity of gastric juice, which promotes the regeneration of the mucous membrane, eliminating the symptoms of inflammation and irritation;
4. Adzhiflux - is a combination of simple salts as an antacid, used for gastritis, duodenitis and other inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract;
5. Vikalin is a strong antacid with antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects;
6. Vikair is a combination drug with antiseptic, astringent, antispasmodic effects.

There are no complete analogues of Gaviscon

, but there are drugs with similar components and similar effects, as for the Ukrainian-made drugs Vikalin and Vikair.

Dosage and method of administration

Comparison of dosage regimens for Maalox and Gaviscon:

Important! If, while taking Gaviscon, unpleasant symptoms do not go away within 7 days, you should consult your doctor. In this case, he may consider prescribing another drug, including Maalox.

Contraindications and side effects

There are conditions in which the use of antacid and coating drugs is contraindicated. This applies to children and intolerance to the components in the composition.

Maalox has more contraindications:

1. fructose intolerance;
2. severe kidney disease, including renal failure;
3. hypophosphatemia;
4. age up to 15 years.

The medicine is used with caution in cases where frequent constipation is observed. Magnesium salts in the composition help reduce peristalsis, which leads to slower movement of feces through the intestines.

When a long course of use of the drug is needed, therapy is carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Maalox in high dosage can provoke the development of phosphate deficiency. This complication causes osteomalacia of bone tissue.

Gaviscon can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding; it is not teratogenic and does not have a negative effect on breast milk. But Maalox is not recommended for use during these periods, since there is not enough data to guarantee its safety. During lactation, it can be used due to local action and absorption into the bloodstream in small quantities.

If the dosage and treatment recommendations are followed, the risk of side effects is minimized. Both drugs are well tolerated by patients. Despite this, you need to remember the likelihood of developing unwanted symptoms from using each drug.

Possible side effects from taking Gaviscon are limited to allergic manifestations. These are rash, urticaria, bronchospasm, itchy skin, anaphylactic shock. Maalox can also lead to allergic symptoms with long-term use. In addition, there is a possibility of hypophosphatemia and dyspepsia, which has its own unpleasant consequences.