What drug is better than Gaviscon or Maalox and how do they differ

In inflammatory diseases of the esophagus and stomach, medications are prescribed to protect the mucous membrane from the adverse effects of the acidic environment of the gastric juice. These tools help to improve well-being and affect recovery. Our team decided to consider two popular drugs that are prescribed for gastritis and other diseases of the stomach and esophagus, having understood which is better - Gaviscon or Maalox, and how they differ.

Gaviscon - features

The drug Gaviscon can be bought in the form of a suspension for oral administration and chewable tablets. Available in bottles of 80, 150 and 250 ml. This drug is used in inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the esophagus. 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 tool envelops the mucous membrane, becoming a kind of barrier to negative factors.

Suspension has proven itself as a preventive measure. Gaviscon helps to get rid of unpleasant symptoms as a result of drinking and overeating. It is important to remember that self-medication can be dangerous to health.

As part of the preparation, 10 ml of suspension contains 1000 mg of alginate and 200 mg of potassium bicarbonate. The mixture tastes good due to mint flavor

As auxiliary substances are available:

1. carbomer;

2. calcium carbonate;

3. water;

4. sodium saccharinate.

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

Maalox - Features

Means Maalox available in suspension and tablets. Its composition is different from Gaviskon. Maalox contains aluminum and magnesium hydroxide 400 mg of each substance. It is used in the treatment of chronic and acute gastritis of various origins. It is also used as an auxiliary medicine in the treatment of diaphragmatic hernia, which is accompanied by dyspeptic symptoms, heartburn, nausea, and a feeling of heaviness.

Maalox is an antacid and contains only antacids. Gaviscon, in addition to them, also includes sodium alginate, which is what distinguishes the drugs.

Indications for use

Hexicon is used as a symptomatic drug for various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which is accompanied by high acidity, as well as reflux. Maalox is used in the same cases, but has other indications.

In which cases the drug may be administered Maalox:

1. chronic and acute course of gastritis;

2. increased production of gastric secretions;

3. severe symptoms of diaphragmatic hernia;

4. ulcerative and erosive diseases of the stomach and duodenum;

5. dyspeptic disorders;

6. taking antibiotics and other aggressive drugs;

7. abuse of coffee and alcoholic beverages.

It is a good therapeutic and prophylactic agent that acts gently and safely. It can be used as a course, and one-time with the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

Contraindications and side effects

There are conditions in which taking antacid and enveloping 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.

With caution, the drug is used in the case when there are frequent constipation. Magnesium salts in the composition contribute to the reduction of peristalsis, which leads to a slow progress of the feces through the intestines.

When you need a long course of application of funds, therapy is carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Maalox in high dosage may trigger the development of phosphate deficiency. This complication causes osteomalacia bone tissue.

Gaviscon can be used when carrying a fetus and during breastfeeding, it does not possess teratogenic properties and does not have a bad effect on breast milk. But Maalox is not recommended to be used during these periods, as there is not enough data to guarantee its safety. During lactation, it is permissible to use it due to local action and absorption into the bloodstream in small quantities.

At observance of a dosage and recommendations in treatment the risk of side effects is minimized. Both drugs are well tolerated by patients. Despite this, you need to remember about the likelihood of unwanted symptoms from the use of each tool.

Possible side effects of taking Gaviscon are reduced to allergic manifestations. These are rash, urticaria, bronchospasm, itching of the skin, anaphylactic shock. Maalox with prolonged use can also cause allergic symptoms. In addition, there is the likelihood of hypophosphatemia and dyspepsia, which has its unpleasant consequences.

Dosage and method of administration

Comparison of the use of drugs Maalox and Gaviskon:

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

Cost and analogues

The price of Maalox in the form of a suspension of 250 ml starts from 380 rubles, in the form of chewable tablets - from 120 rubles for 10 pieces. Gaviscon in the form of a solution of 250 ml costs from 230 rubles, in chewable tablets - from 140 rubles for 14 pieces. Maalox is more expensive, but the difference in this respect is not significant.

Available and effective analogues of funds:

1. Almagel - drug in the form of a gel for oral administration, copes with stomach pain, eliminates the feeling of heaviness, heartburn;

2. Stalmoks - chewable tablets antacid action, protect the mucous membrane;

3. Gastal - 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. Adiflux - is a combination of simple salts as an antacid, used for gastritis, duodenitis and other inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract;

5. Vikalin - strong antacid with antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action;

6. Vikair is a combined preparation with antiseptic, astringent, antispasmodic action.

Gaviskon has no full analogs, but there are drugs with similar components and a similar effect, as for drugs of Ukrainian production Vikalin and Vikair.

Which is better - Gaviscon or Maalox

Both drugs are available in the form of a suspension and convenient for use chewable tablets, which are quite pleasant to the taste. Distinguishes these drugs different composition and action. Maalox has more evidence, but he has a longer list of contraindications.

The doctor must choose the drug after the examination. When both means are suitable, preference can be given to that which is considered safer, and this is Gaviscon. When there are serious diseases and you need constant maintenance of the condition, the doctor will most likely prescribe Maalox. Do not self-medicate, even when it comes to safe and time-tested drugs.