Almagel A is a balanced combination of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide in combination with sorbitol. The drug has a moderate antacid effect when the recommended single and daily dose is administered within 40-60 minutes after a meal.
Aluminum hydroxide neutralizes increased secretion of hydrochloric acid and reduces the activity of pepsin in the stomach, forming aluminum chloride. Under the influence of alkaline intestinal environment the latter is converted into alkaline aluminum salts, which are almost not absorbed and insignificantly change the concentration of aluminum salts in the blood during prolonged use of Almagel A. On the other hand, aluminum hydroxide has a property to change the concentration of phosphates, binding phosphate ions in the intestine and thus limiting their absorption.
Antacids containing aluminum, including Almagel A, also have cytoprotective effect on the gastric mucosa associated with activation of prostaglandin synthesis. Thus, it increases the resistance of the mucosa protecting it from inflammatory-necrotic and erosive-hemorrhagic changes caused by irritating and ulcerogenic agents such as acetylsalicylic acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ethanol.
Magnesium hydroxide also neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the stomach, converting to magnesium chloride, which has a slight laxative effect.
Benzocaine has a local anesthetic effect in the presence of a pronounced pain syndrome.
Sorbitol has a weak vetrogonic and moderate choleretic and laxative effect. These effects compensate in most patients for the tendency to constipation under the influence of aluminum hydroxide.
The drug does not lead to the development of alkalosis and the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the stomach.
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