Gaviscon and Maalox are both effective medicines. However, they nevertheless cope only with the symptoms, therefore, with their prolonged manifestation, you need to consult a doctor. Medicines can be purchased without a prescription, but it is better to consult a specialist before use.
With digestive disorders, nausea, heartburn, and pain can occur. This suggests that in the gastric mucosa were formed ulcers. To reduce the effect of hydrochloric acid on gastric juice and allow the body to recover, doctors prescribe antacid drugs.
The most commonly prescribed are Gaviscon and Maalox. But which one is more efficient?
Of course, what to take, the doctor must decide. He will collect an anamnesis and take into account all contraindications for the use of a particular drug.
- Gaviscon will be appointed to a pregnant and lactating woman, since he has been tested in this direction and is safe.
- Children under 15 years of age will also be prescribed Gaviscon.
- For complex chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in complex treatment, Maalox will be preferred.
- In severe renal failure, Maalox will not be prescribed.
- Since Gaviscon has a longer relief of symptoms, it is recommended to take it with you on trips.
Some researchers claim that the use of alginates, such as Gaviscon, better cope with dyspeptic problems than antacids like Maalox.
Antacids
Their function is to neutralize the hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice, thereby reducing its irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the digestive organs. Antacids act quickly, but not for long.
Gaviscon and Maalox belong to the group of non-absorbable antacids. The effect of such drugs lasts about 2-3 hours. Unlike absorbed antacids, they do not lead to a repeated increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid.
However, there are differences between the drugs, so they can have different effects on the body. So which of them is more reliable?
Gaviscon
Gaviscon refers to antacid drugs. Used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Active ingredients – sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. Once in the stomach, the drug changes to an alginate gel with a zero pH value, which forms a protective layer and prevents the development of reflux. Instead of acidic contents, gel enters the esophagus, which minimizes mucosal irritation. The medicine belongs to antacid alginates.
Indications for use:
- Heartburn.
- Dyspepsia.
- Sour burp.
- Heaviness in the stomach.
It works quickly: symptoms disappear after 4-5 minutes. The effect lasts up to 4 hours. Of the negative effects on the body, the appearance of urticaria and bronchospasm is observed.
Release Forms:
- Tablets (with the aroma of mint or lemon), 16 or 32 pieces per pack.
- Suspension (with a mint flavor) of 150 ml and 300 ml in a bottle.
- Double-acting suspension in 10 ml sachets.
- Suspension Gaviscon Forte in 10 ml sachets or in a 150 ml bottle in which there is no calcium carbonate.
The medicine is taken after a meal. Possible overdose (bloating). It is not recommended to take it simultaneously with other medicines, since it will not allow them to assimilate in the stomach. When taking another medicine, you must withstand at least 2 hours after drinking Gaviscon.
Contraindications:
- Increased intolerance to the components.
- Phenylketonuria.
- Children’s age (up to 6 years).
In case of kidney stone disease, an additional consultation with a specialist is required before use. It only relieves symptoms and does not cure diseases. Therefore, if after 7 days they do not pass, it is worth taking an examination.
Maalox
Maalox is an antacid medicine. It suppresses the irritating effect on the gastric mucosa by reducing acidity, providing enveloping and adsorbing properties. Relieves dyspeptic symptoms and is used in combination with other medicines to treat gastrointestinal diseases. The main substances are magnesium hydroxide and algeldrate.
Indications for use:
- Exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach.
- Reflux esophagitis.
- Gastroduodenitis.
- Dyspeptic symptoms (heartburn, sour belching).
- Hernia of the esophagus.
It acts quickly: within 4-5 minutes relieves symptoms with a duration of effect up to 2 hours. It rarely has a small negative effect on the body: skin rashes, diarrhea, hypermagnesemia, or -aluminemia.
Release Forms:
- Tablets of 10 or 20 pieces per pack.
- Suspension in a bottle of 250 ml.
- Maalox Mini in 15 ml sachets (30 pieces per pack).
The medicine is taken after a meal. An overdose is possible (diarrhea and stomach pain). In combination with other medicines, it reduces their absorption from the digestive tract. Therefore, they should be taken two hours before or after taking the medicine.
Contraindications:
- Individual intolerance to the components.
- Renal failure.
- Hypophosphatemia.
- Fructose intolerance.
- Children’s age (up to 15 years).
- Glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.
May have a negative effect on diseases of diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, porphyria and during pregnancy. The medicine does not cure diseases, only eliminates the symptoms. Therefore, if after 10 days the symptoms continue to manifest, you should undergo an examination.
Similarities of funds
Gaviscon and Maalox have certain similarities:
- Both cope with dyspeptic symptoms (heartburn, belching).
- They belong to the group of antacid drugs.
- They have a quick effect.
- They have simple methods of administration and dosage.
- They have an enveloping effect, contributing to the restoration of the gastric mucosa.
- They can be taken to eliminate symptoms and in complex treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease.
- Have about the same cost.
- They are released without a doctor’s prescription.
Differences
Gaviscon and Maalox have significant differences that are worth considering:
- The first one contains not only antacids, but also sodium alginate, which contributes to the appearance of a protective layer that prevents reflux.
- Gaviscon is more intended to alleviate symptoms with high acidity, and Maalox in addition to exacerbating gastrointestinal diseases.
- Maalox has a more extensive list of negative effects and contraindications.
- Gaviscon is safe for pregnant women.
- Maalox should be taken only from the age of 15, while Gaviscon from 6 years.
- Gaviscon has a longer therapeutic effect.
