Almasilate: Effects, Uses & Risks

Almasilate can bind excess stomach acid and is used to treat acid-related stomach disorders, heartburn, and stomach and duodenal ulcers.

What is almasilate?

Almasilate can bind excess stomach acid and is used to treat acid-related stomach disorders, heartburn, and stomach and duodenal ulcers. Almasilate is an active ingredient used to treat acid-related disorders of the stomach or esophagus, and the drug is mainly prescribed for gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and heartburn. It is an aluminum magnesium silicate and belongs to the group of acid-inhibiting agents. Almasilate is also called a layered lattice antacid and has a characteristic crystal structure. Taking almasilate binds stomach acid, making it harmless to the mucous membrane of the esophagus (food pipe).

Pharmacological action

Almasilate is an acid-binding agent and reduces the concentration of stomach acid, which can relieve symptoms such as acid regurgitation, stomach pain, and heartburn, respectively. Heartburn occurs when aggressive stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing tissue damage. Stomach acid flows back when there is a dysfunction of the sphincter. In addition, heartburn also occurs as a result of delayed gastric emptying or overproduction of gastric acid. Reflux of gastric acid can also occur in the course of pregnancy, as the unborn baby often pushes the stomach upwards. Most often, symptoms worsen with physical activity, lying down, frequent coffee drinking, or smoking. Stomach acid contains positively charged protons, whereas acid-binding agents such as almasilate have negatively charged components that neutralize the positive protons. Thus, the acidity is balanced due to the alkaline reaction.

Medical application and use

Almasilate can bind harmful bile acids that might otherwise pass from the intestine to the stomach. Furthermore, the active ingredient also has a mucosal protective effect. Together with the stomach acid, salts are formed that are difficult to dissolve and are excreted in the stool. They also reduce the risk of ulcers in the stomach or intestines due to hyperacidity. Almasilate is available without a prescription. However, if stomach problems persist for more than 14 days, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If almasilate is taken over a longer period of time, the aluminum level should also be checked regularly. Almasilate is used to treat acid-related conditions such as gastric and duodenal ulcers or heartburn. Up to 1000 milligrams of the drug should be taken four times a day after meals or before bedtime. Children and adolescents under 12 years of age should not take the drug, as there has been little experience for this age group.

Risks and side effects

The following side effects may occur when taking almasilate:

Almasilate should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity to the minerals magnesium and aluminum, as well as allergy to the active substance. In addition, it is not recommended to take in case of decreased phosphate levels, large intestine obstruction or constipation. During pregnancy, the use of almasilate is generally possible, but only low doses should be taken over a short period of time in order to protect the unborn child from excessive aluminum exposure. Small amounts of aluminum compounds can also pass into breast milk, but this does not pose too great a risk to the child. Due to a lack of studies, however, the drug should also only be used for a short time during breastfeeding.It should also be noted that almasilate decreases the absorption of certain antibiotics and cardiac glycosides; in addition, it also impairs the absorption of holofantine (antimalarial), anticoagulant drugs, cardiac beta-blockers, various ions such as phosphate, fluoride and iron, ronitidine, cimetidine, and chenodesoxycholic acid. The absorption of aluminum increases when almasilate is taken together with effervescent tablets and fruit juices. Furthermore, the ph of the urine is increased due to the intake of almasilate. Caution should also be exercised in patients with renal insufficiency, as chronic use may lead to accumulations of magnesium or aluminum hydroxide.