When I've got a stomach issue, I always go back to the classic antacid - Almagel. It's my go-to solution, and I've been using it for years.
I'm using the standard 'green' Almagel, which comes in a green box. The packaging is pretty straightforward, and it gets the job done.
Almagel's been around for a while, and it's still one of the most effective antacids out there. I've tried other brands, but Almagel's the one that works for me.
What the manufacturer's got to say:
Almagel combines alginic acid and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize stomach acid, reduce pepsin activity, and decrease stomach acid's digestive power.
It's got a soothing effect that protects your stomach lining by stimulating prostaglandin production (cytoprotective action). It also shields your stomach lining from inflammation and damage caused by irritating substances like alcohol, NSAIDs (e.g., indomethacin, diclofenac, aspirin), and corticosteroids.
The therapeutic effect kicks in within 3-5 minutes. The duration of action depends on how quickly your stomach empties. If you take it on an empty stomach, it lasts for about 60 minutes. If you take it an hour after eating, the antacid effect can last up to 3 hours. It doesn't cause secondary stomach acid secretion.
Almagel's the real deal:
✔ Name: Almagel;
✔ Brand: Balkanpharma - Troyan AD;
✔ Country: Bulgaria;
✔ Form: Suspension;
✔ Volume: 170 ml;
✔ Price (approx.): 380-420 rubles.
Packaging's pretty standard:
The packaging of this medication is in a nice green and white color scheme, which tells me it's the classic Almagel, without any additional additives or enhancements.
On both the front and back of the packaging, there's a clear illustration of a burning stomach, wrapped in a soothing green wave of the suspension.
Interestingly, at the bottom right, it says 'Teva'. I looked it up and found out that it's an Israeli company, but I couldn't find any connection between the Israeli firm and the Bulgarian manufacturer. I'm still unsure if this medication is shipped from Bulgaria or Israel - but that's just a minor detail, I guess.
Gastrointestinal treatment Balkanpharma Almagel (classic), reviewsBoth the front sides of the box are identical, but the sides have different additional information:
✔ Composition:
Active ingredients: aluminum hydroxide gel and magnesium hydroxide paste.
Each 5ml (1 measuring spoon) of the suspension contains: 218mg of aluminum oxide in the form of 2.18g of aluminum hydroxide gel, 75mg of magnesium oxide in the form of 350mg of magnesium hydroxide paste.
Excipients: hydrogen peroxide solution 30% - 0.82mg, sorbitol - 1602.3mg, hydroxyethylcellulose - 21.8mg, methylparaben - 21.8mg, propylparaben - 2.726mg, butylparaben - 2.726mg, sodium saccharinate dihydrate - 1.636mg, propylene glycol - 654mg, polyethylene glycol 4000 - 436mg, lemon oil - 3.27mg, ethanol 96% - 196.2mg, purified water - up to 10ml.
Balkanpharma Almagel (Classic) - My ThoughtsOn the other side panel:
✔ Indications for the suspension:
✔ Storage and usage conditions;
✔ Expiration date (after opening);
✔ Barcode.
Balkanpharma Almagel (Classic) - My ThoughtsOn the top panel of the packaging:
✔ Production date;
✔ Batch number;
✔ Expiration date;
✔ Lot number.
Balkanpharma's Almagel (Classic) for Digestive Issues: My ExperienceInstructions are pretty clear:
Inside the cardboard packaging, you'll find a massive instruction manual for the medication.
Balkanpharma Almagel (Classic) - My ThoughtsThe other side also has a lot of text in two columns.
Balkanpharma Almagel (Classic) Digestive Relief, ReviewsI was eager to dive into the details of what I needed to know.
Indications are pretty broad:
Treatment
Acute gastritis;Chronic gastritis with increased and normal secretory function of the stomach (in the exacerbation phase);Acute duodenitis, enteritis, and colitis;Peptic ulcer disease of the stomach and duodenum (in the exacerbation phase);Hiatal hernia;Gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis, and duodenogastric reflux;Symptomatic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract of various genesis;Lesions of the mucous membrane of the upper parts of the GI tract;Acute pancreatitis and exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis;Heartburn and epigastric pain after dietary errors, excessive ethanol consumption, nicotine, coffee, and medications that irritate the stomach lining.Prevention
Reduction of irritating and ulcerogenic effects associated with the intake of medications that irritate the stomach lining. Balkanpharma's Almagel (Classic) for Digestive Issues: My Experience Balkanpharma's Almagel (Classic) for Digestive Issues: My ExperienceHow to Use:
I followed the instructions carefully, and it's essential to shake the bottle well before each dose to ensure the suspension is properly mixed.
Treatment
I took the medication 45-60 minutes after meals and before bed, as recommended.
For Adults and Children Over 15: I was prescribed 5-10 ml (1-2 measuring spoons) three to four times a day. If needed, the single dose could be increased to 15 ml (3 measuring spoons). For Children Aged 10-15: the dosage was half that of adults.
Once I achieved the desired effect, I reduced the daily dose to 5 ml (1 measuring spoon) three to four times a day for 15-20 days.
I was advised not to consume liquids for 15 minutes after taking Almagel.
Prevention
I took 5-15 ml 15 minutes before taking medications with irritating effects.
Contraindications are pretty serious:
There are some serious health conditions where I wouldn't recommend using this product, including severe kidney disease due to the risk of hypermagnesemia and aluminum toxicity;Alzheimer's disease;Low phosphate levels;Pregnancy;Children under the age of 10;Genetic fructose intolerance, as the product contains sorbitol;Increased sensitivity to the active ingredients and auxiliary components of the drug.
Medicine for treating the digestive system Balkanpharma Almagel (classic), reviewsMedicine.
The Almagel suspension comes in a dark-colored bottle with a white screw-on cap.
I've already used an antacid, so, sorry, the bottle isn't full. The sealed one is a lot fuller.
The suspension in the bottle is quite a lot - 170 ml.
There's a label on the bottle with information about the medicine.
Medicine for treating the digestive system Balkanpharma Almagel (classic), reviewsIt lists the key details:
✔ Active ingredients;
✔ Storage and usage conditions;
✔ Expiration date;
✔ Serial number;
✔ Manufacturer's name.
Balkanpharma Almagel (Classic) - My Experience with Digestive IssuesI have to say, the packaging is pretty standard. You get a measuring spoon with the medication.
Balkanpharma Almagel (Classic) - My Experience with Digestive IssuesThe suspension in the spoon looks like a thick, milky liquid. It's not too runny, which I appreciate.
As for the taste, it's definitely unique. But it's not unbearable.
To be honest, I find the taste in the sachets to be way worse.
Balkanpharma Almagel (Classic) - My Experience with Digestive IssuesMy Experience and Results
I don't use Almagel too frequently, only when I'm experiencing symptoms.
In the past, my doctors prescribed it to me, and I finished the treatment.
However, I've noticed that taking Almagel regularly causes severe constipation in me. So, I've been trying to limit my use of it.
Of course, the medication does help with heartburn, and it works relatively quickly.
But, unfortunately, it's not a long-term solution for me. I think I've developed chronic heartburn, which Almagel only temporarily relieves.
It seems like I need to take tablets and stick to a diet for an extended period to get rid of it for good.
But antacids are a must-have, because without them, you'll struggle with heartburn and stomach damage.
However, there's a catch - the stool can get quite loose. I've had to stop taking 'Almagel' and resort to enemas and suppositories. What a shame.
Despite the drawbacks, I'd still recommend this product. There are alternatives, but they come with their own set of issues.
I'd give it a solid 'average' rating.
Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you good health and well-being.
xa0
On a related note, here are some other products I've been using to manage my gut health:
Vertex Itopride - a decent gut health supplement, but not a cure-all
Nao 'Severnaia Zvezda' Rebamipid-S3 - a decent option for heartburn, but not a long-term solution
Renaval Gasit - a quick fix for heartburn, but not a sustainable solution
Adaxin, mints - a cheap antacid that works, but not a long-term solution
Ava Rus Magaplon - a weak solution for heartburn, but it's better than nothing
Visterra Mumio in capsules - a decent gut health supplement, but not a miracle worker