In vitro comparison of the antacid potencies of almagate in tablets and suspension with those of other commercially available antacid preparations.

Almagate (hydrated aluminium-magnesium hydroxycarbonate, Al2Mg6(OH)14(CO3)2 X 4 H2O, Almax) in the form of tablets and suspension was compared with other commercially available antacid preparations in a battery of tests designed to evaluate antacid activity and related properties. The evaluation of an antacid should take into account, in addition to total acid neutralising capacity, neutralising capacity under dynamic conditions related to in vivo events, bioavailability, speed of action, lack of possible rebound effect and low sodium content. When these considerations are taken into account Almax tablets and suspension can be classified as highly effective antacids retaining a high proportion of their total neutralising capacity under simulated in vivo conditions. As in the case of the active principle, almagate, the enzyme pepsin has a positive effect on acid neutralising activity.