Magaldrate is a generic medication usually used in the treatment of gastrointestinal distress. It is most commonly prescribed for indigestion and heartburn. As it is an antacid, it acts to reduce the acid in the stomach and will treat a number of conditions caused by an imbalance in the stomach.
The antacid comes in both a chewable tablet form and a liquid form, and both act in a similar manner. It is generally taken well before a meal in order to settle the stomach and help prevent the over-production of acid that causes heartburn after a meal. It can also be taken before bed to help prevent nighttime heartburn that can keep an individual up all night.
Magaldrate can also be used to treat other conditions caused by too much acid in the stomach. Ulcers occur when the acid begins to eat through the lining of the stomach, and using the antacid to lessen the amount of acid in the stomach can help prevent these conditions from getting worse or presenting in the first place. In some cases, there can be internal bleeding from the damage caused by stomach acid, and magaldrate can be prescribed in these cases as well.
Too much acid in the stomach doesn't just impact the stomach itself. Acid reflux occurs when the acid is pushed back up into the esophagus, which can damage the delicate tissues there. The esophagus can become inflamed, and the condition can be painful. Preventing the buildup of acid with magaldrate can stop this from happening.
In some cases, magaldrate also has been prescribed to treat benign tumors. Typically, it is administered when these tumors are found in the glands that produce various types of hormones. It can also be used in conditions in which there is an immune system imbalance. Mast cells are components of the immune system that can play a vital role in causing allergic reactions; when there are too many of these cells in the body, magaldrate can be prescribed to reduce their numbers.
Prescribed by a medical professional, the medication will typically be used on a regular basis until the condition for which it is prescribed has healed. An individual will usually be directed to take it several times a day to prevent his or her condition from flaring up. Other stomach conditions may make the medication less effective, and a medical professional should be aware of these and any other medications an individual is taking.
Most individuals do not suffer from side effects from the medication, but it is possible to develop rare instances of abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. In individuals where this does occur, the side effects generally pass quickly. It is generally not recommended for women who are pregnant.