Acigel-MPS Suspension

Magaldrate (540mg) + Simethicone (50mg) + Oxetacaine (10mg)
Price: ₹105 - ₹145 for 170 ml bottle
Mfr: Alkem Laboratories Ltd. | Form: Suspension

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination antacid, antiflatulent, and local anesthetic used for rapid symptomatic relief in acid-peptic disorders. Magaldrate is a hydroxymagnesium aluminate complex providing rapid and sustained neutralization of gastric acid. Simethicone is an antifoaming agent that reduces gas and bloating. Oxetacaine is a potent surface anesthetic that provides immediate relief from pain and burning sensations by numbing the gastric mucosa.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: 1-2 tablets or 5-10 ml of suspension, to be chewed or taken orally, 3-4 times a day, preferably 20-60 minutes after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by the physician. Maximum: 8 doses per day.

Note: Tablets: Chew thoroughly before swallowing. Do not swallow whole. Follow with a half glass of water if needed. Suspension: Shake well before use. Measure dose accurately with provided measuring cup/spoon. Take 20-60 minutes after meals and at bedtime for best results. Maintain at least a 2-hour gap between this medication and other oral drugs (especially antibiotics like tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones; antifungals like ketoconazole; iron supplements; bisphosphonates; levothyroxine) to avoid absorption interference.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to any component (Magaldrate, Simethicone, Oxetacaine, or excipients)
  • Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min) due to risk of aluminum and magnesium accumulation
  • Hypophosphatemia
  • Patients on sodium-restricted diets (some formulations may contain sodium)
  • Myasthenia gravis (theoretical risk with oxetacaine absorption)

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Magaldrate: A co-precipitate of aluminum and magnesium hydroxides that reacts rapidly with gastric hydrochloric acid to raise the pH, providing both immediate and sustained buffering action. It also adsorbs pepsin and bile salts. Simethicone: A silicone polymer that reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles in the GI tract, causing them to coalesce and be more easily expelled via belching or passing flatus. Oxetacaine: A potent surface anesthetic of the ester type that stabilizes neuronal membranes by inhibiting sodium ion influx, blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, thereby numbing the gastric and esophageal mucosa to provide immediate pain relief.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Chalky taste
  • Mild constipation or diarrhea (due to magnesium/aluminum balance)
  • White or pale stools
  • Nausea

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category C (US FDA). Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Short-term, intermittent use for symptom relief is generally considered acceptable, but should be under medical supervision. Avoid high doses and prolonged use.

Driving: Unlikely to affect driving ability as systemic effects are minimal. However, if rare side effects like dizziness or drowsiness occur, patients should avoid driving or operating machinery.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Tetracyclines (Doxycycline, Minocycline)Decreased absorption of tetracycline due to chelation by aluminum/magnesium ions.Major
Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin)Markedly reduced absorption due to chelation.Major
Iron Supplements (Ferrous sulfate)Decreased iron absorption.Moderate
Bisphosphonates (Alendronate, Risedronate)Severely reduced absorption. Must be taken at a different time of day.Major
LevothyroxineDecreased absorption of levothyroxine.Moderate
DigoxinPossible decreased digoxin absorption. Monitor levels.Moderate
Ketoconazole, ItraconazoleReduced absorption due to increased gastric pH.Major
H2 Blockers (Ranitidine, Famotidine) or PPIs (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole)Pharmacodynamic interaction. Concomitant use is generally not recommended as it may reduce PPI absorption. Administer PPIs 30-60 mins before this combination.Moderate
Enteric-coated tabletsMay cause premature dissolution of the coating in the stomach.Moderate
Anticholinergics (e.g., Dicyclomine)Increased risk of constipation.Minor

🔁 Alternatives to Acigel-MPS Suspension

Same composition (Magaldrate (540mg) + Simethicone (50mg) + Oxetacaine (10mg)), different brands:

Ocid-MPS Suspension Mucaine Suspension Acigon-MPS Suspension Acigone-MPS Suspension Acitop-MPS Suspension