Pharmacological studies with almagate, a potent new antacid compound

Pharmacological screening tests have been done in order to provide an initial assessment of the new antacid compound almagate (aluminium-magnesium hydroxycarbonate hydrate, Al2Mg6(OH)14(CO3)2 X 4 H2O, Almax). In rats with pyloric ligatures, almagate (125-500 mg/kg) was significantly more potent than aluminium hydroxide in raising the pH and reducing the total acidity of the gastric juice produced, without affecting the volume secreted. Pepsin activity in the gastric juice was also significantly inhibited by almagate even after adjustment to the optimal enzyme pH 2, a phenomenon not demonstrable with aluminium hydroxide. Almagate in oral doses up to 3 g/kg was without effects on the central, autonomic and somatic nervous systems in mice, nor at 500 mg/kg did it influence the cardiovascular system or blood pressure responses to agonist drugs in anaesthetised cats. The results confirm almagate to be a potent antacid drug devoid of systemic pharmacological or toxicological effects.