Glycodal-M 480 mg/5 mL Oral Suspension
1. Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational and reference purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Product formulations, approved indications, dosing recommendations, warnings, and availability may vary by country and may change over time. The current package leaflet and instructions supplied by the manufacturer or the relevant regulatory authority should be consulted for product-specific information.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of information regarding medications or medical products, and official sources should be verified before making any decisions. Readers are responsible for independently verifying the information before relying on it.
2. Summary
Glycodal-M is an oral antacid suspension containing Magaldrate 480 mg/5 mL. Magaldrate is a non-systemic, aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacid that neutralizes gastric hydrochloric acid and raises gastric pH, thereby providing symptomatic relief from acid-related upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn and acid indigestion.
3. Brand Name
Glycodal-M
4. Category
Therapeutic category: Antacid
ATC classification: A02AD02 – Magaldrate.
5. Active Ingredient
Magaldrate
Magaldrate is a defined aluminum-magnesium complex rather than simply aluminum hydroxide. Its chemical structure is commonly represented as a hydrated magnesium-aluminum hydroxide sulfate complex.
6. Pharmaceutical Form & Strength
Dosage form: Oral suspension
Strength: Magaldrate 480 mg/5 mL
Equivalent concentration: 9.6 g/100 mL
Current Egyptian drug listings identify Glycodal-M as a 480 mg/5 mL oral suspension, with a currently indexed 100 mL presentation.
7. Manufacturer & Marketing Authorization Holder
Manufacturer: Alexandria Co. for Pharmaceuticals & Chemical Industries, Alexandria, Egypt. The company is a licensed Egyptian pharmaceutical manufacturer, and Glycodal-M is listed among its products.
Marketing Authorization Holder: A separately designated MAH could not be independently confirmed from the currently accessible public product records; therefore, no separate MAH is assigned here without documentary verification.
8. Mechanism of Action
Magaldrate is an antacid that reacts with gastric hydrochloric acid and progressively releases aluminum- and magnesium-containing species capable of neutralizing gastric acid. This increases gastric pH and reduces the acid-related irritant effect on the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Its antacid activity is primarily local within the gastrointestinal tract.
Magaldrate is therefore pharmacologically different from a simple preparation of aluminum hydroxide alone.
9. Spectrum of Activity
Not applicable. Glycodal-M is an antacid and has no antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, or other antimicrobial spectrum of activity.
10. Pharmacokinetics
Magaldrate is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore considered predominantly non-systemic. In the gastrointestinal tract, it reacts with gastric acid and undergoes transformation into poorly absorbed aluminum- and magnesium-containing products.
Small amounts of aluminum and magnesium may be absorbed. Absorbed aluminum is eliminated predominantly through the kidneys, while unabsorbed material is eliminated in the feces. Magnesium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is also primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Consequently, renal impairment can increase the risk of aluminum and magnesium accumulation, particularly with prolonged or high-dose use.
11. Indications
Glycodal-M is used as an antacid for symptomatic relief of heartburn and other acid-related upper gastrointestinal discomfort.
Magaldrate preparations are also used for the symptomatic treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal conditions, including acid-related gastric and duodenal ulcer symptoms, depending on the formulation and its approved labeling. Current product information for magaldrate emphasizes short-term symptomatic treatment of heartburn and acid-related stomach complaints.
Persistent, recurrent, worsening, or unexplained symptoms should be medically evaluated rather than treated indefinitely with an antacid.
12. Administration
Route: Oral.
The suspension should be shaken well before use to ensure uniform distribution of the suspended active ingredient.
The exact dose should follow the current Glycodal-M package labeling or the prescribing healthcare professional's instructions. Dosing of magaldrate suspensions varies according to formulation; contemporary magaldrate products commonly administer doses after meals and/or at bedtime, with defined maximum daily doses.
Other orally administered medicines should generally be separated from magaldrate because antacids can reduce or alter their absorption.
13. Method of Preparation
No reconstitution is required.
Glycodal-M is supplied as a ready-to-use oral suspension. Shake the bottle thoroughly before each dose and measure the required amount accurately using an appropriate measuring device.
Do not dilute, mix, or prepare the suspension with another medicine unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.
14. Contraindications
Use should be avoided in patients with:
- Known hypersensitivity to Magaldrate or any component of the formulation.
- Severe renal impairment, particularly where renal clearance is substantially reduced, because aluminum and magnesium accumulation may occur. Contemporary magaldrate product information specifically lists severe renal impairment as a contraindication.
The product should also not be used as prolonged self-treatment when gastrointestinal symptoms persist without appropriate medical assessment.
15. Warnings & Precautions
Patients with renal impairment should use aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids only with appropriate medical advice. Prolonged or high-dose administration in renal impairment may cause accumulation of aluminum and/or magnesium, potentially resulting in hypermagnesemia, aluminum toxicity, neurological complications, hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, or other metabolic complications.
Prolonged aluminum-containing antacid therapy can reduce phosphate availability in the gastrointestinal tract and, particularly with inadequate phosphate intake or prolonged excessive use, may contribute to hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia.
Medical evaluation is appropriate when symptoms persist for approximately 2 weeks, recur frequently, or become worse, rather than continuing self-treatment indefinitely.
Caution is warranted in children, especially younger children, because magnesium-containing antacids may produce hypermagnesemia in susceptible patients, particularly in the presence of renal impairment or dehydration.
16. Drug Interactions
Magaldrate may reduce or otherwise alter the gastrointestinal absorption of several orally administered medicines through binding/complex formation or changes in gastrointestinal conditions.
Important examples include:
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Quinolone/fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin
- Iron preparations
- Digoxin
- Isoniazid
- Ketoconazole and itraconazole
- Indomethacin
- Chlorpromazine
- Certain coumarin anticoagulants
- Certain H2-receptor antagonists
- Some salicylates
Current product information recommends separating Magaldrate from other medicines, generally by about 1–2 hours, while some interactions—particularly with tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones—may require more specific separation intervals according to the interacting medicine.
Patients should inform their physician or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and mineral supplements they are taking.
17. Side Effects
Possible gastrointestinal adverse effects include:
- Loose or more frequent stools
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
The combination of aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacid activity can produce variable bowel effects. Prolonged excessive use may produce clinically important electrolyte abnormalities, particularly hypophosphatemia, and in patients with renal impairment may result in hypermagnesemia and aluminum accumulation. Rare hypersensitivity reactions may also occur.
Serious neurological or metabolic toxicity is mainly associated with prolonged/high-dose use and accumulation, particularly in patients with impaired renal function.
18. Use in Special Populations
Pregnancy: Magaldrate may be used during pregnancy only when appropriate. Current product information advises avoiding high doses and avoiding prolonged treatment; medical advice is recommended, particularly when repeated treatment is required.
Breastfeeding: Aluminum compounds may pass into breast milk. High doses and prolonged use should be avoided, and medical advice is recommended when treatment is required during lactation.
Children: Adequate experience is limited in younger children. Particular caution is required in children under 12 years, especially when renal impairment or dehydration is present.
Elderly: No routine age-based dose adjustment is established solely on the basis of age, but renal function should be considered because impaired renal clearance increases the risk of aluminum and magnesium accumulation.
Renal impairment: Use with caution in mild or moderate impairment and avoid in severe renal impairment unless specifically directed by the appropriate product labeling and healthcare professional.
19. Storage Conditions
Store the product according to the conditions stated on the current package and manufacturer leaflet.
For comparable Magaldrate oral suspension products, room-temperature storage is used, with protection from freezing and excessive heat. The specific storage conditions printed on the Glycodal-M package should take precedence over general Magaldrate information.
Keep out of the reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.
20. Additional Sections
Overdose: Acute excessive ingestion may cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, or severe constipation. In patients with significant renal impairment, excessive or prolonged use may result in clinically important aluminum or magnesium accumulation, including hypermagnesemia, neurological toxicity, hypophosphatemia, and osteomalacia. Significant overdose requires medical assessment.
Missed dose: If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double the next dose.
Package: Current Egyptian public listings identify Glycodal-M 480 mg/5 mL oral suspension, 100 mL.
Regulatory/market identification: Publicly indexed Egyptian records identify Glycodal-M as a Magaldrate antacid manufactured by Alexandria Co. for Pharmaceuticals & Chemical Industries.
21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Glycodal-M used for?
It is an antacid used for symptomatic relief of heartburn and acid-related upper gastrointestinal discomfort.
What is the active ingredient in Glycodal-M?
The active ingredient is Magaldrate.
What is the strength of Glycodal-M suspension?
The currently indexed Egyptian product is 480 mg of Magaldrate per 5 mL, equivalent to 9.6 g per 100 mL.
Is Glycodal-M an antibiotic?
No. It is an antacid, not an antimicrobial medicine.
Should Glycodal-M be shaken before use?
Yes. As an oral suspension, the bottle should be shaken well before measuring each dose.
Can Glycodal-M affect other medicines?
Yes. Magaldrate may reduce or alter the absorption of several orally administered medicines, including tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, iron, digoxin, and several other drugs. Appropriate separation of administration times is important.
Can people with kidney disease take Glycodal-M?
Renal impairment requires caution because aluminum and magnesium are cleared primarily through the kidneys. Severe renal impairment is generally a contraindication for Magaldrate products.
Can Glycodal-M be used continuously for a long time?
It should not be used as prolonged self-treatment. Persistent or recurrent symptoms require medical evaluation, particularly when symptoms continue beyond approximately two weeks.
22. References
- Vademecum Spain/Egypt drug database: Glycodal-M Oral Suspension 480 mg/5 mL — product identification, manufacturer, dosage form and ATC classification.
- Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA): Licensing inspection documentation for Alexandria Co. for Pharmaceuticals & Chemical Industries.
- Alexandria Pharmaceuticals product information: Glycodal-M Suspension — Magaldrate 480 mg/5 mL, 100 mL.
- PubChem — Magaldrate: WHO ATC classification and pharmacokinetic/route-of-elimination information sourced from DrugBank.
- Current Riopan patient information, revised February 2025: Magaldrate indications, contraindications, renal warnings, drug interactions, pregnancy/lactation, dosing principles, adverse effects, overdose and storage information.
- Riopan current professional information: Magaldrate 800 mg dosage form, indications, administration and maximum daily dosage information.