Alginate

Alginate Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Alginate, also referred to as algin or alginate, is a hydrophilic or anionic polysaccharide isolated from certain brown seaweed (Phacophycae) via alkaline extraction. It is present in cell walls of brown algae where it forms a viscous gel when binding with water. Alginate is a linear polymer consisted of L-glucuronic acid and D-mannuronic acid residues connected via 1,4-glycosidic linkages . Available in different types of salt, alginic acid has been used in a variety of uses in food, cosmetics and pharmaceu-tical products for over 100 years . Alginate is an FDA-approved food ingredient in soup and soup mixes as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer . It is also available in oral dietary supplements and is found in antacids such as Gaviscon to inhibit gastroesophageal reflux by creating a physical barrier in presence of gastric acid . Alginate-based raft-forming formulations in the management of heartburn and gastric acid reflux have been used worldwide for over 30 years .

Alginate reduces reflux via its floating, foaming, and viscous properties . Alginate precipitates upon contact with gastric acid to create a mechanical barrier, or a "raft", that displaces the postprandial acid pocket . The formation of a raft is thought to occur rapidly, often within a few seconds of dosing . In clinical trials, alginic acid was effective in reducing the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) . In healthy volunteers, alginic acid in combination with an antacid was effective in decreasing postprandial reflux in the upright position . Alginate is able to bind to cations when ingested .

Alginate
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Alginate
Generic	Alginic acid
Alginic acid Other Names	(Alginate)n, (Alginate)n+1, algin, alginate, Alginic acid, Norgine
Type
Protein binding	This pharmacokinetic parameter is unlikely to apply for alginic acid.
Groups	Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Indicated for the management of gastric reflux, reflux oesophagitis, hiatus hernia, heartburn (including heartburn of pregnancy) and similar gastric distress .

Alginate is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acid Reflux, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn, Oesophageal Reflux, Reflux Esophagitis (RE), Regurgitation

How Alginate works

Once orally administered, alginic acid reacts with gastric acid to form a floating "raft" of alginic acid gel on the gastric acid pool. Alginate-based raft-forming formulations commonly contain sodium or bicarbonate; bicarbonate ions are converted to carbon dioxide in presence of gastric acid and get entrapped within the gel precipitate, converting it into a foam which floats on the surface of the gastric contents, much like a raft on water . The "raft" has a near neutral pH due to carbon dioxide and floats on the stomach contents and potentially functions as a barrier to impede gastroesophageal reflux . In severe cases, the raft itself may be refluxed into the oesophagus in preference to the stomach contents and exert a demulcent effect .

Toxicity

Probable oral lethal dose reported in humans is above 15 g/kg . Ingestion of large quantities may result in abdominal distension, intestinal obstruction, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Aspiration or inhalation may lead to pneumonitis . In the event of overdosage symptomatic treatment should be given .

Food Interaction

No interactions found.

Volume of Distribution

This pharmacokinetic parameter is unlikely to apply for alginic acid.

Elimination Route

The absorption into the systemic circulation from oral formulations of alginic acid is reported to be minimal, as the mode of action of alginic acid is physical .