Alginic Acid
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 17, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Alginic acid (C14H22O13) is a natural carbohydrate that comes from algae in seaweed (kelp) and is used in processed foods. It is also used in certain medications, such as Gaviscon liquid, to create a foam barrier for coating the stomach. Alginic acid is often combined with aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate to form antacids.[1]
The combination of alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate is used to treat symptoms of stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. This medicine is also used to treat heartburn, upset stomach, sour stomach, or acid indigestion.[1]
Alginic acid does not appear to be absorbed or metabolized after ingestion.[2]
Some examples of medications containing Alginic Acid
- Carisoprodol 350 mg
- Carisoprodol 250 mg
- Demeclocycline Hydrochloride 150 mg
- Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release 50 mg
- Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release 100 mg
- Metaxalone 400 mg
- Metaxalone 800 mg
- Metaxalone 800 mg
- Metaxalone 800 mg
- Metaxalone 800 mg
- MorphaBond ER 100 mg
- MorphaBond ER 15 mg
- MorphaBond ER 30 mg
- Nitrofurantoin (Monohydrate/Macrocrystals) 100 mg
- Oxybutynin Chloride Extended-Release 15 mg
- Oxybutynin Chloride Extended-Release 5 mg
- Oxybutynin Chloride Extended-Release 10 mg
- RoxyBond 5 mg
- RoxyBond 15 mg
- RoxyBond 30 mg
References
- Drugs.com. Alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate. Accessed 8/21/2012. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/alginic-acid-aluminum-hydroxide-and-magnesium-carbonate.html
- NCBI. PubChem. Alginic acid – compound summary. Accessed 8/21/2012. http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=6850754&loc=ec_rcs#x332
Further information
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