Alginic acid, 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... It is present in cell walls of brown algae where it forms a viscous gel when binding with water.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 4 references
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.
- Primary indication
- Indicated for the management of gastric reflux, reflux oesophagitis, hiatus hernia, heartburn (including heartburn of pregnancy) and similar gastric distress.Curator reviewed · 15 structured indications
- First approval
- Canada, 2001
- Also known as
- (Alginate)n · (Alginate)n+1 · algin · alginate · Norgine
- Code names
- A 2830-9 · E-400 · INS-400 · INS NO.400
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Alginic acid, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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