Almax (Almagate Antacid) in Spain: What It Treats
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Almax is almagate, a Spanish antacid sold without a prescription. What it treats, how it differs from omeprazole and which medicines to space it from.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Almax is the Spanish brand of almagate, an antacid for heartburn and acid indigestion. It works within minutes by neutralising acid that is already in the stomach. In Spain it is sold without a prescription, as chewable tablets, a liquid in a bottle and liquid in sachets. It is for adults and children over 12. There is no almagate antacid sold in the UK or US.
- Almax (almagate) eases heartburn and acid indigestion for a short time. It does not heal the cause.
- It is sold without a prescription in Spain, for adults and children over 12.
- It can stop other medicines from being absorbed. Keep it a few hours apart from them.
- If you still have symptoms after 14 days, the leaflet says to see a doctor.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
What is Almax used for?
Almax is used for heartburn and acid indigestion. Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone. It often comes after a large meal, spicy food, alcohol or lying down soon after eating. Almagate is a mix of aluminium and magnesium. It soaks up acid in the stomach, so the burning eases.
- Chewable tablets (comprimidos masticables). Almax Forte also comes in cola and strawberry flavours.
- Liquid in a bottle (suspensión oral), with a measuring cup.
- Liquid in single sachets (sobres): Almax Forte suspension.
The pack you buy tells you how to take it. Follow the leaflet or your pharmacist. It is meant for short spells of symptoms, not for daily use over months.
Almax vs omeprazole: what is the difference?
Both treat heartburn, but they work in very different ways.
| Almax (almagate) | Omeprazole | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Neutralises acid already in the stomach | Cuts down how much acid the stomach makes |
| How fast | Within minutes | Takes a few days to work fully |
| How long it lasts | A few hours | Steady effect while you take it |
| Best for | Heartburn now and then | Frequent heartburn or reflux |
| Prescription in Spain | No | Small packs no; larger packs yes |
If you need an antacid most days, a doctor should look at the cause. We explain omeprazole in Spain in our omeprazole guide.
Is there a UK or US version of Almax?
No. Almagate is not sold as an antacid in the UK or the US. If you are used to other antacids, these are the familiar types. They are similar kinds of product, not the same medicine.
| Name | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Almax, Almax Forte | Almagate antacid (aluminium and magnesium) | Spain (no prescription) |
| Gaviscon | Alginate with antacid: forms a raft on top of the stomach contents | UK, Spain, US |
| Rennie | Calcium and magnesium antacid | UK, Spain |
| Tums | Calcium carbonate antacid | US |
| Omeprazole | Acid reducer (proton pump inhibitor) | Spain, UK, US |
Do you need a prescription for Almax in Spain?
No. Every Almax and Almax Forte product is listed as sin receta on the AEMPS CIMA database. You ask for it at the pharmacy counter. The pharmacist may ask a few questions first, which is a good chance to mention your other medicines.
Heartburn that keeps coming back, or antacids you need most days?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish. He looks at the pattern and tells you whether an antacid is still the right step.
Which medicines does Almax interact with?
Antacids can change how other medicines are absorbed. The leaflet says to keep Almax a few hours apart from any other medicine. This matters most for:
- Some antibiotics: quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, and tetracyclines.
- Iron tablets.
- Digoxin, a heart medicine.
- Other acid medicines, such as famotidine or lansoprazole.
- Some anti-inflammatories, aspirin, prednisone, gabapentin and ketoconazole.
If you take any regular medicine, ask your pharmacist how to space it with Almax.
Who should not take Almax?
- Children under 12. An antacid can hide signs of something else, such as appendicitis.
- People with kidney disease. Aluminium and magnesium can build up. It is not advised in severe kidney failure.
- People with Alzheimer's disease, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding from the gut, as the leaflet lists.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, and avoid long or heavy use.
What Almax does not treat
- Stomach ulcers, gallstones or appendicitis. It may ease the pain for a while and hide the real problem.
- Constant reflux (GERD). That usually needs an acid reducer and a plan from a doctor.
- Chest pain that may come from the heart. Heart pain can feel like heartburn.
Our heartburn page and GERD page explain what a doctor looks for.
Side effects and when to see a doctor
Side effects are not common, because little of the medicine enters the blood. Loose stools can happen and usually stop when you stop. Long, heavy use can lower phosphate in the blood and weaken bones. See a doctor if:
- You still have symptoms after 14 days, or they get worse.
- You need an antacid most days.
- Food feels stuck, or it hurts to swallow.
- You keep being sick, or you lose weight without trying.
- You are over 55 and the heartburn is new or has changed.
Call 112 if you have chest pain, especially with breathlessness, sweating or pain in the arm or jaw. Also call 112 if you vomit blood or pass black, tarry stools.
Talking it through with a doctor by video
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults, children and pregnant patients by video, every day from 07:30 to 20:30 (Spain time). In the visit he will:
- Ask when the burning comes, what makes it worse and what you have tried.
- Check for warning signs that need tests or an in-person exam.
- Explain whether an antacid, an alginate, omeprazole or a change in habits is the right step.
- Check how your other medicines fit with an antacid.
He does not promise any test or prescription before the visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works. It lasts 15 minutes and costs €50.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
What is Almax?
The Spanish brand of almagate, an antacid for heartburn and acid indigestion. It comes as chewable tablets and as a liquid in a bottle or sachets.
Can I buy Almax without a prescription in Spain?
Yes. Almax and Almax Forte are sold without a prescription in Spanish pharmacies, for adults and children over 12.
Is Almax the same as Gaviscon or Tums?
No. They are all antacid-type products, but the ingredients differ. Gaviscon adds an alginate raft, Tums is calcium carbonate, and Almax is almagate.
Is Almax better than omeprazole?
They do different jobs. Almax eases heartburn within minutes for a few hours. Omeprazole lowers acid over days and suits frequent reflux.
Can I take Almax with my other medicines?
Keep it a few hours apart from other medicines, because it can stop some from being absorbed. Ask your pharmacist about your own medicines.
When should I see a doctor about heartburn?
If it lasts more than 14 days, comes most days, or comes with trouble swallowing, weight loss or vomiting. Call 112 for chest pain.
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This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
