Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Antacid (acid-neutralising mixture of magnesium and sodium salts)
- Prescription
- Over the counter
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Suspension, Tablet
- Price Range
- ₦400 - ₦1,800
What is Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid)?
Magnesium trisilicate is one of the oldest and most widely used antacids in Nigeria. It is almost never sold on its own — instead it is combined with other acid-neutralising salts such as light magnesium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate to make a compound antacid mixture. This combination is sold under brand names like Gecrol (manufactured by Tuyil Pharmaceutical Industries in Ilorin) as well as countless generic "magnesium trisilicate mixture" or "compound magnesium trisilicate" preparations found in every pharmacy and patent medicine store across the country. It is an over-the-counter medicine, meaning you do not need a prescription to buy it.
Antacids like magnesium trisilicate work by directly neutralising acid that is already present in the stomach. Unlike omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors — which switch off acid production and take a day or two to reach full effect — an antacid acts within minutes, which is why Nigerians reach for products like Gecrol for fast, on-the-spot relief from heartburn, a sour stomach, or the burning discomfort of indigestion after a heavy or spicy meal. Magnesium trisilicate also reacts with stomach acid to form silica, which has a mild coating and absorbent effect on the stomach lining.
Because it only neutralises acid temporarily, magnesium trisilicate relieves symptoms but does not cure the underlying cause. If you find yourself needing an antacid most days, or for more than two weeks at a time, that is a signal to see a doctor rather than keep self-medicating — persistent heartburn or stomach pain can point to gastritis, a peptic ulcer, H. pylori infection, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that needs proper treatment.
What is Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) used for?
In Nigeria, Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) is commonly used for:
- Quick relief of heartburn and the burning sensation of acid reflux
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) and an upset, acidic, or sour stomach
- Bloating, wind, and a feeling of fullness after eating
- Symptomatic relief of hyperacidity and mild gastritis
- Easing the discomfort of peptic ulcer symptoms while the ulcer itself is treated with appropriate medication
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
For the compound suspension (such as Gecrol), the usual adult dose is 10ml to 20ml (about two to four 5ml spoonfuls), taken between meals and at bedtime, or whenever symptoms occur. Shake the bottle well before use. For compound magnesium trisilicate tablets, the usual dose is one to two tablets chewed or sucked, up to three or four times a day. Do not exceed the dose stated on the product label.
Children
Antacids are not usually recommended for young children except on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. Where a doctor advises use in older children, a reduced dose appropriate to the child's age and weight is used, following the product label. Never give adult doses to children, and always seek professional advice before giving an antacid to a child under 12.
Elderly
Standard adult doses are generally suitable, but elderly people — especially those with heart, kidney, or blood pressure problems — should be cautious because of the sodium (salt) content from sodium bicarbonate. If you are on a low-salt diet or take medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure, ask your pharmacist before using regularly.
Take antacids between meals and at bedtime for the longest-lasting relief, as food can otherwise buffer their effect. Crucially, antacids can stop other medicines from being absorbed properly: leave a gap of at least 2 hours between magnesium trisilicate and other medications — particularly antibiotics (tetracyclines, ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones), iron tablets, and thyroid medicine. Do not use continuously for more than two weeks without seeing a doctor. The magnesium content can cause loose stools or diarrhoea, while the sodium bicarbonate can cause belching and adds salt to your diet.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Loose stools or mild diarrhoea, caused by the magnesium content
- •Belching or wind, from the sodium bicarbonate reacting with stomach acid
- •A chalky taste in the mouth
- •Mild stomach discomfort or nausea in some people
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- In people with kidney disease, a build-up of magnesium in the body (hypermagnesaemia) causing weakness, drowsiness, low blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat
- Fluid retention, swelling, or worsening of high blood pressure and heart failure due to the sodium (salt) load — especially with frequent or high-dose use
- Rebound acidity (the stomach producing more acid) after stopping high doses of sodium bicarbonate-containing antacids
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling — rare, but require medical attention
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if heartburn or indigestion lasts more than two weeks, keeps coming back, or is not relieved by antacids. Seek prompt medical attention for warning signs that point to something more serious than simple acidity: difficulty or pain on swallowing, unintentional weight loss, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, black tarry stools, or severe or worsening stomach pain. People with kidney disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure should speak to a doctor before using antacids regularly.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) if you have:
- Severe kidney disease or kidney failure — magnesium can accumulate to dangerous levels
- Known allergy to magnesium trisilicate, magnesium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or any excipient in the product
- Patients on strict low-sodium (low-salt) diets should avoid sodium bicarbonate-containing antacids without medical advice
- Conditions where a high salt intake is harmful, such as poorly controlled heart failure, severe hypertension, or significant fluid retention
Drug interactions
- •Antibiotics — tetracyclines (e.g. doxycycline) and fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin) bind to magnesium and are not absorbed properly; separate doses by at least 2 hours
- •Iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) — absorption is reduced; take at least 2 hours apart
- •Levothyroxine (thyroid medicine) — antacids reduce its absorption; separate by at least 4 hours
- •Other prescription medicines in general — antacids can reduce absorption of many drugs, so leave a 2-hour gap unless told otherwise
- •Enteric-coated tablets — sodium bicarbonate raises stomach pH and can make some coated tablets dissolve too early
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Antacids are commonly used for heartburn in pregnancy, which is very common in the later months, and short-term use of magnesium trisilicate is generally considered acceptable. However, because of the sodium content and the possibility of fluid retention, pregnant women — especially those with raised blood pressure or swelling — should check with their antenatal provider or pharmacist before using it regularly. It is considered compatible with breastfeeding. As always in pregnancy and breastfeeding, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and seek advice if symptoms persist.
Brands of Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) in Nigeria
3 brands available in Nigeria.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gecrol Suspension | Tuyil Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | Magnesium trisilicate 250mg, light magnesium carbonate 250mg, sodium bicarbonate 250mg per 5ml | Suspension | 04-2920 |
| Magnesium Trisilicate Compound Mixture (generic) | Various Nigerian manufacturers | Magnesium trisilicate + magnesium carbonate + sodium bicarbonate per 5ml | Suspension | |
| Compound Magnesium Trisilicate Tablets BP | Various Nigerian manufacturers | Magnesium trisilicate 250mg + dried aluminium hydroxide / sodium bicarbonate | Tablet |
How to Verify Your Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) is Genuine
- 1Check the NAFDAC registration number on the carton or bottle — for Gecrol Suspension the registered number is 04-2920; all genuine antacids sold in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC number
- 2Verify the NAFDAC number on the official NAFDAC Greenbook (greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC mobile verification app
- 3Buy only from licensed pharmacies or reputable patent medicine stores, not from hawkers or unsealed open-market containers
- 4Inspect the packaging for an intact seal, a clear batch number and expiry date, and the manufacturer's name and address
- 5Check that the suspension looks uniform when shaken, with no foul smell, separation that will not re-mix, or visible contamination
Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) Price in Nigeria
Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦400 to ₦1,800 per bottle, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦400 – ₦1,800
per bottle
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-06-17
Where to Buy
Purchase Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Related Resources for Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid)
Guides, articles, and tools related to Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) and other digestive health medicines in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
- •British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid).
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).