Alginate vs Sucralfate for GERD Symptomatic Relief

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus.It can also present in an atypical manner such as chest pain, dental erosions, chronic cough, laryngitis, or asthma i.e. extra gastroesophageal symptoms. Sucralfate is a unique anti-ulcer drug and is a basic aluminum salt of sucrose octa-sulfate. It forms a protective layer, enhancing bicarbonate production, demonstrating anti-peptic properties, and fostering tissue growth, regeneration, and repair and it undergoes minimal enteral reabsorption. Alginate is a naturally occurring anionic polymer typically obtained from brown seaweed and has been extensively investigated and used for many biomedical applications, due to its biocompatibility, low toxicity, relatively low cost, and mild gelation by addition of divalent cations such as Ca2+.Both sucralfate and alginate have been in use for the treatment and symptomatic relief of GERD and are well tolerated oral formulations.