# Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) in Nigeria

Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) has 29 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 23 registration holders; 15 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/magnesium-trisilicate/
- Drug class: Antacid (acid-neutralising mixture of magnesium and sodium salts) (Digestive Health)
- Also known as: Magnesium Trisilicate Compound, Magnesium Trisilicate Mixture, Compound Magnesium Trisilicate Oral Suspension, Antacid suspension
- Prescription required: no
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Magnesium Trisilicate (Compound Antacid) syrup sells for about ₦16 per ml online in Nigeria (packs ₦840–₦3,230; Gestid, Emtrisil) at four online pharmacies. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## 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?

- 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

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- 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: 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 (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

Do not take if: 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.

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 in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Gecrol Suspension (Tuyil Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, made in Nigeria); Danacid (Dana Pharmaceuticals Limited, made in Nigeria); Emtrisil (Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, made in Nigeria); Jawasil (Jawa International, made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/magnesium-trisilicate/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check 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
2. Verify the NAFDAC number on the official NAFDAC Greenbook (greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC mobile verification app
3. Buy only from licensed pharmacies or reputable patent medicine stores, not from hawkers or unsealed open-market containers
4. Inspect the packaging for an intact seal, a clear batch number and expiry date, and the manufacturer's name and address
5. Check that the suspension looks uniform when shaken, with no foul smell, separation that will not re-mix, or visible contamination

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### What is Gecrol used for?

Gecrol is a brand of compound magnesium trisilicate antacid suspension, made in Nigeria by Tuyil Pharmaceutical Industries. It is used for the fast relief of heartburn, indigestion, a sour or acidic stomach, bloating, gas, and general hyperacidity. It works by neutralising excess acid in the stomach within minutes. Like all antacids, it relieves symptoms but does not treat the underlying cause, so if you need it most days you should see a doctor.

### What is the difference between magnesium trisilicate (an antacid) and omeprazole?

They both treat acid-related symptoms but work very differently. Magnesium trisilicate is an antacid — it neutralises acid that is already in the stomach and works within minutes, making it ideal for quick, occasional relief. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that switches off acid production at the source; it takes a day or two to reach full effect but controls acid for much longer and is used for ulcers, GERD, and longer-term treatment. For occasional heartburn an antacid like Gecrol is enough; for frequent or persistent acid problems, a doctor may prescribe a PPI.

### Can I take magnesium trisilicate with my other medicines?

Be careful — antacids can stop other medicines from being absorbed properly. Magnesium trisilicate can reduce the effect of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline, iron tablets, and thyroid medicine (levothyroxine), among others. The safest approach is to leave a gap of at least 2 hours (4 hours for levothyroxine) between your antacid and other medications. If you take regular prescription medicines, ask your pharmacist before using antacids frequently.

### Is it safe to use Gecrol or magnesium trisilicate every day?

It is fine for occasional use, but it is not meant for daily, long-term use. Using it for more than two weeks at a time can mask a more serious problem and can cause side effects — the magnesium may cause diarrhoea, and the sodium bicarbonate adds salt to your diet, which is a concern for people with high blood pressure, heart, or kidney problems. If you need an antacid most days, see a doctor to find out what is really causing your symptoms.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)