Mucaine Gel
Mucaine Gel is a oral suspension made by Pfizer that contains Oxetacaine + Aluminium hydroxide + Magnesium hydroxide. It combines Oxetacaine: local anaesthetic (stomach), Aluminium hydroxide: antacid and Magnesium hydroxide: antacid and laxative.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oxetacaine | see pack |
| Aluminium hydroxide | see pack |
| Magnesium hydroxide | see pack |
Oxetacaine
What it is used for
Numbs the food pipe and stomach lining to ease the pain of acidity and ulcers; combined with antacids.
How it works
A local anaesthetic added to antacid gels to numb the stomach lining and ease ulcer and gastritis pain.
How to take it
Take the gel 15 minutes before meals and at bedtime, for short periods.
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
Get medical help straight away if
- Symptoms last more than 2 weeks
- Black stools
- Vomiting blood
Be careful
For short-term use; not for children.
Other medicines and interactions
Antacids in the same product reduce absorption of other medicines; separate by 2 hours.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Aluminium hydroxide
What it is used for
Neutralises stomach acid to relieve acidity and heartburn.
How it works
An antacid that neutralises stomach acid within minutes. It tends to cause constipation, so it is usually paired with magnesium hydroxide, which has the opposite effect.
How to take it
Chew tablets or take the liquid 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Chalky taste
- Nausea
Get medical help straight away if
- Symptoms last more than 2 weeks, difficulty swallowing or weight loss
- Bone pain or weakness with long use and kidney disease
Be careful
Can cause constipation; separate from other medicines by 2 hours.
Other medicines and interactions
Reduces absorption of many medicines, including iron, ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, tetracyclines, levothyroxine, digoxin and fexofenadine. Separate by at least 2 hours (4 for quinolones).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Short-term use of antacids is considered fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Magnesium hydroxide
What it is used for
Neutralises acid; in larger amounts it softens stools.
How it works
An antacid that neutralises acid; in larger doses it draws water into the bowel and works as a laxative (milk of magnesia).
How to take it
As an antacid, after meals and at bedtime. As a laxative, 30 to 45 ml at bedtime with water. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
Get medical help straight away if
Muscle weakness, slow heartbeat or drowsiness (too much magnesium, especially with kidney disease)
Be careful
Can cause loose motions; caution with kidney disease.
Other medicines and interactions
Reduces absorption of iron, ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines, levothyroxine and some other medicines; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Short-term use is considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common questions
What is Mucaine Gel?
Mucaine Gel is a oral suspension by Pfizer containing Oxetacaine + Aluminium hydroxide + Magnesium hydroxide.
What is Mucaine Gel used for?
Numbs the food pipe and stomach lining to ease the pain of acidity and ulcers; combined with antacids. Neutralises stomach acid to relieve acidity and heartburn. Neutralises acid; in larger amounts it softens stools.
How should I take Mucaine Gel?
Take the gel 15 minutes before meals and at bedtime, for short periods. Chew tablets or take the liquid 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines. As an antacid, after meals and at bedtime. As a laxative, 30 to 45 ml at bedtime with water. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Mucaine Gel?
Common side effects include: Dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, Constipation, chalky taste, nausea, Diarrhoea, stomach cramps. Get medical help straight away for: Symptoms last more than 2 weeks, black stools, vomiting blood, Symptoms last more than 2 weeks, difficulty swallowing or weight loss, bone pain or weakness with long use and kidney disease, Muscle weakness, slow heartbeat or drowsiness (too much magnesium, especially with kidney disease).
Does Mucaine Gel need a prescription?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Can I take Mucaine Gel in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Short-term use of antacids is considered fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Short-term use is considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What are the substitutes for Mucaine Gel?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Oxetacaine: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Aluminium hydroxide: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Magnesium hydroxide: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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