The short answer: Andrews Liver Salts was discontinued by Haleon in November 2023 and is no longer manufactured or sold as a current UK product. Maalox Plus is a widely available antacid and anti-gas remedy used for heartburn, acid indigestion and bloating, but it does not provide the same laxative action that Andrews was known for.
If you've searched for Andrews Liver Salts recently and wondered why it has become difficult to find, you're not imagining it. This well-known UK product was available for generations before being discontinued in late 2023.
That can be frustrating if you previously relied on Andrews for both indigestion relief and occasional constipation. Maalox Plus is one possible alternative for the indigestion side of things, but it works differently. Understanding the difference can help you choose a more suitable option rather than assuming the two products are interchangeable.
Is Andrews Liver Salts Still Available?
No. Andrews Liver Salts was discontinued by manufacturer Haleon in November 2023. It is no longer manufactured as a current UK product.
Any listings you may still see online could relate to old stock, discontinued retailer pages or unofficial sellers rather than an ongoing supply.
Historically, Andrews Liver Salts contained a combination of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and magnesium sulphate. When dissolved in water, the effervescent formulation was used for indigestion and also had a laxative effect.
This combination made Andrews somewhat different from modern antacids, which are generally designed primarily to relieve excess stomach acid and related symptoms.
What Is Maalox Plus and How Does It Work?
Maalox Plus is an antacid and anti-gas medicine containing aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and simeticone.
The aluminium and magnesium hydroxides work by neutralising excess stomach acid, helping to relieve symptoms such as heartburn and acid indigestion.
Simeticone works differently. It helps gas bubbles in the digestive system combine and disperse more easily, which can help relieve symptoms associated with trapped wind and bloating.
Maalox Plus may therefore be useful for:
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- Indigestion associated with excess stomach acid
- Bloating
- Trapped wind
Unlike Andrews Liver Salts, Maalox Plus is not intended to act as a laxative.
Maalox Plus vs Andrews Liver Salts: Key Differences
Because Andrews Liver Salts is discontinued, this is not a direct comparison between two currently available products. However, understanding how they differed can help explain why Maalox Plus may not completely replace Andrews for everyone.
| Feature | Maalox Plus | Andrews Liver Salts |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Currently available | Discontinued in November 2023 |
| Format | Chewable tablets or liquid suspension, depending on product | Effervescent powder dissolved in water |
| Active ingredients | Aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and simeticone | Sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and magnesium sulphate |
| Main action | Antacid and anti-gas | Antacid with a laxative effect |
| Best suited for | Heartburn, acid indigestion, bloating and trapped wind | Historically used for indigestion and occasional constipation |
| Laxative action | No | Yes |
What Can You Use Instead of Andrews Liver Salts?
There is no single current product that exactly replicates the original combination of Andrews Liver Salts. The most suitable alternative depends on which symptoms you were using Andrews to manage.
- For heartburn or acid indigestion: Maalox Plus or another suitable antacid may provide relief.
- For heartburn and trapped wind: Maalox Plus may be particularly useful because it contains simeticone as well as antacid ingredients.
- For occasional constipation: A suitable laxative may be considered instead, depending on your symptoms and individual circumstances.
- For both indigestion and constipation: You may need separate treatments rather than a single product.
- For frequent digestive symptoms: Speak to a pharmacist or GP rather than repeatedly treating symptoms with OTC medicines.
Do not automatically substitute one product for another without checking what symptoms you are trying to treat and whether the ingredients are appropriate for you.
Maalox Plus Dosage and How to Take It
Always follow the instructions on the specific Maalox Plus product you are using. Dosage can vary between formulations, so check the packaging or patient information leaflet before taking it.
For Maalox Plus tablets, the product instructions may recommend chewing the tablets thoroughly before swallowing and taking them after meals and/or at bedtime.
Chewing the tablets properly helps the antacid ingredients come into contact with stomach contents.
It is also important to consider the timing of other medicines. Antacids containing aluminium and magnesium can affect the absorption of certain medicines.
If you take regular prescription or OTC medicines, ask your pharmacist how much time you should leave between them and Maalox Plus.
Do not continue using Maalox Plus at the maximum recommended dose for an extended period without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.
Who Should Be Cautious with Maalox Plus?
Maalox Plus is not suitable for everyone. In particular, speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using it regularly if you have kidney problems or take other medicines.
You should seek professional advice if you:
- Have reduced kidney function or kidney disease.
- Have previously experienced an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.
- Take regular prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have persistent or recurring indigestion.
- Have symptoms that continue despite using an antacid.
People with reduced kidney function may need particular caution because aluminium and magnesium are eliminated through the kidneys.
If you need an antacid regularly or your symptoms continue for more than a short period, speak to a pharmacist or GP rather than continuing self-treatment indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Andrews Liver Salts discontinued?
Is there a direct replacement for Andrews Liver Salts?
Does Maalox Plus help with bloating and wind, not just heartburn?
Can I take Maalox Plus every day?
Is Maalox Plus safe for older adults?
When Should You Speak to a Doctor?
Occasional heartburn or indigestion can often be managed with lifestyle changes and suitable OTC medicines. However, frequent or persistent symptoms should not simply be treated with antacids indefinitely.
Speak to a GP or pharmacist if you experience:
- Frequent or persistent heartburn
- Indigestion that does not improve with treatment
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in vomit or stools
- Severe or unusual abdominal pain
These symptoms may require further investigation rather than continued use of OTC indigestion remedies.
The Bottom Line
Andrews Liver Salts is no longer available as a current UK product, having been discontinued by Haleon in November 2023. While Maalox Plus can provide effective relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, bloating and trapped wind, it does not replicate the laxative action that Andrews was historically known for.
If you previously used Andrews primarily for indigestion, Maalox Plus may be a useful alternative. If constipation was also an important reason for using Andrews, you may need a separate treatment specifically designed for constipation.
If digestive symptoms are frequent or persistent, it is better to speak to a pharmacist or GP rather than repeatedly switching between OTC products.
Looking for relief from heartburn, indigestion or bloating? Speak to your pharmacist about whether Maalox Plus or another antacid is suitable for you.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or doctor. Always read the product packaging and patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, worsen or are accompanied by concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.