Almagel A
Latin name: Almagel A
ATX code: A02AB10
Active ingredient: algeldrate, benzocaine, magnesium hydroxide
Manufacturer: Balkanpharma-Troyan (Bulgaria), AKTAVIS GROUP AO (Iceland)
Description and photo updated: 2019-10-03
Prices in pharmacies: from 224 rubles.
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Almagel A is an antacid drug with a local anesthetic effect.
Release form and composition
Dosage form Almagel A - suspension for oral administration: almost white or white, with a smell characteristic of lemon; the formation of a layer of transparent liquid on the surface is possible, after vigorous agitation of the contents of the bottle, its homogeneity is restored (170 ml in a bottle, in a cardboard box 1 bottle complete with a dosage spoon).
5 ml (1 scoop) contains:
- active ingredients: aluminum hydroxide gel (algeldrat) - 2.18 g (equivalent to 0.218 g of aluminum oxide), magnesium hydroxide paste - 0.35 g (equivalent to 0.075 g of magnesium oxide), benzocaine - 0.109 g;
- auxiliary components: ethanol 96%, butyl parahydroxybenzoate, sorbitol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, hyetellose, lemon oil, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium saccharinate dihydrate, purified water.
Pharmacological properties
Almagel A is an antacid drug with a local anesthetic, adsorbing and enveloping effect. Its mechanism of action is to neutralize free hydrochloric acid in the stomach without causing secondary hypersecretion of gastric juice. This helps to reduce the digestive activity of gastric juice, reduce the influence of damaging factors on the mucous membrane. The clinical effect occurs 3-5 minutes after taking the suspension and lasts about 70 minutes.
The local action of Almagel A neutralizes the continuously secreted gastric juice for a long period, lowering the hydrochloric acid content in it to an optimal level for treatment. The therapeutic effect of the drug is achieved due to its complex composition.
The action of aluminum hydroxide is aimed at suppressing the secretion of pepsin and neutralizing hydrochloric acid. As a result, aluminum chloride is formed, which in the alkaline medium of the intestine turns into alkaline aluminum salts. By neutralizing hydrochloric acid, magnesium hydroxide is converted to magnesium chloride and counteracts the constipation-causing effect of aluminum hydroxide. The insignificant degree of resorption of magnesium hydroxide and magnesium chloride practically does not affect the level of concentration of magnesium ions in the blood.
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that has a long-term effective analgesic effect in severe pain.
Sorbitol causes increased bile secretion and provides a mild laxative effect.
Almagel A increases the acidity of the contents of the stomach gradually, keeping its value at the physiological level (from 4-4.5 to 3.5-3.8) in the period between doses. The uniform distribution of the active substances of the suspension on the gastric mucosa contributes to the formation of a protective layer and long-term local action of the drug. The absence in the stomach of the processes of the subsequent formation of carbon dioxide allows avoiding a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region, flatulence, and a secondary increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid.
The drug belongs to slightly toxic agents (classification by Hodge and Sterner), does not have teratogenic, mutagenic or embryotoxic effects. Since there have been cases of increased tendon reflexes in newborns whose mothers have been taking the drug for a long time, and there is a risk of hypermagnesemia in babies, especially with dehydration of the body, prolonged use of the drug during gestation and in newborns should be avoided.
Pharmacokinetics
Almagel A is not absorbed into the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. Compliance with the correct dosage regimen and the duration of the course of treatment allows to ensure a uniform effect of the drug over a long period, practically without causing its resorption and without disturbing the electrolyte balance. In this case, the risk of alkalosis and other metabolic disorders is reduced. The suspension does not irritate the urinary system. Long-term use does not cause alkalosis or the formation of calculi in the urinary tract.
Indications for use
- acute gastritis and acute phase of chronic gastritis against the background of normal and increased secretory function;
- exacerbation of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
- duodenitis;
- hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm;
- enteritis;
- reflux esophagitis;
- pain and discomfort in the epigastrium, caused by an error in diet, drinking coffee, alcohol or smoking;
- colitis, functional bowel disorders;
- prevention of gastrointestinal disorders against the background of the use of glucocorticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In addition, the use of Almagel A is indicated in the complex therapy of patients with diabetes.
Contraindications
- severe renal dysfunction;
- simultaneous use of sulfonamides;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- age up to 1 month;
- individual intolerance to the components of Almagel A.
Instructions for the use of Almagel A: method and dosage
The suspension is taken orally 0.5 hours before meals and in the evening before bedtime.
Shake the contents of the bottle thoroughly before each use.
The dose of Almagel A and the duration of the course of treatment are prescribed by the doctor, taking into account clinical indications.
The recommended dosage has age restrictions:
- adults: 5-15 ml (1-3 dosage or teaspoons);
- children 10-15 years old: 1/2 dose for adults;
- children under 10 years of age: 1/3 of the adult dose.
Frequency rate of admission - 3-4 times a day.
Side effects
Against the background of the use of Almagel A, in some cases, it is possible to develop violations of taste, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, constipation, when taking high doses - drowsiness. These adverse events disappear after lowering the dose.
The use of high doses of the drug for a long period in patients who consume foods poor in phosphorus and are prone to developing phosphorus deficiency in the body can lead to osteomalacia against the background of increased calcium resorption and its excretion in the urine. Therefore, long-term treatment with the drug should be accompanied by a sufficient intake of phosphorus into the body with food intake.
In chronic renal failure, in addition to osteomalacia, side effects such as edema of the extremities, dementia, and hypermagnesemia are possible.
Overdose
Overdose symptoms have not been established.
special instructions
The treatment of diseases that are accompanied by nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain should be started with the appointment of Almagel A, after the disappearance of these symptoms, the patient should be transferred to Almagel.
With concomitant therapy with other drugs, the interval between taking them and taking the suspension should be 1–2 hours.
It is not recommended to use the drug in a dose of more than 16 scoops per day. If it is necessary to prescribe a dose in excess of the specified limit, the course of treatment should last no more than 2 weeks.
If Almagel A is prescribed for a long period, the patient should be aware of the need to include foods rich in phosphorus in the daily diet.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
The use of the suspension should not be prescribed for more than 3 days during pregnancy.
When breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid taking Almagel A.
Pediatric use
The use of the suspension for the treatment of newborns under 1 month of age is contraindicated.
In older children, the use of Almagel A is indicated only as directed by a doctor.
Recommended dosage: children under 10 years old - 1/3 of the dose of 5-15 ml, intended for adults, children 10-15 years old - 1/2 dose for adults.
With impaired renal function
According to the instructions, Almagel A is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment.
Drug interactions
The simultaneous use of Almagel A can reduce the therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides, tetracycline antibiotics, iron salts, blockers of histamine H 2 receptors, ciprofloxacin, isoniazid, phenothiazines, beta-blockers, ketoconazole, indomethacin and other drugs.
Analogs
Analogs of Almagel A are: Rennie, Fosfalugel, Palmagel A, Gastal.
Terms and conditions of storage
Keep out of the reach of children. Do not freeze!
Store in a place protected from moisture and light. Storage is allowed at a temperature of 0-25 ° C, the optimum temperature is 5-15 ° C.
The shelf life is 5 years.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Available without a prescription.
Reviews about Almagel A
Reviews about Almagel A are mostly positive. Patients point to a quick therapeutic effect for heartburn, gastritis, stomach cramps against the background of inaccuracies in the diet, bloating, severe pain during exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease.
Speaking about the shortcomings of the drug, many note that after taking the suspension, the tongue becomes numb for a while. In addition, I do not like the unpleasant taste of the drug and the risk of side effects.
Some patients write that they did not feel relief after taking the drug, even for a while.
Price for Almagel A in pharmacies
The price for Almagel A for 1 bottle can be from 249 rubles.
Almagel A: prices in online pharmacies
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Drug name Price Pharmacy |
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Almagel A oral suspension 170 ml 1 pc. 224 r Buy |
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Almagel A oral suspension 10 ml 10 pcs. 238 r Buy |
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Almagel A suspension 170ml RUB 300 Buy |
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Almagel A suspension For oral administration 10ml sachet 10 pcs. RUB 312 Buy |
Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author
Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
