Almagel
Instructions for use:
- 1. Pharmacological properties
- 2. Indications for use
- 3. Instructions for use
- 4. Side effects
- 5. Contraindications
- 6. Additional information
Pharmacological properties
Almagel is the first antacid drug. Antacids are intended for the treatment of acid-dependent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract by neutralizing the hydrochloric acid contained in the gastric juice. The active component of Almagel, aluminum hydroxide, has become the basis for the production of a number of antacids. Aluminum hydroxide, coming into contact with hydrochloric acid, neutralizes it by the formation of aluminum chloride. Almagel also contains magnesium hydroxide, which, in addition to neutralizing hydrochloric acid, eliminates the ability of aluminum chloride to provoke constipation. The active use of Almagel in medical practice is due to the antacid, enveloping, gastroprotective and adsorbing properties of the drug. Thanks to D-sorbitol, which is part of Almagel,the drug is capable of performing the functions of a laxative and enhancing bile secretion.
The action of Almagel has been observed for a long period of time. The drug for the second time does not increase the release of hydrochloric acid and does not cause flatulence, since the regulation of the acidity of hydrochloric acid occurs evenly without the formation of carbon dioxide bubbles. The use of Almagel does not provoke a sharp shift in the pH of the stomach to the alkaline side, does not cause an increase in the pH of the blood, and also does not violate the water-electrolyte balance and does not contribute to stone formation in the urinary tract. Almagel A also contains benzocaine, which has a pronounced local anesthetic effect in pain.
Almagel is produced in the form of a gel, which allows the drug to be evenly distributed over the gastric mucosa, thereby providing a more effective and long-lasting effect. The therapeutic effect begins 3-5 minutes after taking a single dose of the drug and lasts about 70 minutes.
Indications for the use of Almagel
This drug is recommended for use in the following diseases:
- acute gastritis with high acidity;
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (exacerbation period);
- esophagitis;
- enteritis, duodenitis;
- foodborne diseases;
- flatulence;
- hernia of the esophageal opening in the diaphragm;
- abdominal pain or discomfort after excessive intake of nicotine, coffee, alcohol, taking various medications, diet irregularities.
In the case of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is advisable to use Almagel for prophylactic purposes.
Instructions for use Almagel
This drug is taken exclusively by mouth, the bottle should be shaken before use. According to the instructions for use, Almagel is prescribed for adults in 1-2 teaspoons, if the effect is insufficient, a single dose is increased to 3 teaspoons. The maximum daily dose of the drug should not exceed 16 teaspoons. Children under 10 years old are assigned 1/3 of the adult dose, and from 10 to 15 years old - 1/2 of the adult dose. Almagel should be taken 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. The course of treatment with this drug lasts about 14 days.
The duration of Almagel's use during pregnancy should not exceed three days.
Therapy should be started with Almagel A if the disease is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and pain. After the disappearance of these symptoms, you should switch to the use of Almagel.
Side effects
Clinical studies have shown that in some cases, when using Almagel, side effects such as vomiting, nausea, changes in taste, stomach pain and constipation may occur. When taking high doses of the drug, drowsiness occurs.
Prolonged intake of high doses of Almagel with the simultaneous use of foods poor in phosphorus can provoke the development of phosphorus deficiency in the body, increased absorption and excretion of calcium in the urine, and the occurrence of osteomalacia.
Contraindications
According to the instructions for use, Almagel should not be prescribed in the following cases:
- with severe renal dysfunction;
- with Alzheimer's disease;
- children under 10 years old;
- with increased sensitivity to the components of the drug;
- with hypophosphatemia;
- with congenital fructose intolerance.
With caution, the drug is prescribed to lactating women, patients with severe constipation, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhea, stomach pain of unknown origin.
The expediency of using Almagel during pregnancy is determined by the attending physician.
Additional Information
The shelf life of Almagel is 5 years. It should be stored in a well-sealed container in a cool (from 5 to 150C - optimal storage temperature) and protected from light.
Almagel Neo is one of the types of Almagel, one of the actions of which is aimed at reducing the formation of gases in the intestines. The adsorption of intestinal gases and their absorption by the mucous membrane occurs due to simethicone, which is contained in Almagel Neo. This drug is recommended for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by flatulence.
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
