Almagel A is one of the most common and widely known antacid drugs. Such drugs can eliminate the manifestations of gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers and esophagitis. Among other things, the drug has analgesic properties, relieving soreness and heartburn in the stomach. It is used to relieve severe pain that occurs against the background of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract of various origins.
The properties
The instructions for use with Almagel A indicate that the drug is not absorbed by the intestinal walls. Provided that the prescribed intake regimen and the required dosage are strictly followed, the drug is practically not absorbed in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The medication produces a long and uniform effect, while not introducing an imbalance in the composition of electrolytes and avoiding the likelihood of alkalosis or other metabolic disorders.
The drug does not irritate the urinary system, and with prolonged use does not provoke the occurrence of alkalosis and the formation of calculi in the urinary tract.
Structure
The suspension is a white substance, opaque, with a characteristic lemon smell. Before use, it is necessary to shake the bottle with the drug to restore the homogeneity of the suspension.
According to the instructions to Almagel A, the main active components of the drug are aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, as well as benzocaine. It also includes a number of excipients, such as sodium saccharin, lemon oil, purified water, ethanol, sorbitol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, butyl parahydroxybenzoate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate.
Indications
Indications for the use of Almagel A are the following conditions and diseases:
- An ulcer of the duodenum or stomach in the acute stage.
- Gastritis in a chronic or acute form of the course, which is characterized by an increased or normal secretory function in the acute stage.
- Enteritis.
- Deodenitis.
- Reflux esophagitis.
- Hernia of the diaphragm of the esophagus.
- Functional bowel disorders.
- Colitis.
- Prevention in the treatment of corticosteroids and NSAIDs.
- Soreness and discomfort against the background of epigastrium due to improper nutrition, as well as smoking, alcohol and coffee abuse.
- As part of complex therapy in the treatment of diabetes.
Contraindications
According to the instructions for use, Almagel A is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:
- Hypersensitivity to the drug.
- Severe renal dysfunction.
- The age of the child is up to one month.
- Alzheimer's disease.
The drug is not recommended to be prescribed simultaneously with sulfanilamides, since benzocaine is present in its composition.
Instructions for use
"Almagel A" is prescribed by the doctor in dosages, taking into account the nature of the disease and its course. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, one to three teaspoons of the drug is prescribed. Take the drug 3-4 times a day, about half an hour before a meal and immediately before going to bed.
The use of Almagel should be very careful.
For children, the drug is prescribed with the permission of the attending physician. Up to ten years, a third of the standard dosage is prescribed, up to 15 years, half the usual dose is given. If the pathology is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, then therapy should be started with "Almagel A", and after removing the exacerbation, you can switch to the usual "Almagel". The bottle before using the suspension must be thoroughly shaken off and achieve homogeneity of the drug.
This is confirmed by the "Almagel A" instructions for use.
Side effects
Adverse reactions indicate an excess of the required dosage of the drug. They can manifest in the form of nausea and vomiting, taste disturbances, constipation, stomach cramps and soreness in the epigastric region. These side effects disappear on their own after switching to a lower dosage and do not require specific treatment.
What else does the instruction for use with the yellow Almagel A tell us?
If the prescribed dosage is exceeded, drowsiness may also occur. With prolonged use of the drug, phosphorus deficiency, resorption and excretion of calcium in the urine may occur. For this reason, it is necessary during treatment to ensure the supply of phosphorus in sufficient quantities with food. In renal failure, side effects such as dementia, swelling of the extremities and hypermagnesemia are possible.
It is not recommended to take Almagel A for longer than three days during pregnancy. During lactation, the use of the drug should be discarded. In childhood, the dosage should be calculated only by a specialist. This will help to avoid undesirable reactions to the drug from the side of the child's body. This is also described in the instructions for use with Almagel A.
Features of the drug
The drug is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. Its cost varies depending on the region and the pricing policy of a particular pharmacy. It is produced immediately by several pharmaceutical companies, which also affects the price of the drug. The quality of the suspension in this case does not have significant differences between different manufacturers. How to take "Almagel A" correctly?
The tool can reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline drugs, H2-histamine receptor blockers, glycosides, ketoconazole, beta-blockers, iron salts, ciprofloxacin, indomethacin, phenothiazines, isoniazid, etc. If these drugs are prescribed at the same time, then at least a couple of hours should pass between their intake.
According to the instructions, "Almagel A" can not be taken simultaneously with sulfonamides. The main difference between a yellow drug and a green one is its analgesic effect. While a conventional drug without the “A” marking can only relieve heartburn.
It is not recommended to take the drug in a dosage that exceeds 16 tablespoons per day. If such a volume of the drug still needs to be prescribed, then the duration of the course of administration should not be more than two weeks.
How to take Almagel, it is better to check with your doctor.
Reviews
The drug is produced over a rather long period of time, because there are a lot of reviews about it on the Internet. The vast majority of comments on the use of the drug are positive. The best assessment is given to the high efficiency and duration of action of this drug.
The most effective drug is in relation to heartburn and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. It is under these conditions that, according to reviews, it is most often used. The drug is not only taken for gastritis or an ulcer. Quite often it is used to eliminate discomfort and pain in the epigastric region, which occur against the background of malnutrition, smoking and coffee abuse. Quite often, he is perceived as an assistant, not only against the background of gastritis, but also in his absence.
Like any other drug, Almagel A also has negative reviews. Some comments describe the lack of a therapeutic effect from taking the drug. Other reviews criticize the duration of the action. Many are unhappy that the drug only relieves symptoms for a while, but does not cure the very cause of their appearance. That is, it helps to relieve the soreness and heartburn that accompany gastritis, ulcers, esophagitis and duodenitis, without permanently eliminating the pathology.
In defense of the drug, it should be said that Almagel A is not intended for treatment, neither the instruction nor the specialists give such promises when it is prescribed. The drug only helps to normalize the human condition. In order to cure the root cause of unpleasant symptoms, it alone will not be enough, an integrated approach to solving this issue, namely the appointment of several drugs, is needed.
We reviewed the instructions for use with the yellow "Almagel A".