Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are currently found in many people. Ailments deliver a lot of unpleasant and very painful sensations. Relieve the condition will help enveloping agents that protect the mucous surface of the digestive tract. The choice of these drugs in pharmacies is quite large. Let us consider in more detail the most effective means, their composition and mechanism of action.
What are enveloping drugs?
With heartburn, an ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, gastritis, a number of unpleasant symptoms appear, which can be stopped only with the help of special medicines from the antacid group. Adsorbing, astringent, enveloping agents contain substances that can normalize the level of acidity and create a protective barrier to the mucous surface of the gastrointestinal tract from the effects of enzymatic juice.
The therapeutic effect of such drugs is achieved thanks to the components, which when in contact with water form colloidal compounds and suspensions. When distributing the obtained substances in the cavity of the stomach and other parts of the digestive tract, it is possible to significantly reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings.
Classification
Enveloping agents are divided into two types - absorbable and non-absorbable. The former are considered older and are currently rarely used to treat gastrointestinal problems. They have a quick, but at the same time short-term therapeutic effect. The active components of such drugs after interaction with hydrochloric acid are partially absorbed through the walls of the stomach and penetrate into the systemic circulation. Absorbent enveloping agents include medicines such as burnt magnesia, magnesium and calcium carbonate, Rennie and Tams.
Non-absorbable coating preparations
Nonabsorbable antacids belong to modern means to combat increased acidity and symptoms of ulcers, heartburn, esophagitis. After use, such drugs do not cause an increase in the production of hydrochloric acid (in contrast to absorbable drugs). The most pronounced therapeutic effect has enveloping agents for the stomach, in which there is an aluminum cation. The optimal combination of substances in the composition is hydroxides of magnesium and aluminum. Popular and effective drugs are the following:
- Almagel.
- Gastal.
- "Phosphalugel."
- "Maalox."
- Gaviscon.
- "Rutocide."
Most nonabsorbable coating preparations have several active ingredients in their composition. A significant advantage of medicines is a prolonged analgesic effect and the ability to remove toxic substances from the body.
Adsorbent preparations
Adsorbents will help protect the nerve endings located on the mucous membranes from the negative effects of irritating substances. They prevent or slow down the absorption of toxic substances, thereby reducing the risk of poisoning the body. Some drugs in this category have a high enveloping ability. Such funds include Smecta, Polysorb, Enterosgel.
In addition to its main purpose, adsorbing agents positively affect the condition of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, protecting it from hydrochloric and bile acids, pathogenic microorganisms. Take adsorbents is indicated for indigestion, food poisoning, intestinal colic, ulcers, flatulence, gastritis, duodenitis.
Intestinal drugs
Long-term problems with stool can lead to the development of inflammatory processes in the intestines. The main symptom of a pathological condition is colic, which is often very painful. Astringents, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and healing actions, will help to quickly get rid of discomfort and discomfort.
The most effective astringents are bismuth-based preparations. The substance in the form of a white powder helps fight the symptoms of the inflammatory process and heartburn. Bismuth is soluble only in hydrochloric acid.
In case of peptic ulcer, it is also recommended to take astringents based on bismuth, which forms a protective film on the mucous surface of the digestive system and stimulates the production of gastric mucus. Bismuth-containing medicines - "Vicalin", "Bismuth nitrate", "De-nol", "Vicair" - inhibit the activity of Helicobacter pylori, but they do not change the composition of gastric juice.
The drug "Almagel"
This is one of the most popular antacid drugs. The tool is available in the form of a suspension and tablets. Depending on the type of pathology, you can choose the appropriate composition of the drug. The basic set of active ingredients - magnesium and aluminum hydroxides - contains a suspension of Almagel in a green package. A medication is used to eliminate the discomfort caused by heartburn. Active substances quickly neutralize the effect of hydrochloric acid. The drug itself and similar enveloping agents are not used to treat peptic ulcer.
In acute gastritis, duodenitis, reflux esophagitis, ulcers and enteritis, Almagel A in yellow packaging will be effective. The composition of the drug additionally contains benzocaine.
For the treatment of chronic digestive tract pathologies and ailments in the acute stage, accompanied by increased gas formation, it is recommended to use the drug "Almagel Neo". The product has an enveloping, adsorbing and carminative effect. It is possible to eliminate the symptoms of flatulence due to the presence of simethicone in the composition.
Fosfalugel: reviews, indications for appointment
The main active ingredient of this gel coating preparation is aluminum phosphate (20%). The medicine is available in bags and has a pleasant orange flavor. "Phosphalugel" should be taken with increased formation of hydrochloric acid. The active components of the drug envelop the mucous membrane of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, protecting it from aggressive factors, and promotes the regeneration of damaged areas.
Envelopes with a similar composition can be used in the following cases:
- gastritis (chronic, acute);
- ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract;
- non-ulcer dyspepsia syndrome;
- functional diarrhea;
- intoxication of the body with drugs, alcohol;
- hernia;
- indigestion or stomach upsets.
In emergency cases, you can also take "Fosfalugel". Reviews experts say that the drug has a quick therapeutic effect, unlike other drugs. The drug in the form of a gel can be used to treat babies from 6 months.
Folk recipes
You can cope with the symptoms of heartburn, ulcers and other pathologies of the digestive tract using folk methods. Flax seeds, starch, oatmeal, marshmallow root will help protect the mucous membrane . The most popular drink is made from potato starch. By the way, many pharmaceutical enveloping agents for the intestines and stomach contain this component in their composition. Preparing a drink is quite simple. It is enough to dilute a tablespoon of starch in 100 ml of warm water and drink the mixture.
A pronounced enveloping effect has mucus, which is secreted by flax seeds. They can be used both for treatment and for the prevention of diseases of the digestive system. To do this, pour boiling water (1 cup) flax seeds (1 tsp) and wait 15-20 minutes. After a while, the mixture will swell and become like jelly. The resulting mass must be filtered and the solution taken in a warm form an hour before meals.
Traditional medicine offers quite effective enveloping agents to combat diseases of the intestines and stomach. According to patient reviews, non-traditional methods of treating these ailments help to get rid of pain and normalize digestion.