In the article, we consider the instructions for children to Almagel.
It is an antacid drug intended for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system. Its active components neutralize hydrochloric acid, which enters the gastric juice. The composition of this drug includes aluminum hydroxide, which is the basis for the manufacture of antacid medicines.
Not everyone knows that Almagel is suitable for children.
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The forms of release of this medication are suspension and tablets. The medication is sold in three versions:
- The usual "Almagel" (it is released in the form of liquid and tablets). This version of Almagel contains basic constituents such as aluminum hydroxide along with magnesium.
- The drug with the additional designation "A". This type contains benzocaine, which provides an analgesic effect.
- The Almagel Neo variety, in addition to the main components, may contain simethicone, which eliminates excess gases.
Is it true that Almagel can be for children? This is a common question.
How do they differ?
All types of drug are sold in boxes that differ in color. For example, the usual "Almagel" is sold in green packaging, "Neo" is sold in red, and with the designation "A" - in yellow. For pills use the name "Almagel T". The drug with a special additive "Neo" is produced in bags of 10 milliliters, it contains an orange flavor in its composition.
How does Almagel work for children?
Drug action
The presented medicine produces an enveloping and antacid effect. All of its species contain the same basic active active ingredient. The mechanism of action is as follows: the drug neutralizes hydrochloric acid, protecting the gastric mucosa, which effectively prevents the formation of ulcers.
At the same time, components that can negatively affect the mucous membrane of the digestive system are neutralized. The composition of this medicine envelops the stomach, creating a protective barrier. The active components of the drug are distributed evenly, so that a lasting effect is achieved.
Sodium hydroxide eliminates and prevents the occurrence of constipation. Sorbitol, which is part of the composition, increases the secretion of bile. Both components contribute to the rapid regulation of stool. The protective layer protects the stomach from the accumulation of gases, a feeling of heaviness and excessive production of hydrochloric acid.
The presented remedy eliminates pain in the digestive organs. It is also possible to use Almagel for heartburn. The effect of the drug begins three to five minutes after administration. The duration of the effect is from one to two hours.
Almagel A has a longer and stronger analgesic effect. It can be taken in case of poisoning. A medicine with the postscript “Neo” eliminates gas formation and prevents it. Bubbles of gases are absorbed into the intestines, and then completely removed from the body. This medicine can cause some side effects and has a number of contraindications. Pregnant it is prescribed only in short courses.
In what cases is Almagel prescribed for children?
Indications for use for children
This drug is not an absorbable agent, it does not cause any metabolic disturbances. "Almagel" in the presence of heartburn is used even during pregnancy. This medicine does not irritate the genitourinary system, even against the background of prolonged use. Indications for use for children are as follows:
- In the presence of intestinal disorders.
- Against the background of peptic ulcer.
- In the presence of duodenitis.
- Against the background of intestinal diseases.
- In the presence of flatulence.
- With enteritis, colitis and gastritis.
- Against the background of reflux esophagitis.
- Against the background of the consequences of an improper diet.
Taking "Almagel" for children is allowed as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes, but only on the recommendation of a doctor. This drug can be prescribed along with other medicines or immediately after taking non-steroidal drugs and glucocorticosteroids.
Is it always possible to give Almagel to children?
Contraindications
This drug can cause adverse reactions, for example, the occurrence of short-term nausea and numbness of the tongue. Relative contraindications for the treatment of children with this medication include:
- The child has liver disease or epilepsy.
- In childhood, from ten to eighteen years old.
- Against the background of breastfeeding.
- With alcoholism and brain diseases.
Additional contraindications include individual intolerance to the components. Children are not allowed to take this medicine with sulfonamides at the same time as the kidneys are not working properly.
Instructions for use "Almagel" for children
Green "Almagel", as well as its other form in the form of a yellow "Almagel A" are suitable for the treatment of children, starting from one month. Shake the medicine bottle immediately before use in order to obtain a uniform composition. The suspension is given to children half an hour before a meal. In the evenings, babies are given this medicine before going to bed, it should not be washed down with water. You can give your child a drug in between meals. Between the use of Almagel and other drugs, an interval of one to two hours is required.
Almagel A
In the event that, at the time of initiation of therapy, the disease is accompanied by the occurrence of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, then treatment of the child should be started with Almagel A. As soon as the indicated symptoms disappear, it will be rational to switch to the use of green Almagel. The child is 4 years old, how much can he be given medication?
Children who are younger than ten years of age use the drug in the amount of one third of the adult dose. Children from ten to fifteen years old receive a suspension in the amount of half of the adult dosage. Adolescents who are over fifteen years old are taking this drug in adult dosages.
Children who are younger than ten years of age take medication for one measuring spoon for therapy. In the event that a measuring spoon is missing, then you can use a regular teaspoon. Children aged ten to fifteen years old take one and a half scoops containing 5 milliliters of medicine four times a day. And adolescents who are over fifteen, three spoons four times.
In general, how much can I give children of Almagel per day?
The maximum daily dose for children younger than ten years old is 5 scoops (i.e. 25 milliliters of the drug). At the age of ten to fifteen years, eight scoops are taken (40 milliliters of medicine). Those children who are over fifteen years of age can take sixteen spoons (80 milliliters of the drug) a day. In the event that the child takes the medicine in such high dosages, the maximum permissible duration of the course is two weeks.
Can Almagel children be given with maintenance therapy?
Dosages with maintenance treatment
Immediately after eliminating the symptoms and normalizing general well-being, Almagel treatment can be continued in maintenance doses for three months. The supporting and preventive dosage for children of different ages are the following standards:
- For the treatment of children under the age of ten, 3.5 milliliters of the drug is prescribed.
- Children aged ten to fifteen years take 5 milliliters of the drug.
- Teenagers who are over fifteen years old take 10 milliliters.
How to drink the remedy?
As part of the Almagel prophylaxis, children are taken half an hour before meals. The drug presented is required to drink immediately before each meal. When using the drug for a long time, it is required to give the child phosphorus preparations and include in the diet products that are rich in a high content of this trace element.
What to give "Almagel" to children with pain in the abdomen?
Almagel Neo
"Almagel Neo" is allowed for use only to those children who are older than ten years. Children between the ages of ten and fifteen receive this drug in half dose. And adolescents who are over fifteen take the medication exclusively in an adult dosage.
Shake the bottle immediately before use. Children are not recommended to dilute Almagel Neo. After using the suspension, it is forbidden to give the child any drink for half an hour. The use of Almagel Neo and other drugs must be distributed over time. The suspension itself is taken one hour after eating. The use of the drug for a long time must necessarily be accompanied by the inclusion in the diet of foods that are rich in high phosphorus.
Children who are between the ages of ten and fifteen years, take a suspension of one measured spoon (that is, 5 milliliters of the drug) four times. The child is given the last dose in the evening, just before bedtime. In the event that the baby's condition is severe, and the symptoms are excessively pronounced, then you can increase a single dose to two scoops, which will correspond to 10 milliliters of the drug. The maximum allowable rate of "Almagel", which is allowed to take children aged ten to fifteen years during the day, is six measuring spoons. The duration of the course of therapy should not exceed four weeks.
What else can you give children with pain in the stomach?
Almagel T for children
Such tablets are allowed for use by children if they are older than twelve years. In this case, the dosage, as well as the rules of use, will be the same as for adult patients.
Side effects and effects on the children's body
This drug does not work in the same way in children. Some babies can easily tolerate Almagel treatment, while others may experience some side effects while using it. Thus, as a result of taking this medication, children can sometimes experience various side effects, but most often this happens due to an overdose and improper compliance with the amount of the drug prescribed by the doctor. So, the Almagel preparation in green and yellow packaging can cause unwanted reactions in children in the form of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, drowsiness, changes in the effects of taste buds and constipation.
It is also worth noting that prolonged use of this medication leads to phosphorus deficiency and bone destruction. In the event that the drug is used for renal failure, this medicine can provoke swelling of the hands and feet along with the appearance of dementia and an increase in the concentration of magnesium in the blood. The form of "Almagel" called "Neo" sometimes provokes allergic reactions in children, as well as impaired stool.
Special instructions for use
It should be borne in mind that immediately before taking the drug suspension should shake well until a homogeneous composition. It is not recommended to use Almagel in excess of the amount prescribed by the doctor, otherwise the child may experience unwanted adverse reactions. And the onset of an overdose can cause an increase in the amount of magnesium and aluminum in the blood.
A phosphorus deficiency due to an overdose can be the cause of osteoporosis, and if the child does not have enough calcium, then frequent fractures are possible. In the kidneys against the background of excessive intake of this medication, deposits of salts appear, and at the same time, the normal activity of various organs is disrupted. Sometimes an overdose can cause the appearance of encephalopathy. In children with kidney failure, thirst may occur along with low blood pressure.
The presented drug is a low-toxic drug, due to this it is allowed in small quantities even for pregnant women. Thus, this tool, provided that the dosage is observed, does not pose any threat to the health of the child and prevents relapse of diseases of the digestive system.
Reviews of parents who treated children with this drug are almost all positive. But do not forget that the child should take this medicine only as directed by the pediatrician.
In the article, we examined the instructions for children for the Almagel preparation.