Antacids are a group of medicines that lower the acidity of the contents of the stomach. This effect is achieved by adsorption or neutralization of hydrochloric acid in the
gastric juice. It should be noted that antacids mostly have an adsorbing and neutralizing effect.
A predominantly neutralizing effect is characteristic of compounds of certain alkali metals. These, in particular, include precipitated calcium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, basic magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide. The ion-exchange resins and some aluminum compounds have an adsorbing effect. Alumina, phosphate, hydroxide, especially in colloidal form, also have an enveloping effect, while increasing protection of the gastric mucosa, reducing secretory activity in the pancreas.
Antacids, helping to increase the pH of the stomach to 4.5, reduce the peptic activity of the juice of the stomach. Medicines with aluminum content inhibit the activity of pepsin, thus reducing the importance of the peptic factor in the formation of ulcers and the maintenance of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Colloidal antacid preparations of aluminum (especially in the form of gels - Fosfalugel, Almagel) form a protective layer on the mucosa in some way. This layer adsorbs various mucosal damaging substances that are contained in the intestinal or gastric cavities, including toxins, microbial bodies, and bile acids.
Antacids. Classification
Medications vary depending on the ability to neutralize hydrochloric acid. For example, a gram of sodium bicarbonate neutralizes about one hundred and twenty milliliters of acid, a gram of magnesium trisilicate - 155 ml, a gram of precipitated calcium carbonate - 200 ml and so on. Among the drugs, the least activity is in sodium bicarbonate, the highest - in magnesium oxide.
Antacids may last for several hours. The duration of activity can be increased with anticholinergic drugs, N-2 histamine-blockers and other drugs that lower the secretory function in the stomach.
Among the fairly common means of this group, it is worth highlighting such drugs as "Maalox", "Alamag", "Fosfalugel".
The last medicine is a colloidal gel. The medication is taken orally. It is prescribed for dyspepsia, gastritis - before eating, with ulcers - after eating an hour or two, and if pain occurs - immediately. With reflux esophagitis - before bedtime after eating, and with dysfunction in the large intestine - at night and in the morning on an empty stomach.
The drug "Maalox" is available in the form of chewable tablets, powder and suspension. The product contains magnesium hydroxide and algeldrate. Usually, one to two tablets or a tablespoon of suspension per day are recommended.
Means "Alamag" is produced in the form of a suspension. The recommended single dose for an adult is one spoon (teaspoon).