For gastric ulcer, local defects of its mucous membrane (may be with the capture of the submucosal layer), which are formed under the action of bile, hydrochloric acid and pepsin and cause trophic disturbances in this area, are characteristic.
Such a disease has a relapsing course. Unlike erosive lesions, the ulcer heals, leaving behind a characteristic scar.
There are many drugs that effectively treat this pathology. One of the most popular is the medication "Gastro-Norm." Reviews of doctors about the effectiveness of this medication will be presented below.
Packaging, form of release of the drug and its composition
In what form is Gastro-Norm produced? The instruction indicates that the product in question is sold only in tablet form. They are packed in blisters and cardboard boxes.
The active element of this medicine is bismuth subcitrate. The tablets also include auxiliary ingredients in the form of potato or corn starch, croscarmellose sodium and calcium stearate.
Pharmacological characteristics
What are Gastro-Norm tablets? The instruction reports that this tool belongs to the group of astringents that have a local effect.
The active ingredient in the drug is bismuth subcitrate. It has gastrocytoprotective, astringent and antimicrobial effects. Also, this substance forms a film on the damaged areas of the mucosa of the duodenum and stomach. It consists of albuminates, that is, proteins denatured by bismuth.
The drug in question enters into communication only with those proteins that are on the damaged areas, without changing the entire gastric mucosa.
Experts have revealed that in an acidic environment, the precipitation of bismuth proteins by subcitrate is more active.
Features of the medication
What is remarkable about Gastro-Norm? The instructions for use claim that the gastrocytoprotective effect of this medication is due to several mechanisms.
Bismuth subcitrate for lesions of the stomach and duodenum contributes to:
- enhancing the secretion of mucin, which is the basis of the protective mucosal and bicarbonate barrier;
- increase the synthesis of prostaglandin E 2 and improve microcirculation in the mucous membranes of the antrum and the duodenum;
- a decrease in the peptic activity of gastric juice (bismuth subcitrate promotes the formation of complex compounds with pepsin, which cannot break down proteins);
- a decrease in the acidity of the pH of the stomach (due to inhibition of the synthesis of hydrochloric acid).
Drug properties
How do Gastro-Norm tablets work? They stimulate the regeneration of cells of the gastric mucosa and accelerate the healing of its ulcerative and erosive lesions, and also restore the normal microstructure of the mucous membrane.
According to experts, the antimicrobial effect of this agent against Helicobacter pylori is due to its ability to change the permeability of bacterial membranes, as well as disrupt the normal course of cellular reactions due to inhibition of the activity of enzyme systems.
It should also be noted that Gastro-Norm reduces the mobility and virulence of microorganisms. To date, Helicobacter pylori strains resistant to bismuth subcitrate have not been identified.
Unlike other bismuth compounds, the substance is characterized by a high degree of solubility and deep penetration into the mucous membranes. Due to this, the active ingredient of this drug has a bactericidal effect on microorganisms located under a layer of mucus, and prevents the recurrence of peptic ulcer.
Kinetics
Is the Gastro-Norm drug absorbed? Instructions for use states that this tool has low bioavailability, and is also almost not absorbed into the systemic circulation.
With prolonged use of the drug, only low plasma bismuth concentrations are observed, which decrease rather quickly after stopping the medication.
Bismuth subcitrate, which got into the systemic circulation, is excreted along with feces.
Tablet indications
What diseases does Gastro-Norm cure? Reviews of experts report that this drug is used to treat people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, which are characterized by the formation of ulcerative and erosive lesions of the mucous membrane.
Thus, the medication is prescribed for:
- peptic ulcer of the stomach, including during exacerbation;
- chronic gastroduodenitis and gastritis during relapse
- gastritis and gastroduodenitis caused by Helicobacter pylori;
- peptic ulcer of the duodenum, including during exacerbation;
- ulcerative and erosive lesions of the gastric mucosa and 12 duodenal ulcer that arose due to the intake of NSAIDs;
- dyspepsia not associated with a stomach ulcer.
Contraindications
The drug "Gastro-Norm", the instructions for use of which are described below, can not be prescribed for:
- hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the drug;
- under the age of 14;
- during pregnancy;
- severe renal failure;
- breastfeeding;
- low potassium diet (with extreme caution).
Medication "Gastro-Norm": instructions for use
Gastro-Norm tablets should be taken half an hour before meals. They are swallowed whole and not chewed. Drink the medicine with a small amount of water (but not milk).
For patients over 14 years of age, the drug is prescribed one tablet four times a day (30 minutes before breakfast, lunch, dinner and before bedtime).
The duration of the course of therapy depends on the severity of the disease. Usually it is 1-2 months. After this, a break should be made, lasting from 8 weeks. During this period, it is forbidden to take medicines containing bismuth.
The second course of treatment should be prescribed only by a doctor.
In the presence of Helicobacter pylori, it is recommended to adhere to the following scheme:
- The drug "Gastro-Norm" in the amount of one tablet four times a day.
- The drug is a group of proton pump inhibitors.
- Medication Metronidazole in the amount of 500 mg three times a day.
- The drug "Tetracycline" - 500 mg four times a day.
Side effects
Gastro-Norm tablets, the analogues of which are listed below, are well tolerated by patients. Although in some cases, patients still have the following adverse reactions:
- nausea, impaired stool, vomiting, slight darkening of the tongue and stool color in a dark color;
- skin rash, development of anaphylactic reactions and itching;
- headaches.
With prolonged use of the drug due to the accumulation of bismuth in the tissues of the central nervous system, encephalopathy may develop.
Overdose cases
Taking elevated doses of the drug can cause the development of a reversible renal failure. Symptoms of a similar pathology can occur after 10 days or more.
In case of drug overdose, gastric lavage and the use of enterosorbents are indicated. Saline laxatives (sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate) are also prescribed to the victim.
With severe signs of an overdose, symptomatic treatment and therapy is indicated, which is aimed at supporting the normal functioning of the kidneys.
Interaction with other means
It is forbidden to eat food and drinks, as well as to use antacid preparations half an hour before taking the Gastro-Norm medicine and after.
The medication in question is not prescribed with other medicines containing bismuth.
This agent can reduce the absorption of antimicrobials from the tetracycline group.
Special recommendations
Before taking the medication, you should consult a doctor.
It is not recommended to take Gastro-Norm tablets for a long time due to the possible development of reversible encephalopathy.
During therapy, kidney function and bismuth concentration in urine and blood should be monitored, as well as refrain from drinking alcohol.
The active substance of this agent can cause blackening of feces. This has no effect on the quality of treatment.
Similar means and cost
The price of this drug depends on the number of tablets in the package (about 500 rubles per 100 pieces). If necessary, this product can be replaced with Vis-Nol, De-Nol, Bi-Tol, Confizim, Almagel A, Omez, Azamed and others.
Reviews
Consumer reviews about the drug "Gastro-Norm" are mostly positive. Most patients claim that this medication contributes to the rapid and effective healing of ulcers and erosion in the digestive tract. However, there are people who speak only of temporary relief. Experts assure that with the right therapy, this medication helps the patient recover quickly and restore the gastric mucosa.
A significant drawback of the tool in question is the presence of many side effects. Most often, patients taking pills develop nausea and vomiting.