In this article, we consider the types of Almagel.
Today, people often suffer from diseases of the digestive tract, among which ulcers and gastritis are the most common. To combat such pathologies, there are many drugs that have proven to be highly effective. Almagel, known for over 30 years and successfully used today in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, is considered one of such medicines. The types of Almagel and the differences between these agents are described below.
Pharmacological properties
The tool successfully copes with pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, regulates the level of hydrochloric acid in the composition of gastric juice. This pharmacological drug has worked well, because it does not cause changes in the balance of the pH of the intestines and stomach, does not affect the state of the blood and the functioning of the excretory system.
Types of Almagel
This medicinal product has an antacid effect, which helps to neutralize the high acidity of gastric juice and suppress its excessive proteolytic functionality. There are several varieties of Almagel, and how they differ from each other, it is necessary to understand. Let's start with the visual differences:
- Almagel is produced in green packaging;
- "Almagel A" - in yellow;
- "Almagel Neo" - in orange.
All three types of Almagel are available in the form of a thick white suspension in 170 ml plastic bottles in a cardboard box. An application summary is attached to each of them. Almagel Neo is also available in the form of 10 ml sachets, which are packaged in boxes of 10 or 20 pieces. The main "Almagel" is also in tablet form, as a replacement for the suspension. Sold in packs of 12 and 24 pieces.
It should be noted that this pharmacological drug has two variants of the name: "Almagel" and "Almagel", however, this is the same drug.
Almagel
The composition of this type of "Almagel" according to the instructions includes aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Both components of the substance have an absorbing effect and absorb elements that adversely affect the mucous membranes of the intestines and stomach. Another therapeutic effect of these components is the enveloping effect. A protective barrier is created on the surface of the gastric walls, which contributes to an even distribution of the drug suspension. Such a protective layer provides a long-lasting effect of the active elements of the drug.
Magnesium hydroxide aluminum has a neutralizing effect on hydrochloric acid in the stomach cavity, forming as a result of this process magnesium chloride and aluminum. Later, passing through the intestines, they are converted to alkaline salts. The proteolytic functionality of pepsin decreases, and the alkaline environment becomes the least aggressive. Thus, the antacid effect of this medication is manifested. The ability to digest hydrochloric acid and its adverse effect on the walls of the digestive tract is reduced. Accelerated healing of ulcerative and erosive lesions due to the relief of negative factors is observed. The advantage of this medication is the absence of a phenomenon such as “acid rebound”.
All chemical compounds of aluminum, for example, algeldrates, are characterized by a fixing effect. Magnesium hydroxide, on the contrary, manifests itself as a laxative, increasing the amount of water in the feces, increasing the speed of their passage through the intestine. Sorbitol increases the secretion of bile, has a laxative effect. So these substances complement each other, eliminating complex consequences and contributing to the normalization of stool.
Consider the following type of "Almagel".
Almagel A
The only difference between Almagel A and the main medication is that benzocaine, which is a local anesthetic, is added to the existing elements. Thanks to this substance, the patient has a pronounced analgesic effect. Benzocaine, after entering the gastrointestinal system, blocks nerve impulses, so pain and discomfort disappear.
It must be remembered that the duration of use of this type of drug is limited due to the side properties inherent in all pain medication drugs. This is warned by the instructions for use.
Types of "Almagel" are not limited to this.
Almagel Neo
This type of medication differs from the usual one in that it contains an additional element - simethicone, which belongs to the category of carminative substances, and by its chemical structure it is an organosilicon compound. Simethicone reduces the severity of the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive tract, stimulating their rapid destruction and complicating subsequent formation. After this, the released gases begin to be absorbed into the intestinal wall and removed through peristalsis. This type of drug suspension acts delicately and gently, relieving the patient of the symptoms of dyspeptic disorders.
Indications for the use of medicines
Indications for the appointment of all varieties of "Almagel" are similar.
The use of an antacid suspension is prescribed in the following situations:
- in the treatment of acute or chronic gastritis with elevated or normal levels of hydrochloric acid;
- in the treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum at the stage of exacerbation;
- for the implementation of preventive measures;
- with the combined treatment of esophagitis, enteritis, duodenitis, hernia;
- to relieve symptoms of food intoxication;
- to protect the gastric walls from the negative effects of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal agents.
In addition, Almagel is recommended for a variety of indigestion. This is the best remedy for bouts of heartburn, for the treatment of discomfort after errors in nutrition.
Doctors prescribe Almagel A in cases where a pain symptom in diseases of the digestive organs is pronounced and is accompanied by vomiting and nausea. When severe pain subsides, the accompanying symptoms disappear, patients are advised to switch to a regular suspension.
Effectively relieves symptoms of flatulence "Almagel Neo", which is used for fermentation or putrefactive dyspepsia. Almagel is used to relieve symptoms and treat various diseases of the digestive system. Each type of medicine is responsible for a specific area of exposure, so you should check with your gastroenterologist exactly what type of medication is suitable in each case.
Now we know what types of Almagel exist. How to apply them?
Mode of application
Almagel is produced in the form of tablets and suspensions. Before using the suspension, you must shake the bottle so that the composition becomes homogeneous. The therapeutic dosage of these drugs is determined by the gastroenterologist, depending on the age category of the patient and the degree of development of the pathology itself. Adults are prescribed from 5 to 10 ml for a single dose three times a day. Two times the medicine should be taken before meals, and the third time - before bedtime.
Special recommendations
If the medicine is taken for a long time, the occurrence of a deficiency of phosphorus, which can be replaced by other drugs, is not excluded.
Ethyl alcohol is part of Almagel Neo, as a result of which it should be used with caution in people with impaired liver function, alcohol dependence, and epilepsy.
For patients with fructose intolerance , it is not recommended to use the medicine, since it contains sorbitol.
What types of Almagel are there, not everyone knows. Also, many do not even know about the possible side effects of this group of drugs.
Side effects
Such symptoms rarely occur, their list includes:
- allergic phenomena;
- vomiting, nausea;
- violation of taste;
- cramps in the epigastrium;
- thirst and drowsiness;
- stool disorders;
- swelling;
- increased concentrations of magnesium and aluminum in the blood, in urine - calcium;
- pressure reduction;
- encephalopathy and dementia.
Contraindications
All forms of this medication have the following contraindications:
- hypersensitivity to the elements of the composition;
- Alzheimer's disease.
With extreme caution, these medicines should be taken during pregnancy.
These medicines are considered one of the safest because they are not absorbed into the systemic circulation and do not harm the body when undergoing therapy. They effectively and quickly act on an irritated stomach, without causing metabolic disorders.
We examined the main types of Almagel. What is the difference between these drugs, everyone should know.