"Almagel" - an antacid drug, which includes a component that reduces flatulence. It is a white or almost white suspension with a pronounced smell of orange for oral administration.
The instructions attached to the Almagel preparation allow you to learn about the composition of this drug, the active substances of which are magnesium hydroxide, algeldrate (aluminum hydroxide) and simethicone. There are also auxiliary components: sorbitol, sodium saccharinate, hydrogen peroxide, hyetellose, propylene glycol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, citric acid monohydrate, macrogol 4000, ethanol 96%, flavor orange, purified water.
Thus, Almagel is a combined drug whose action is determined by the components that make up its composition. It has an adsorbing, antacid, carminative, enveloping effect. Magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide neutralize free hydrochloric acid in the stomach, bile acids bind and reduce acidity in the gastric juice. Algeldrat slows down intestinal motility. However, this ability of his is balanced by the laxative effect of magnesium hydroxide. Simethicone, which is part of the drug, reduces the formation of gas bubbles and contributes to their destruction. In this case, the released gases absorb the intestinal wall, after which they are removed from the body due to peristalsis.
The instructions available for the Almagel preparation make it possible to familiarize yourself with the indications for the use of this medication:
- putrefactive or fermentative dyspepsia ;
- flatulence;
- gastralgia or heartburn, which arose as a result of excessive use of nicotine, ethanol, coffee, drugs, as well as due to an incorrect diet;
- acute pancreatitis, exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis;
- reflux esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux;
- duodenogastric reflux, acute duodenitis;
- An ulcer of the duodenum or stomach during an exacerbation;
- symptomatic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract;
- erosion of the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal tract;
- acute gastritis;
- exacerbation of chronic gastritis.
You need to know that the drug "Almagel" has contraindications prohibiting the use of this medication. Among them are such as the age of less than 10 years, chronic renal failure, hypophosphatemia, pregnancy, individual congenital intolerance to fructose, Alzheimer's disease, special hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
The instructions attached to the Almagel preparation indicate the possibility of side effects: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, allergic reactions, changes in taste sensations. If the drug is taken for a long time and in large quantities, then hypercalciuria, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperaluminemia, hypermagnesemia, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, nephrocalcinosis, encephalopathy, impaired renal function may occur. Patients with renal failure taking Almagel may feel thirst, hyporeflexia, and a decrease in blood pressure.
The Almagel preparation has several analogues, any of which should be taken strictly at the prescribed dose so that an overdose does not occur. One of the most common analogues is Almagel Neo. Instructions for its use describe the following symptoms of an overdose: facial flushing, fatigue, muscle weakness, exhaustion, inappropriate behavior. Also, the mood may change, pain or numbness of the muscles, slowed breathing, nervousness, impaired mental activity can occur. In case of detection of these symptoms, it is necessary to stop taking the drug "Almagel". Instructions for use also describe such necessary measures as stimulation of vomiting, gastric lavage and the use of activated charcoal.