Diseases affecting the digestive system are among the most common in the world. Often they develop in childhood, and as a person grows up, they progress, acquiring chronic forms.
Treatment of such ailments can be lengthy, and so that the disease does not return, patients are forced to follow a diet and adhere to the correct lifestyle.
One of the drugs used for stomach diseases is Vicair. Instructions for use, analogues and reviews on the effectiveness of such a medicine are presented in this article.
Release form and composition of the medication
What are the components of the drug "Vicair"? The composition of the drug is of plant origin. It is produced in the form of tablets and consists of the following components: bismuth subnitrate, bark of alder buckthorn, rhizomes of bog calamus, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium carbonate.
The product in question goes on sale in non-cell contour packaging and cardboard packs, respectively.
Drug action
Analogues of "Vicair" have a similar effect to this drug. However, experts do not recommend the use of other medicines without first consulting a doctor.
"Vicair" is a combination agent that has not only antacid and astringent, but also antispasmodic, as well as a laxative effect.
Due to the presence of magnesium carbonate in the preparation, it is able to reduce the acidity of gastric juice and significantly reduce the activity of pepsin.
As for a component such as bismuth nitrate, like the popular De-Nol product (analogue of Vicair), this substance forms a protective film on the gastric mucosa, which has a bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and reparative effect.
If diseases of the digestive tract are accompanied by constipation, then such plant components of the medicine as calamus and buckthorn will help to cope with them. These substances have antispasmodic and laxative effects, as well as improve intestinal motility.
Indications for taking pills
The drug "Vicair" - what helps? The answer to this question can be found in the attached instructions. It says that the indication for the use of this medication is a peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. In addition, such tablets are often prescribed for hyperacid gastritis, including with a tendency to constipation.
Contraindications to taking pills
Before using the analogues of "Vicair", you should definitely study their instructions, including the section with contraindications, since the prohibitions even for drugs with a similar composition can vary significantly.
The medication in question cannot be used for:
- hypoacid gastritis;
- hypersensitivity;
- chronic renal failure;
- chronic appendicitis;
- enterocolitis;
- in childhood.
Instructions for use "Vikaira"
Analogues of the drug in question should be taken in accordance with their form of release and recommended dosages. As for the mentioned tablets, they are prescribed only inside, 60-120 minutes after the meal. The medication must be washed down with a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup), otherwise its therapeutic effect will be minimal.
According to the testimony, the drug "Vicair" is prescribed 1-2 tablets, three times a day. For a tangible therapeutic effect, it is advisable to take such a remedy for 1-2 months. If required, then repeat the course (after consulting a doctor).
Side effects
What side effects can the drug "Vicair" cause? According to patient reviews, taking such a medication sometimes provokes allergic reactions. Also, during treatment with this remedy, some people have loose stools.
Drug interaction
How does the drug in question interact with other drugs? The instructions say that while taking histamine H2-receptor blockers and m-anticholinergic blockers, the patient’s need for Vicair is reduced. Also, this medicine reduces the absorption of tetracyclines, and in combination with other agents that contain bismuth, increase the concentration of this substance in the blood.
It's important to know!
"Vicair" is forbidden to take for a long time, especially in high dosages. This is due to the possibility of developing encephalopathy, which is due to the accumulation of bismuth in the central nervous system of a person.
Just as when taking the analogue of “Vicair” - “De-Nola”, during the treatment period the patient's feces can be painted black.
Similar drugs
What analogues of Vicair (synthetic or plant origin) are known? Unfortunately, this tool does not have exact analogues. However, the following drugs have a similar effect:
- De Nol. The active substance of this drug is bismuth oxide. This is a good antiulcer drug that exhibits bactericidal activity against Helicobacter pylori.
Like Vicair, De Nol has an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect. After taking it in the acidic environment of the stomach, a protective film forms, which contributes to the rapid healing of erosion and ulcers. Due to its composition, such a drug is able to increase the resistance of the gastrointestinal mucosa to the effects of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, as well as salts and enzymes of bile acids.
- "Maalox." This is an antacid drug that has two forms of release: a suspension for oral administration and chewable tablets. Its active substances are aluminum oxide and magnesium hydroxide.
Due to its composition, “Maalox” neutralizes the hydrochloric acid of the juice of the stomach and at the same time does not cause its repeated hypersecretion. Also, taking this medication helps reduce pepsin activity.
- Almagel. This is an antacid. It is able to provide an enveloping and adsorbing effect.
Thanks to the stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis, the use of this drug has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa, protecting it from erosive hemorrhagic and inflammatory lesions that arise as a result of the use of ulcerogenic and irritating agents (for example, ethanol, NSAIDs, corticosteroids).
- "Rennie." These are antacid chewable tablets. They contain magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate. Due to its composition, the drug provides quick and long-term neutralization of excess hydrochloric acid, providing a protective effect.
Also, the following medicines can be attributed to the analogues of the drug “Vikair”: “Vis-Nol”, “Ulkavis”, “Gastro-Norm”, “Limzer”, “Gaviscon”, “Pepsan”, “Venter”, “Abisib”, “ Novobismol ”,“ Escape ”,“ Gastrocepin ”, etc. Unfortunately, not all of the medicines listed are sold in Russian pharmacies.
Reviews of patients and specialists
What are the reviews about "Vicair" found on the World Wide Web? Most experts report that such a drug is outdated, and therefore it is rarely prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines. Nevertheless, some patients still use this tool, and respond positively about it. According to them, such pills help to quickly eliminate the pain observed in stomach ulcers, as well as normalize the general condition of the digestive system. In addition, there have been cases of positive therapy for hyperacid gastritis.
In addition to positive reviews, there are also negative messages about this tool. The main disadvantage of this drug is the fact that people under the age of 18 can not take "Vicair". Analogs for children should be selected only by a pediatrician.
Also, some experts argue that the use of the mentioned medication can adversely affect the state of the walls of the stomach due to the release of a large amount of CO2. Moreover, against the background of treatment with this agent, the development of swelling and hypertensive crises is possible. Therefore, such a medication should be used with caution.