"Maalox" is a drug designed to eliminate the increased acidity of gastric juice by neutralizing hydrochloric acid. It is used for various indigestion associated with the process of fermentation or decay in the digestive system, gastritis, ulcers, as well as pancreatitis and heartburn. "Maalox" is indicated for use in the treatment of many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Operating principle
Once in the stomach, "Maalox" envelops its walls and thus neutralizes the destructive effect of hydrochloric acid. Very often, it is hydrochloric acid that causes erosion and ulcers. A constant effect on the gastric mucosa leads to the destruction of capillaries and the complete degeneration of organ tissue. Moreover, in many patients, internal bleeding often appears.
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa is called gastritis. It can occur in both acute and chronic form. With the help of "Maalox" you can not only remove the pain syndrome, but also cure gastritis. With this disease, it is extremely important to follow a diet and abandon such bad habits as alcohol and smoking.
Drug release
Today, the release form of "Maalox" exists in the form of tablets and liquid for oral administration. Tablets are available with and without sugar. On each of them there is an engraving in the form of letters "Mx". They are white in color and cylindrical in shape. Tablets are packaged in blisters of 10 pieces each. In one package contains from 1 to 4 blisters.
The suspension has a milky consistency with a pleasant taste and mint aroma. It is in convenient disposable bags, each of which contains 15 ml of a liquid preparation. One large package contains 30 sachets.
Sugar-free tablets have a yellowish tint and a pleasant lime smell. On one side of the tablet there is an engraving with the inscription "sans sucre". They are also located on convenient blisters and packed in cardboard boxes.
What does it consist of
The medicine contains 2 active substances: magnesium and aluminum hydroxides. In addition, the drug has additional components:
- Sugar or its substitute.
- Plant starch.
- Magnesium stearate.
- Preservative Sorbitol.
A similar composition and the suspension. Unlike tablets, it contains such additional components as citric acid, non-crystalline sorbitol, methyl, mannitol, hydrogen peroxide and water. It is also flavored with menthol oil, which gives the drug a pleasant aroma of mint. Indications for use "Maalox" suspension are similar.
What is used for
It is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux, which is accompanied by the release of hydrochloric acid into the esophagus. “Maalox” soft envelops the walls of the stomach and thereby protects them from damage. This disease is often accompanied by pain in the abdomen, belching, and difficulty swallowing. The drug "Maalox" significantly alleviates the condition of the patient. After the first application, the result is noticeable.
In addition, the indications for use of "Maalox" are as follows:
- Erosion and stomach ulcers at different stages of the disease.
- In inflammatory processes of the gastric mucosa.
- Irritation of the digestive tract as a result of drinking alcohol, coffee, sodas and fatty foods.
This drug is taken with alcohol intoxication, as well as after food poisoning and taking certain drugs.
Pregnancy Use
According to the indications for use, "Maalox" is undesirable to use during pregnancy, since the effect of the drug on the fetus has not been fully studied. The main reason is the presence of magnesium and aluminum salts in the preparation. Active components can cause constipation or diarrhea in the expectant mother. This tool can be used for lactation, since it does not affect the quality and quantity of milk.
Drug dosage
In the case of a single use, it is taken as necessary, as soon as pain occurs in the abdomen. The most convenient form of the drug is a suspension. The bag is previously kneaded in the hands, after which one end is torn and the contents are drunk. The shape of the bag is extremely convenient and allows you to use this tool in any emergency situations.
No more than five packets of this drug are used daily. As a rule, funds are taken before meals.
To whom it is contraindicated
With some diseases, it can do much harm. According to the instructions, "Maalox" is not advisable to use in the following cases:
- Diseases of the kidneys and liver.
- It is undesirable to use in the first and last trimester of pregnancy.
- If the patient has phosphate deficiency.
- It is not recommended to use this remedy for Alzheimer's disease.
And also this drug is not used by children under 12 years old. A limited amount is allowed during breastfeeding.
Compatibility with other means
According to the instructions of "Maaloksa", some drugs are poorly compatible with this drug. It is not recommended to use this tool simultaneously with the following drugs:
- "Isoniazid" (anti-tuberculosis drug).
- Some antibacterial agents.
- All drugs related to the tetracycline group are poorly absorbed by the stomach if “Maalox” was used the day before.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are poorly combined with this remedy. For example, Paracetamol, Analgin, Aspirin, and so on.
Due to its enveloping property, “Maalox” prevents the absorption of the active components of the preparations in the wall of the stomach and, thus, significantly reduces their useful properties. Doctors recommend taking a break between Maalox and other medicines.
Side effects
Sometimes allergies, hives, or itching on the skin can occur. In patients with kidney disease with prolonged use, phosphate deficiency may occur. In some cases, iron deficiency anemia and other symptoms accompanying magnesium deficiency are observed.
Usually negative effects when using this tool are not observed. Sometimes minor metabolic disorders may occur, primarily associated with an excess of magnesium. A person may develop weakness, drowsiness, and even imbalance. Most often, patients complain of an upset stomach, which is expressed by constipation or diarrhea.
"Maalox" with heartburn
In order to get rid of it, you should pass tests and determine the underlying disease. Only with the complex treatment of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract can you forget about heartburn forever. “Maalox” for heartburn is taken at night or before each meal. You can not use more than 4 packets per day. Suspension and tablets are not washed down with water. If other drugs are used in addition to Maalox, then a time period of at least 2 hours should be maintained between them.
Heartburn is an extremely unpleasant condition in which the gastric mucosa is irritated. According to statistics, half the population of developed countries suffers from heartburn. Usually it appears 20 minutes after eating. A sick stomach is not able to fully digest food, therefore, these unpleasant sensations arise. The causes of the painful symptoms are gastritis, ulcer, GERD and cholecystitis.
And also heartburn can appear in a completely healthy person. It is provoked by the uncontrolled use of certain drugs, a love of fatty and fried foods, overeating and bad habits. Sometimes it appears during pregnancy due to intra-abdominal pressure.
Use for gastritis
"Maalox" is considered the most optimal option for the treatment of gastritis. It has the following properties that stand out from the rest of the funds:
- In some cases, it can be consumed during pregnancy and lactation, but only in moderation.
- “Maalox” has very few contraindications and practically no side effects.
- It quickly and effectively binds toxic substances and removes them from the body.
- This remedy does not have a recoil function when suppressed hydrochloric acid returns with a vengeance.
With a sluggish form of the disease, "Maalox" is consumed during the day, two hours after a meal. And also be sure to take one pill before bedtime. It should be remembered that more than 12 tablets should not be consumed per day. Usually the course of treatment is 90 days.
If gastritis proceeds in an acute form, then you need to take the drug before meals. It will soothe an irritated stomach, relieve pain and help in digesting food.
Storage and analogues
Among the analogues of tablets "Maaloxa" the most popular are the following funds:
- The drug "Andre" is used for acute and chronic gastritis, esophagitis reflux and heartburn after drinking.
- The drug "Talcid" perfectly eliminates heartburn and belching. It is also prescribed for ulcers and inflammation of the mucosa.
- Almagel copes well with the pain of heartburn, acute gastritis and gastric ulcer. It, like Maalox, is used for alcohol poisoning and between medications.
- "Riopan" is a complete analogue of "Maalox" and is used for similar diseases.
"Maalox" in bags is stored for 3 years in a place inaccessible to children. Storage temperature should not exceed 25 degrees.