Problems of the gastrointestinal tract occupy one of the first places among the diseases of the population of our planet. Fast food, hasty snacks, overeating at night, alcohol abuse, irregular meals, intestinal infections, the negative effects of various drugs, including antibiotics, and other factors are the causes of digestive system disorders that are so common in people. Fortunately, modern pharmacology can offer many drugs that help cope with diseases of the stomach and intestines. One of these drugs has many positive reviews. "Phosphalugel" is an effective tool, which will be discussed in this article.
Composition and form of release
The medication "Phosphalugel" is a drug intended for oral administration. The drug is a suspension of a gel-like consistency of white color, sweetish in taste and having a pleasant aroma of orange. Drug packaging - these are bags, packaged in cardboard boxes of 20 or 26 pieces. The main active ingredient of the drug is aluminum phosphate, the proportion of which is 65% by weight of the contents of one package. Additional compounds that make up the gel are sorbitol, calcium sulfate, agar-agar, pectin, purified water and flavoring. Means "Fosfalugel" ranked as a group of non-absorbable antacids. This means that the active substances of the drug are not absorbed in the stomach and intestines and, after their action, are excreted from the body. This group of drugs is also characterized by a slightly later onset of effect, but at the same time it lasts much longer.
pharmachologic effect
The drug "Phosphalugel", the use of which is indicated for many diseases of the digestive system, has a number of useful properties that contribute to the elimination of symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. We will name each of its pharmacological actions.
- Normalization of the acidity of the stomach, which is based on the neutralization of the excess hydrochloric acid secreted by the digestive glands. At the same time, Fosfalugel has the ability to bind the bile acids produced by the liver and lysolecithin, which have an aggressive effect on the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach, pancreatic tissue and on the wall of the gallbladder. As a result of neutralization of hydrochloric acid, aluminum chloride is formed. The interaction of the latter with the alkaline environment of the intestine is a reaction of the formation of salts, which are completely excreted from the body along with feces.
- The enveloping and absorbing effect is that the dissolved particles of aluminum phosphate have a large surface area and are able to cover the gastric mucosa with an even layer, thereby fulfilling the protective role. Colloidal formations of pectin and agar agar enhance this action, neutralize toxins and gases, and also prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- The cytoprotective effect of Phosphalugel promotes enhanced production of prostaglandins, which increases the content of bicarbonate ions and mucus. In addition, sorbitol, which is part of the drug, causes a mild laxative and choleretic effect of the drug.
Indications for use
In the complex treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, as well as as a means of monotherapy, the drug "Phosphalugel" is successfully used. Heartburn is just one of the troubles that this medicine eliminates. The drug is prescribed for non-ulcer dyspepsia syndrome, diseases of the colon and a number of other diseases. A means of a wide spectrum of action - this is what the medication "Phosphalugel" can be called. Indications for use of the drug also include problems of the gastrointestinal tract, such as acute and chronic gastritis, reflux (duodenal-gastric or gastroesophageal), functional diarrhea, intestinal infections, digestive system disorders resulting from intoxication, increased acidity, peptic ulcer or duodenal ulcer guts. In addition, the drug effectively copes with such unpleasant symptoms as belching, abdominal pain, flatulence. The effectiveness of the tool is confirmed by many positive reviews. "Phosphalugel" in combination with other medications and following a therapeutic diet eliminates manifestations of a hiatal hernia. Timely use of the drug helps to stop progression and prevent the occurrence of complications, for example, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, stenosis, perforation of the stomach wall, the development of a malignant tumor (malignancy).
The drug "Phosphalugel" during pregnancy
Digestive problems are plaguing almost all women expecting a baby. In pregnant women, intestinal motility decreases, since progesterone inhibits the reduction of smooth muscle of organs. For the same reason, women have heartburn, as the muscle located on the border of the esophagus and stomach is in a relaxed state, and part of the gastric juice freely enters the upper digestive system, causing a burning sensation. The situation is aggravated by an increasing uterus. Can I use the drug "Phosphalugel" during pregnancy? Yes, as a one-time help for heartburn, this remedy is recommended by specialists. Moreover, the absorbent effect of the drug helps to remove toxins and infections from the body of the future mother. But the systematic use of Fosfalugel during pregnancy is prohibited, as this can lead not only to severe constipation, negative effects on the kidneys and metabolic disorders in the brain tissue of a woman, but also not the best way to affect the condition of the developing fetus.
Means "Phosphalugel" for children
The substances that make up the drug are safe for children. The doctor can prescribe the medication "Fosfalugel" even to newborns and infants. The dosage of the medicine depends on the age of the child. Children under six months of age are recommended to give the drug no more than six times a day after each feeding. A single dose should not exceed sachet or one teaspoon. The doctor will prescribe the necessary duration of medication, which is usually from one to four weeks. For children over the age of six months, taking the medication “Fosfalugel” is indicated 4 times a day after meals in a dosage of two teaspoons or half a bag. For adolescents and children over six years of age, the dosage and frequency of use of the drug are similar to those for adults. The main indications for the appointment of the drug "Phosphalugel" for children are esophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux.
Side effects
Individual intolerance to the components of the drug "Phosphalugel", in particular aluminum phosphate, can cause allergic reactions. In extremely rare cases, constipation becomes a side effect of the gastrointestinal tract, since the drug reduces intestinal motility. It is worth noting that problems with bowel movements as a result of taking this drug are mainly observed in elderly and bedridden patients. In such cases, to eliminate constipation, it is recommended to drink more fluid.
Dosage
The drug is used undiluted or by dissolving the contents of the package in 100 grams of warm water. The time and frequency of taking the medicine depends on the nature of the disease. For example, with a stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer, the drug should be used during the onset of pain, as well as at bedtime. Gastritis implies the use of the drug shortly before eating, but in the case of diaphragmatic hernia or reflux, after eating and at night. First you need to stretch the bag so that the gel becomes more uniform, then squeeze the medicine into a spoon or into a glass of water. Take the drug should be 1-2 servings no more than 3 times a day, this applies to both adults and children over six years of age and adolescents.
Contraindications
It is not worth using the Fosfalugel tool in cases where there are problems with the work of the kidneys (for example, chronic renal failure) and an allergy to the components of the drug (individual intolerance). In addition, Alzheimer's disease is a contraindication to the use of the drug . It has been proven that the chemical element aluminum is capable of exerting a negative neurotoxic effect on nerve cells. Due to the fact that antacids contain aluminum phosphate in their composition, people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other severe disorders of the central nervous system should not consider the drug "Phosphalugel" as a means of long-term treatment of diseases of the digestive system.
additional information
The drug does not contain sodium chloride, so patients with arterial hypertension can use it without too much concern. Phosphalugel can also be used in patients with diabetes mellitus, since sorbitol, which is a component of the drug, does not cause an increase in blood glucose, as a sugar substitute. It is noteworthy that the drug can be used as a prophylactic to reduce the absorption of radioactive elements.
Cost and reviews
In the media about the drug, you can see numerous positive reviews. "Phosphalugel" is a tool that effectively helps people in the fight against diseases of the digestive system, as evidenced by the positive feedback from users. Many people like the fact that it can be carried with you and applied as needed. Whether heartburn was taken aback, or the stomach got sick after an unusual meal - the medicine is always at hand. Small bags will fit in any purse and even in your wallet. Now there is no need to constantly have a lot of different means. Medication "Fosfalugel" combines several drugs you need. Many are satisfied with the fact that the action of the product lasts long enough. Proof of this is satisfied patients and their reviews. Phosphalugel is an excellent remedy for many problems. Its effectiveness is proven. Before use, carefully read the information contained in the instructions included with the Fosfalugel preparation again. The price of the medicine is not so high, given its wide spectrum of action. For example, the price of packaging a product with 20 bags ranges from 270 to 300 rubles.