Overdose
The drug is absorbed into the systemic bloodstream in minimal quantities, so it does not provoke an overdose when used correctly. Despite this, such cases have been recorded by specialists.
An overdose is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, as well as frequent loose stools, flatulence, and bloating. Symptoms aggravate the general condition, provoke weakness, headache and sleep disturbance. If signs of overdose appear, it is important to immediately stop taking the pills and visit a doctor.
Patients during pregnancy receive care in a hospital setting. Treatment in this case consists of replenishing fluid deficiency in the body and preventing the progression of symptoms. Sometimes enterosorbents are prescribed, which speed up the process of cleansing the body of product residues.
Drug interactions
During the gestation period, the use of medications is limited, but you should not combine an antacid with some medications. The medicine reduces the absorption of cardiac glycosides, beta-blockers, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
That is why it is recommended to take a break between doses of at least 2 hours. Such medications are rarely prescribed during pregnancy and lactation, but other patients often need them.
If it is necessary to prescribe the drug in combination with antibiotics, you should also take a break of at least 4 hours. In each case, the decision on the compatibility of drugs is made by the doctor.
Pharmacological properties
Maalox during pregnancy (the 1st trimester may also be accompanied by symptoms from the digestive system) is used due to its pronounced therapeutic effect. The product has antacid properties and helps eliminate acute symptoms from the digestive system that occur at different stages of gestation.
The drug also has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa of a pregnant woman, which helps eliminate pain and other symptoms. During pregnancy, patients often experience digestive disorders, so the use of the medicine helps prevent the development of complications and the progression of chronic pathologies.
The drug during pregnancy helps prevent intestinal disorders, as well as persistent constipation, which is observed during pregnancy due to changes in hormonal levels.
Analogs
In the absence of an original remedy or the impossibility of using it, specialists prescribe substitutes with similar properties to pregnant women.
The most effective and relatively safe analogues:
- Almagel is available in the form of a suspension, has the same composition as Maalox, and has the same properties. The medicine can be prescribed to pregnant and lactating women according to strict indications. The drug eliminates nausea, heartburn, and normalizes digestion. It is especially often used in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
- Phosphalugel contains aluminum phosphate as the main active component. It is considered a more preferable treatment option for pregnant and lactating women. This is due to the lack of negative effects on bone tissue. The drug has pronounced antacid properties, stimulates digestion and prevents the development of gastric ulcers.
- Gastracid also has a composition similar to Maalox and is available in tablet form, but is not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women. The product has pronounced antacid properties and helps eliminate dyspeptic disorders.
Analogs can be used for non-pregnant patients, men, and the elderly. A doctor should select a substitute.
Contraindications
The medication is not used in cases of acute or subacute allergies to the main or auxiliary components of the composition.
Other barriers to treatment include the following conditions:
- Acute kidney failure, accompanied by impaired functioning of the paired organ. During pregnancy, many patients develop kidney problems.
- Diabetes. At the same time, the drug is prescribed in tablet form with caution; it is better to give preference to a suspension.
- Severe liver failure in acute or subacute form. If the functioning of the organ is disrupted and the disorder spreads to the gallbladder, the medicine can provoke complications.
- Internal bleeding that occurs as a result of damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
- Mental disorders in the acute stage.
- Severe neurological disorders, for example, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
- Acute period of myocardial infarction.
The drug is also not prescribed to pregnant women if they are prone to allergic manifestations, as well as severe pregnancy, which is associated with an increased risk of complications from internal organs.
Side effects
Maalox during pregnancy (the 1st trimester is often accompanied by symptoms of toxicosis, which may require the use of medication) often leads to the development of complications if used not according to instructions.
| Damage area | Common Complications |
| Nervous system | Complications from the nervous system do not develop as often. Some patients may report headache, weakness and dizziness. Symptoms may disappear on their own or lead to the development of other disorders. Special medications are not used during pregnancy to relieve symptoms |
| Digestive organs | From the digestive tract, complications occur most often, manifesting themselves in the form of pain in the stomach, as well as persistent constipation or loose stools, repeated vomiting during the day |
| urinary system | Increased urination and pain in the kidney area during treatment are observed in women who suffer from chronic pathologies of the urinary system |
| Leather | On the part of the skin, complications manifest themselves in the form of an allergic reaction. Women note the appearance of a rash on the body and limbs, severe itching and peeling of the skin. Symptoms worsen with long-term use of the medication and may also lead to the development of acute urticaria or other disorders. |
The severity of complications depends on the gestation period and the duration of the treatment course. Non-pregnant patients and men may also experience disorders of internal organs and systems. If complications occur, you should stop using the medication and visit a doctor.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
After taking the medicine orally, the therapeutic effect occurs quite quickly, which is due to the concentration of the components of the composition mainly in the stomach. The product helps to quickly suppress the production of hydrochloric acid and weakens its aggressive effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus.
As a result, there is a disappearance of heartburn and some other symptoms. Often during pregnancy, patients suffer from nausea. The drug helps get rid of this symptom and prevents its reappearance.
The drug also has other pronounced properties:
- Stimulates digestion and prevents the development of indigestion when consuming large amounts of fatty, fried and salty foods. During pregnancy, indigestion often develops, which is associated with hormonal changes and some other processes in the body.
- Helps prevent the release of hydrochloric acid into the esophagus. The drug does not improve the condition if the patient additionally suffers from chronic pathologies of the digestive tract, but taking it alleviates the course of the underlying disease, which prevents its rapid progression.
- Improves the functioning of the liver and gallbladder.
- Reduces the negative effects of certain foods on the mucous membranes of the intestines and stomach.
- Prevents the development of an acute form of gastritis, which can be diagnosed in patients at different stages of gestation, which is associated with hormonal imbalance and increased acidity of gastric juice.
The drug is well absorbed in the body of patients, but its active substances are absorbed into the systemic circulation in minimal quantities and have almost no systemic effect. This is considered a benefit for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as the risk of developing common disorders is reduced.
Despite this, the medication acts quickly in the stomach; the therapeutic effect is observed within a few minutes. The drug is excreted from the body unchanged in the feces. The elimination period does not exceed 12 hours.
Price
The cost of the product in packages is approximately 35-45 rubles. for 1 piece. The suspension in a bottle costs approximately 600 rubles.
The price of the tablets is approximately 150 rubles. for 10 pieces.
Maalox is considered an effective and relatively safe remedy against nausea and heartburn, which is used during pregnancy at different stages, as well as for the treatment of patients during lactation. It is noted that the 3rd trimester is most often accompanied by various dyspeptic disorders, but this is not considered a reason for uncontrolled use without a doctor’s prescription.
special instructions
Maalox during pregnancy (the 3rd trimester is considered the most difficult, and therefore often leads to the development of various dyspeptic disorders) should be used only if there are strict indications. The official instructions suggest prescribing with caution, as complications may develop.
During lactation, the medicine can also be used only according to strict indications. During therapy, you should regularly visit a doctor who will evaluate the effectiveness of therapy and possible complications.
If dyspeptic disorders do not disappear within 10 days, you must contact your doctor, who will determine the reason for the lack of therapeutic effect and, if necessary, prescribe a diagnostic examination.
