Instructions
Almagel and Almagel Neo are medications that restore the functioning of the digestive tract. After administration, the acidity of gastric juice decreases. The components of the drugs are different, so they differ in action. General characteristics include the ability to remove harmful substances from the body and coat the gastrointestinal mucosa. The medicine is chosen depending on the symptoms and the desired result.
Almagel and Almagel Neo are medications that restore the functioning of the digestive tract.
pharmachologic effect
Both drugs are released in the form of a suspension for oral administration. Medicines envelop the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, absorb and remove harmful substances, and neutralize the effect of hydrochloric acid. After administration, the activity of gastric juice decreases and the resistance of the gastric mucosa to adverse effects increases. The risk of ulcers and erosions is reduced.
Algeldrat stops the production of pepsin and increases the pH of the stomach. Magnesium hydroxide normalizes stool and improves the functioning of the digestive system. Sorbitol has a mild choleretic and laxative effect. Simethicone prevents bloating and eliminates colic. The action begins in 5-7 minutes. The remedy lasts longer if taken after meals.
Pharmacological action, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The mechanism of action of the drug is based on suppressing the activity of pepsin and neutralizing hydrochloric acid secreted in the stomach, due to which it achieves optimal pH values. Almagel also has adsorbing and enveloping effects. It forms a protective film on the gastric walls, which has a pronounced protective effect.
The active substances in the drug are not absorbed into the systemic circulation and act only locally.
The effect of using Almagel is observed within 5 minutes after taking it and lasts up to 1-1.5 hours. The duration of action depends on food intake and the individual characteristics of the body.
What is the difference and which is better - Almagel or Almagel Neo
The difference is that the product labeled Neo on the package contains simethicone. It prevents bloating and colic. Only a doctor can tell you which is better. It depends on the symptoms. In case of increased gas formation and colic, it is necessary to take Almagel Neo. The basic remedy is suitable for alleviating the symptoms of diseases of the digestive tract.
In case of increased gas formation and colic, it is necessary to take Almagel Neo.
Drug interactions
Almagel does not enter into active chemical reactions with other drugs and does not cause toxic effects. However, it can interfere with the absorption of drugs and block their action. Such medications include:
- beta blockers;
- cardiac glycosides;
- tetracycline antibacterial drugs;
- ciprofloxacin;
- ketoconazole;
- antihistamines.
Indications for use
The drug is used for the following diseases:
- gastritis or peptic ulcer, including during an exacerbation;
- inflammatory disease of the duodenum or the presence of erosions in the organ;
- reflux of the contents of the duodenum into the stomach;
- inflammation of the pancreas;
- diaphragmatic hernia;
Almagel Neo in orange packaging is taken for flatulence. Medicines are prescribed against the background of overeating, drinking alcohol and taking medications. After taking it, heartburn, abdominal pain, and bloating disappear. The acidity of gastric juice decreases.
Almagel: instructions for use
According to the instructions, adults should take Almagel orally 30 minutes before meals, 1-3 scoops. The frequency of use is 3-4 times a day.
The duration of the course of treatment is individual and determined by the doctor. After achieving clinical remission of the disease, it is recommended to continue taking a maintenance dose (1 scoop 2-3 times a day) for 2 months.
The maximum daily amount of the drug is 16 spoons.
Adolescents under 15 years of age are recommended to take half, and children under 10 years of age one third of the daily dose of adults.
Important! Before using the drug, the bottle should be shaken thoroughly.
special instructions
If you experience abdominal pain, vomiting or nausea, start taking Almagel A.
It is sold in yellow packaging and additionally contains painkillers. Then they switch to the basic form of the drug - green. When using the medication for a long time, you need to eat foods that contain phosphorus.
If you experience abdominal pain, vomiting or nausea, start taking Almagel A.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take the product. If necessary, stop breastfeeding.
Childhood
The suspension should not be given to children under 10 years of age.
Elderly age
In old age, no dose adjustment is required. Can be given to older people as prescribed by a doctor. In case of Alzheimer's disease, use is contraindicated.
Contraindications
There are not many contraindications to taking the drug, but they do exist and you need to know about them:
- Severe liver failure.
- Alzheimer's disease.
- Individual intolerance to one or more components of the medication.
- Infancy up to 1 month.
Almagel should be used with caution and only if there are strong indications during pregnancy and lactation.
Side effects of Almagel and Almagel Neo
Both drugs are well tolerated by the body. In some cases, dyspepsia and impaired intestinal motor function occur.
With long-term use, the concentration of phosphorus in the blood decreases, the level of magnesium and calcium increases, constipation and tissue swelling occur, and changes occur in bone tissue.
Allergies may appear in the form of urticaria, Quincke's edema, and anaphylactic shock. Alzheimer's disease worsens in old age.
Side effects and overdose
Adverse reactions are quite rare, but can develop from many systems and organs of the body:
- Gastrointestinal tract: dyspeptic syndrome (nausea, vomiting, stool disorders), taste perversion.
- Exchange disorders.
- Nervous system: drowsiness and headaches.
- Bones: osteomalacia.
- Urinary system: edema of renal origin.
- Allergic reactions (itching, rashes).
Overdose of Almagel is not a common occurrence. It manifests itself as the development of constipation. In such a situation, you should temporarily discontinue the drug and prescribe laxatives.
Composition and action
The composition of the drug includes the active substance and auxiliary components. It is the active components that determine the therapeutic effect of all forms of Almagel.
Almagel
Qualitative composition of the suspension: aluminum hydroxide gel (algeldrate) and magnesium hydroxide paste. Both components have an absorbent effect. They absorb substances that negatively affect the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Another therapeutic effect of these components is their enveloping effect. A powerful protective barrier is created on the surface of the stomach walls, facilitating uniform distribution of the medicine. This protective layer ensures long-lasting action of the active components.
Aluminum and magnesium hydroxide have a neutralizing effect on hydrochloric acid in the lumen of the stomach, resulting in the formation of aluminum and magnesium chloride. Subsequently, passing through the intestines, they are modified into alkaline salts. The proteolytic activity of pepsin decreases, and the environment becomes less aggressive. This is how the antacid effect of the medication manifests itself. The ability to digest hydrochloric acid decreases and, accordingly, its adverse effect on the walls of the gastric tract decreases. Accelerated healing of erosive and ulcerative lesions occurs due to the elimination of negative factors. Another advantage is the absence of such a phenomenon as “acid rebound”.
All aluminum compounds, including algeldrate, are characterized by a fixing effect. Magnesium hydroxide, on the contrary, manifests itself as an osmotic laxative, increasing the amount of water in the stool, accelerating its passage through the intestines. Sorbitol helps increase the secretion of bile, which has a laxative effect. Thus, these 2 substances complement each other, eliminating unpleasant consequences and causing normal stool.
Almagel A
The only difference between Almagel A and the base suspension is that benzocaine is added to the main components. This is a local anesthetic.
Thanks to this substance, the patient has a pronounced and rapid analgesic effect. Benzocaine, entering the gastrointestinal tract, blocks the conduction of nerve impulses, so pain and discomfort disappear.
It should be remembered that the duration of use of this type of medication is limited due to the side effects inherent in painkillers.
Almagel Neo
This type differs from the usual one in that it contains the additional component simethicone. This element belongs to the group of carminatives, and according to its chemical structure it is an organosilicon compound.
Simethicone reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive system, stimulating their rapid destruction and making further formation more difficult. Next, the released gases are absorbed into the intestinal wall and removed by peristalsis. This type of suspension acts gently and delicately, relieving dyspeptic disorders.
Any type of Almagel drug can be found at the pharmacy. The price of the medicine varies from 150 to 300 rubles.
Mode of application
Almagel comes in the form of a suspension and tablets. Before using the suspension, be sure to shake the contents of the bottle so that it acquires a homogeneous composition.
The required dosage of the drug is determined by the gastroenterologist depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the disease itself. Adults are prescribed 5 to 10 ml of a single dose of the drug three times a day. Twice before meals 30 minutes, and drink the last part before bedtime. If after some time the patient’s condition does not improve, the dosage is increased. The maximum permissible amount per day should not exceed 80 ml (16 scoops).
Pediatric Dosage Recommendations
The dosage of Almagel for children should be strictly determined by a doctor. Below are just recommendations.
- Children under 10 years old: 1.7-3.5 ml;
- Children aged 10-15 years: 2.5-5 ml;
- Teenagers over 15 years old: 5-10 ml.
Use by adults
The Almagel suspension begins to act within 5 minutes, and the therapeutic effect lasts up to 2 hours. The liquid can be drunk only 30 minutes after taking the antacid. If, in addition to this medicine, you take other medications, it is recommended to maintain an interval of at least one hour between doses. Simultaneous use with antibiotics, antihistamines and cardiac glycosides weakens the effect of the latter. To avoid this, the break between taking Almagel and these medications should be at least 1.5-2 hours.
Almagel can be combined with other drugs, but it is necessary to observe a break between the use of an antacid and other medications. This also applies to drinks containing caffeine, which reduces the effectiveness of therapy.
Almagel A is taken in the same way as classic Almagel in green packaging. The instructions indicate the following indications: exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers, enteritis, duodenitis, exacerbation of acute and chronic gastritis with normal or high acidity, diaphragmatic hernia, reflux esophagitis, colitis, indigestion, epigastric pain due to poor nutrition, diabetes . If you have severe, acute pain, nausea and vomiting, then a suspension with an anesthetic is better for therapy.
Almagel Neo is prescribed an hour after meals in a dosage of 5 ml - this is the whole difference between this drug and others from the Almagel series. You can drink up to 60 ml per day. It differs from other drugs in its orange flavor. Allowed for children over 10 years of age only in the amount of 5 ml per dose.
