Almagel for the stomach: instructions for use, side effects

Antacids are widely used to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal problems. “Almagel” effectively copes with heartburn, nausea and pain for stomach ulcers and gastritis. The active components of the medication help reduce high acidity and neutralize the negative effects of gastric juice on the stomach walls. But the medicine does not help with low acidity.

Indications for use

Indications for use of all types of Almagel are similar, with the exception of a few points.

The use of antacid suspensions is prescribed:

for the treatment of acute or chronic gastritis with normal or increased levels of hydrochloric acid;
in the treatment of ulcerative manifestations of the stomach and duodenum during periodic exacerbations;
for carrying out preventive measures;
in the complex treatment of esophagitis, duodenitis, enteritis, hernia;
to relieve food intoxication;
to protect the walls of the stomach from the negative effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In addition, green Almagel is recommended for stomach disorders. This is the best option for heartburn attacks, to eliminate discomfort after poor nutrition or the influence of harmful factors.

Doctors prescribe yellow Almagel A in cases where the pain symptom is pronounced, accompanied by vomiting and nausea. When intense pain subsides and accompanying symptoms disappear, the patient is recommended to switch to the classic suspension.

Orange Almagel Neo, which is used for putrefactive or fermentative dyspepsia, effectively relieves bloating (flatulence).

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. 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 allowable 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. During treatment, it is not advisable to take antibiotics, antihistamines and heart medications.

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, diaphragmatic hernia, acid reflux, 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 old only in an amount of 5 ml. for one appointment.

Overdose

In the case of a single use of an increased dosage of the drug Almagel A, no other symptoms were noted except a metallic taste in the mouth, flatulence and constipation.

With long-term systemic use of the drug in high doses, the following symptoms may occur:

bradycardia;
neuromuscular paralysis;
nausea and vomiting;
changes in ECG indicators;
anuria;
formation of kidney stones;
drowsiness;
numbness and pain in the muscles;
severe intestinal obstruction;
fatigue;
respiratory depression;
decreased reflex function;
hypoventilation;
renal failure;
coma;
heart failure.

Treatment:

hospitalization;
taking sorbents;
gastric lavage;
artificial stimulation of the gag reflex;
symptomatic treatment.

special instructions

The medicine is produced in the form of a suspension - a gel, which ensures its rapid and uniform distribution throughout the digestive system. The antacid begins to act gently, creating reliable protection and not leading to a sharp decrease in acidity, so problems with food digestion are excluded.

If the drug is taken for a long time, phosphorus deficiency may occur because it is able to remove it from the body. Therefore, the lack of phosphorus must be compensated for with special preparations or a balanced diet.

Almagel Neo contains alcohol. For this reason, it should be taken with caution by people who have impaired liver function, are alcohol dependent, or suffer from epilepsy. The presence of alcohol does not affect concentration or reaction speed in any way. It is prescribed even to patients whose activities require perseverance and attentiveness.

Patients with fructose intolerance are not recommended to be treated with this medicine, as it contains sorbitol. It can cause mucosal irritation and diarrhea in this category of people.

Side effects

Side effects occur in isolated cases if the doctor’s instructions are not followed. Typically this is:

allergic manifestations;
nausea and vomiting;
change in taste sensations;
pain and spasms in the epigastrium;
drowsiness and thirst;
constipation or diarrhea.

When a patient suffers from renal failure and consumes high doses of the suspension, this can lead to negative effects that are significantly different from other consequences. These include:

the appearance of edema;
an increase in the concentration of magnesium and aluminum in the blood, and calcium in the urine;
pressure drop;
dementia and encephalopathy.

Possibility of overdose

Long-term therapy in large doses of Almagel Neo may differ from treatment with other types of the drug in the occurrence of an overdose. The main symptoms are: increased fatigue and nervousness, changeable mood, slow breathing, numbness and muscle pain, inadequate reaction to events, hyperemia (redness) of the face. To eliminate such negative signs, you need to cleanse the body of excess medication.

Measures such as gastric lavage, inducing vomiting, laxatives and sorbents are given.

Contraindications

Here are the contraindications for all forms of Almagel:

hypersensitivity to its components;
Alzheimer's disease.

This medication is considered one of the safest because it is not absorbed into the circulatory system and does not cause harm to the body during therapy. It quickly and effectively acts on an irritated stomach without stimulating metabolic disorders. All types of Almagel meet modern requirements, and their clinical effectiveness has been proven by many years of research.

International name:

Almagel

Active substance:

Algeldrat, Magnesium hydroxide

Almagel is an effective drug that fights diseases of the stomach, functionality and intestinal mucosa. For more than forty years, he has been helping people cure common diseases of the digestive system - gastritis, ulcers, problems with the balance of alkali and acid in the stomach. The medicine Almagel has several varieties in its arsenal - “Almagel”, “Almagel A”, “Almagel Neo” and “Almagel T”.

It is worth understanding what such a special niche of medicinal products is intended for, determining the differences between special varieties of Almagel and learning about their correct method of use before conducting therapeutic therapy with a similar medicine.

Varieties

Almagel is convenient to use for gastritis due to its versatility. It is possible to choose exactly the composition that is best suited at the moment and for a specific ailment.

Almagel - The classic representative of the line is available in the form of a suspension, in bottles with green markings. Almagel for heartburn, if it is without complications, is prescribed of this particular type. Unlike the others, it does not have additional components, but is prescribed by doctors even more often, since their presence does not always lead to an increase in the desired effect.
Almagel Neo – Additional component Simethicone. Belongs to the group of carminatives and defoamers. Chemical structure: organosilicon compound. Reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive tract, this stimulates their destruction and complicates their formation. The released gases are partially absorbed by the intestinal walls or excreted naturally through peristalsis. Simethicone itself is not absorbed, therefore it is considered safe and is excreted unchanged.
Almagel A – A special feature is the presence of the local anesthetic Benzocaine (aka Anestezin). When it comes into contact with the mucous membrane, it blocks the conduction of nerve impulses, due to which pain and discomfort disappear almost immediately. Its disadvantage is that the effect is short-lived, on average 2 hours. Oral absorption is minimal, but long-term studies have not been conducted to evaluate carcinogenicity. In some cases, the analgesic effect will be an undoubted advantage, but the list of side effects and contraindications is growing. Treatment longer than a month is not recommended. Available in yellow bottles.

Classic, Almagel Neo, Almagel A, what is the difference becomes clear after carefully examining the composition. First Almagel for heartburn and other dyspeptic disorders will be the best choice. The second one is more appropriate to prescribe for bloating, flatulence and before various studies. The third is for stomach pain, acute gastritis and other conditions.

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The drug Almagel A - purpose and features of the form

"Almagel A" is a type of the group of therapeutic drugs "Almagel" in yellow cardboard packaging. The healing product is produced in the form of a light milky suspension-elixir.

The product is rich in special therapeutic components - algeldrate and magnesium hydroxide paste. Both components act as high-quality absorbents that effectively absorb all toxic substances in the gastrointestinal tract and gently remove them from the body without damaging the mucous membrane. The advantage of using just such components in the composition is the enveloping effect. Magnesium paste and algeldrate create a barrier on the surface of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, enveloping it, which promotes the correct distribution of the drug and the long-term effect of the active components in the composition.

Magnesium and aluminum hydroxides and algeldrates neutralize the huge secretion of hydrochloric acid in the lumen of the stomach, turning into magnesium and aluminum chlorides. Modified chlorides pass through the intestines and are transformed into alkaline salts, due to which pepsin activity decreases and the environment in the gastrointestinal tract becomes less aggressive. This effect on the microflora is explained by the antacid effect of the drug. Also, against the background of hydroxides and algeldrates in the composition, the ability of the stomach to absorb aggressive exudate - hydrochloric acid - decreases. This significantly reduces the harmful effect of the secreted fluid on the walls of organs and their mucous membrane.

Due to this healing effect, rapid healing of erosive tumors and ulcerative lesions occurs.

In addition, the ingredients of the drug have a fixing effect, regulate and normalize stool, prevent diarrhea and restore the harmonious background of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.

The advantage of Almagel is the absence of rebound syndrome due to the mild action of hydroxides.

The difference between this type of Almagel and the usual form in green packaging is that the composition of the product is enriched with benzocaine, a local anesthetic component. It is benzocaine that fights pain and eliminates the discomfort that occurs against the background of gastrointestinal ailments.

Also, you need to take into account that the use of this particular type of drug Almagel is limited in accordance with its analgesic effect by the content of benzocaine.

pharmachologic effect

Thanks to the combined balanced composition, Almagel exhibits diverse therapeutic effectiveness:

absorbent;
pain reliever;
tread;
antacid;
laxative.

After penetration into the stomach cavity, aluminum hydroxide enters into a chemical reaction with hydrochloric acid to form neutral end products. The chemical compound has the ability to block the production of pepsin, a digestive enzyme produced by the mucous membrane. Magnesium hydroxide is also involved in the reactions of neutralizing gastric juice. But its main pharmacological effect is to increase the motility of the digestive tract, which occurs under the influence of aluminum hydroxide.

All forms of Almagel release are capable of restoring damaged stomach tissue, normalizing the synthesis of prostaglandins. The drug forms a protective film on the mucous membrane that prevents the effects of hydrochloric acid and pepsin on ulcerations, wounds and microcracks. The drug penetrates into the systemic circulation in extremely small quantities. Almagel begins to work immediately after entering the stomach, and its rate of elimination from the body depends on the quality and quantity of food in the gastrointestinal tract.

"Almagel Neo" - benefits and use of the medicine

This variety is produced in orange packaging. Almagel of this type differs from the usual release form in green packaging in that it contains a specialized substance - simethicone. What does this component cure? Simentikon belongs to the carminative niche and has organosilicon origins of its biological and chemical structure.

The action of simethicone included in the medicine is aimed at reducing the external tension of gas bubbles in the intestinal tract. This component promotes their rapid destruction and prevents their subsequent manifestation. The released gases are absorbed into the mucous membrane of the intestinal walls and, together with peristalsis, are expelled. Almagel orange has the most delicate effect of all and gently relieves dyspeptic disorders.

The list of components of the “Neo” form of the drug includes ethyl alcohol, so patients with impaired liver function, epilepsy and alcoholism should be wary of taking the drug. Also, the medicine is not recommended for patients with fructose intolerance, because sorbitol in the structure of the drug can irritate the mucous membrane, pituitary membrane and cause diarrhea in this category of people.

"Almagel" - detailed instructions for use, area of use of the drug and contraindications for use

Almagel of this etiology contains the same substances as the “Almagel A” form. Available in green packaging. The only difference is the absence of an anesthetic ingredient in the composition. This medicine, like all its forms, is prescribed for:

food toxic infections;
bloating;
esophagitis;
acute gastritis with pathological high acidity;
discomfort and pain in the gastrointestinal tract due to violations of the diet, consumption of alcohol, nicotine, medications and coffee;
hiatal hernia;
ulcer in the acute phase;
duodenitis;
from heartburn, hiccups and belching due to gastrointestinal ailments;
duodenal ulcer in the acute phase;
enteritis.

Types of "Almagel"

This medication has an antacid effect, which helps neutralize the high acidity of gastric juice and suppress its excessive proteolytic functionality. There are several varieties of “Almagel”, and how they differ from each other needs to be understood. Let's start with the visual differences:

"Almagel" is produced in green packaging;
“Almagel A” - in yellow;
"Almagel Neo" - in orange.

All three types of “Almagel” are produced in the form of a white thick suspension in 170 ml plastic bottles in cardboard packaging. An application note is attached to each of them. "Almagel Neo" is also available in the form of 10 ml sachets, which are packaged in boxes of 10 or 20 pieces. The main "Almagel" also comes in tablet form, as a replacement for the suspension. Sold in packs of 12 and 24 pieces.

It should be noted that this pharmacological agent has two names: “Almagel” and “Almagel”, but these are the same drug.

Instructions and uses of the medicine

All forms of the drug should be used orally, shaking the bottle thoroughly before using the product.

The dosage for adults is two teaspoons of the product before meals - 30 minutes before bedtime. If the desired effect appears in a minor form, it is recommended to increase the dosage to three spoons. The maximum dose for adults cannot exceed sixteen spoons per day. At the maximum dosage, the drug is used for no more than two weeks.

The medicine works within five minutes, and the effect of the product lasts about two hours. It is not recommended to drink drinks or water within half an hour after taking the medicine.

"Almagel Neo" is used in a dose of five milliliters in a standard adult dose, unlike other forms of the drug.

Children under the age of 10 years are prescribed 1/3 of the daily dose of an adult. From the age of ten, the dosage of the drug is half that of an adult.

It is impossible not to mention that there is also a form of the drug in tablets - “Almagel T”. How to take this medicine? Take two capsules of these tablets before meals. The maximum daily dose of the drug is no more than six tablets. The dosage for minors is calculated in the same way as in the case of a suspension. The effect of the medicine after administration lasts no more than three hours. Before using the drug, you should consult with a specialist - a gastroenterologist or pediatrician.

Treatment with this form of the drug lasts no more than a quarter of a month.

If the disease is accompanied by severe vomiting, pain and severe nausea, it is recommended to start therapy with the Almagel A form, which relieves pain. After eliminating pain, you can switch to the classic form of the drug in green packaging.

Contraindications

It is not recommended to use the drug if:

Alzheimer's disease;
under one month of age;
individual intolerance to components;
severe impairment of kidney function.

Also, you should avoid taking it while breastfeeding. During periods of an interesting situation, pregnancy, the medicine can be used, but only after a doctor and for no more than three days. It is not recommended to take the drug for pathological conditions and oncology.

Side effect of the medicine

Almagel, like any other product, has its own pathogenic effects. They are defined as follows:

changes in taste, as such, during a meal;
pain and antispasmodic symptoms in the epigastric region;
constipation or diarrhea;
allergy;
pathological drowsiness;
vomiting;
thirst;
peresthesia;
vomit.

Contraindications may occur in case of acute allergy to individual components of Almagel or an excess of the product. If any of the listed symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to substances in the composition.
Severe liver pathologies. Although the medicine itself is eliminated by the intestines, there is a risk of kidney damage due to increased calcium excretion in the urine.
With caution during pregnancy.
Alzheimer's disease.
Predisposition to low levels of phosphate in the blood.
Fructose intolerance due to sorbitol content.

Almagel Neo	Almagel tablets	Green Almagel and Almagel A
Chronic renal failure	Hypersensitivity or allergy to magaldrate and/or sorbitol	Sensitivity or allergy to components of the suspension
Low blood phosphorus concentration	Severe renal failure	Severe renal failure
Pregnancy	Age under 12 years	Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease	Infants under 1 month
Age under 10 years
Congenital fructose intolerance
Tendency to allergic reactions

In addition, Almagel A (yellow), due to the presence of benzocaine in the composition, cannot be taken simultaneously with sulfonamide drugs (Biseptol, etc.).

Almagel Neo has relative contraindications, in the presence of which it should be used with caution and under careful monitoring of the patient's condition. These relative contraindications are:

breastfeeding period;
liver pathology;
alcoholism;
traumatic brain injury;
brain pathology;
epilepsy;
age under 10 years;
teenagers aged 10 – 18 years.

"Almagel" - suspension analogues

There are many substitutes for this medicine that are relevant if it is not available in the pharmacy or any form of it. The closest analogues include:

"Agiflux" (AGIFLUX) - in suspension and tablets, medicinal substances algeldrat_magnesium hydroxide;
“Altacid” (ALTACID) - in suspension, a mixture of hydrotalcite (Hydrotalcitum) + magnesium hydroxide (Magnesium hydroxide);
"Detralex" - in tablets, the active ingredients are diosmin (Diosmin) + hesperidine (Hesperidine);
"Alumag" - in capsules, a combination of algeldratum and magnesium hydroxide;
"Maalox®" - in suspension and dragees, substances magnesium hydroxide and algeldrates;
"Gastal" - in tablets, a combination of magnesium + hydrotalcites;
"Anre" - in tablets, a carbo-mixture of magnesium and calcium;
"Gastrogard" (Chondrogard) - in tablets and oral paste, the active ingredients are magnesium carbonates and heavy calcium;
“Rennie®” - in edible dragees, a combination of calcium and magnesium carbonates;
"Secrepat Forte" (SECREPAT FORTE) - in tablets and suspension, contains substances - calcium carbonate, aluminum acetate dihydroxide;
"Riopan" (RIOPAN® MAGENGEL) - in suspension and tablets, a combination of Simethicone and Magaldratum.

Such drugs may, for some reason, replace the product and its components. Each contains similar substances, but they vary from drug to drug and may vary in dosage. Also, each drug has its own contraindications, tips for use, pathogenic side effects and dosages.

Before using a substitute drug, you should consult a gastroenterologist.

“Almagel” is an effective and high-quality absorbent of the latest generation that helps cope with pathogenic ailments of the digestive system. The advantage of the drug is its delicate effect on the body, safety and the relatively low possibility of harmful side effects.

A huge advantage of the healing elixir of health is the absence of such a phenomenon as “acid rebound”. Before using Almagel, you should definitely consult with a specialist - a gastroenterologist. It is he who will prescribe the correct dosage of the drug, take into account all the characteristics of the body and select the correct form of the drug. In specific cases, a gastroenterologist may prescribe an analogue of the drug or a tablet form of the drug - Almagel T.

Attention!

Use of Almagel

without a doctor's prescription or without following his exact recommendations can lead to a sharp deterioration in your health. Strive to use this or that drug only after consultation with a specialist. If you notice side effects, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek qualified help.

Almagel photo

Click to enlarge.

Side effects

Despite the fact that Almagel is used to treat dyspeptic disorders, it can also contribute to their occurrence. This usually occurs when the dosage or duration of the course of treatment is exceeded, as well as after stopping the drug. There have been cases of the following side effects of Almagel:

nausea, vomiting;
chronic constipation or diarrhea;
development of spasms of smooth muscle muscles of the gastrointestinal tract;
decreased functional activity of taste buds;
an increase in the concentration of magnesium in the systemic circulation.

Destructive changes in bone tissue, neurological disorders, and emotional instability occur extremely rarely.

Warning: “The occurrence of any of the side effects of Almagel should be a signal to consult a doctor. The gastroenterologist will reduce the dosage of the drug or replace it with another, safer drug.”

Maalox is the closest structural analogue of Almagel