As doctors joke, there are no healthy people, only underexamined ones. Unfortunately, almost every second of us has certain problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Some people have known gastritis since childhood, others suffer from heartburn. Stomach diseases manifest themselves in different ways. Almagel and Phosphalugel have probably helped each of us cope with an intestinal illness at least once in our lives.
When prescribing medications for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a struggle arises:
Almagel or Phosphalugel, according to doctors, which will help the patient better?
Let's figure out in order what needs to be kept in the first aid kit and how to take phosphalugel, Maalox and Almagel correctly.
Phosphalugel
The drug neutralizes hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions. Eliminates negative consequences in case of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Envelops the gastric mucosa and protects against unwanted factors that can damage the stomach.
Compound
The medicine contains aluminum phosphate in the form of a gel. It is dissolved in water and is less effective than analogues of the drug. It does not act immediately, but after a few hours.
Has an effect:
- Antacid – neutralization of hydrochloric acid. Converts it to salt. After taking Phosphalugel, acidity decreases, returning to normal.
- Enveloping – creating a protective layer that will protect the gastrointestinal tract from negative toxins that come from food. The drug is often prescribed to people with high acidity and acute gastritis.
- Sorbent – removing toxins and bacteria from the body. Excellent for poisoning. Relieves intoxication. Eliminates stomach pain due to digestive system disorders.
Released in gel form. Sachets of 16 and 20 grams. Added flavor enhancers - orange. White gel.
Can be taken by people suffering from diabetes. There is no sugar in the composition.
Indications and contraindications
Prescribed to both adults and children aged 1-2 months.
Indications:
- Ulcer.
- Gastritis.
- Hernia.
- Esophagitis.
- Reflux.
- Erosion of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
- Colitis.
- Duodenitis.
- As a preventative measure to normalize the absorption of toxins and bacteria.
- Dyspeptic disorders.
There are also contraindications:
- Kidney failure.
- Low amount of phosphorus in the blood.
- Allergy to individual components in the composition of the medication.
- Alzheimer's disease.
- Heart failure.
Use with caution and close monitoring in pregnant women and women during the feeding period, also with cirrhosis of the liver. Phosphalugel is prohibited for patients over 67 years of age.
Dosage
Depends on the indications and stage of the disease.
- Heartburn . 1 sachet 3 times a day. Take after meals. For schoolchildren suffering from heartburn, as well as children under 7 years of age, the dosage is 1 sachet.
- Nausea, vomiting . 2 times a day, 1 sachet. Children under 6 months – 4-5 grams 5-6 times a day. Children under 6 years old - 8 g before meals. Up to 12 years – 1 sachet of suspension three times a day.
- Diarrhea . The medication is diluted in water before bed or in the morning on an empty stomach, 1 sachet.
- Constipation and bloating . 1 sachet morning and evening.
- Pancreatitis . Remission - the drug is taken after a fatty meal. Acute stage – 2 sachets 3 times a day.
- Gastritis, intestinal infection . 20 g 3 times a day before meals.
The drug is drunk in its pure form. If desired, you can dilute it with warm water in a small volume. Before opening, stretch the bag with your fingers. For acute symptoms of gastritis, diarrhea, vomiting, drink the suspension without diluting it in water.
It is prohibited to take Phosphalugel simultaneously with preparations containing iron, antibiotics and glycosides. You should wait at least 2 hours before using.
Side effects
They appear only in cases where patients do not read the instructions.
- Constipation.
- Nausea.
- Changes in taste buds.
- Decreased phosphorus and potassium in the blood.
- Increased aluminum in the body.
If you take the medication correctly, it will quickly eliminate all symptoms and improve your well-being.
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Ease of use
Phosphalugel is sold only in the form of an oral gel, therefore it also has an additional enveloping effect, which is especially valuable for erosions and ulcerations of the mucous membranes of the intestines and stomach.
Maalox can be found in pharmacies in tablet form and in the form of suspensions. Suspensions and gels are the forms of choice in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines. However, tablets may have a longer shelf life than gel and suspension.
The advantage of Maalox chewable tablets in this case is that there is a special form of tablets that does not contain sugar, which is suitable for patients with any form of diabetes. Now we know what the differences are between the drugs Maalox and Phosphalugel.
Almagel
The product is released in the form of a suspension. Effective for gastritis. Composition: magnesium and aluminum ( hydroxide ). These substances slow down the production of the gastric juice enzyme that digests food. Hydroxide also neutralizes acid and prevents constipation.
After administration, the effect occurs within a few minutes and lasts up to 3 hours. The medication is not absorbed into the blood. Does not affect other organs.
Indications and contraindications
Indications for use of Almagel are:
- Gastritis.
- Ulcer.
- Increased acidity of gastric juice.
- Esophagitis.
- Enteritis.
- Toxic infections.
- Duodenitis.
- Digestive disorders (alcohol, coffee, smoking).
There are also contraindications:
- Alzheimer's disease.
- Lactation period.
- Age up to 1 month.
- Individual intolerance to components in the composition.
- Kidney failure and other serious kidney problems.
- Lactation and pregnancy. When breastfeeding, treatment with Almagel is prohibited. During pregnancy, treatment lasts no more than 3 days.
Dosage
The bottle must be shaken before use. Adults drink 2 spoons (sold as a set) before meals and before bed. If there is no effect, the dose is increased to 3 tablespoons. No more than 16 beds per day . Course – 2 weeks and.
Children under 10 years of age – one third of the adult dose. Children over 10 – 1.5 adult doses. After taking the medicine, you should not drink water for about half an hour - it will wash away the medicine, making it ineffective.
After use, doctors recommend lying on one side, then on the other. This way the medication will completely treat the entire mucous membrane.
Side effects
Rarely observed:
- Stomach ache.
- Metabolic disease.
- Spasm.
- Bloating.
- Constipation.
- Vomit.
- Nausea.
- Weakness and drowsiness.
- Swelling of the arms and legs.
- Disturbance of taste buds.
Very rarely – dementia .
It is important to remember that Almagel reduces the effectiveness of other medications (antibiotics, antihistamines, heart medications). When two medications are taken simultaneously, one will neutralize the other.
What common
Both means:
- They belong to the group of non-absorbable antacids.
- Reduce the activity of gastric juice production.
- Active ingredient – aluminum (neutralization of hydrochloric acid)
- Prescribed for ulcers, gastritis, poisoning, esophagitis, ornasism intoxication and motility disorders.
- They act later than absorbed drugs. Effective for 4 hours.
- envelop the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, creating a protective layer.
- Maintain normal acidity.
- Reduce gas formation.
- Improves intestinal motility.
- Removes toxins.
- Sold without a prescription.
- Treat duodenitis.
- Side effects include constipation, nausea, changes in taste.
- Contraindications include Alzheimer's disease and renal failure
Both medications treat the same diseases. The composition includes aluminum, which neutralizes hydrochloric acid. They have general indications and contraindications. Also side effects.
Forms of release, analogues, prices
The drug is sold in the form of a gel for oral administration, placed in sachets. One dose of the medication contains 16 g of aluminum phosphate. 6 or 20 sachets are placed in one cardboard package.
Characteristics of the dosage form: white gel with a creamy tint with the aroma and flavor of orange. The gel has a citrus taste due to the presence of orange flavor in its composition.
The price of the drug depends solely on the number of sachets in the package.
Mechanism of action of Phosphalugel
There are cheaper similar products, the active ingredient of which is also aluminum phosphate. Such medications include:
However, when selecting similar products, it is also worth taking into account their auxiliary components and the individual characteristics of the body.
Comparison and how they differ
Almagel contains alhydrate (aluminum hydroxide) and magnesium - they weaken the body. The drug is suitable for patients with a tendency to constipation. Phosphalugel contains aluminum phosphate. The higher the acidity level in the stomach, the more effective the medication is. It does not affect the intestinal-alkaline balance, does not increase or decrease it. Does not develop urolithiasis, unlike Almagel.
Almagel is prohibited for children under 1 month of age. Sold together with a measuring spoon. The suspension has a lemon scent and is sold in bottles. Magnesium and aluminum in the second drug are suitable for use by newborns. Doesn't have a measuring spoon. Smells like orange. The gel is packaged in sachets.
Phosphalugel is more expensive than its analogue (20 sachets of 16 g each cost 360 rubles - a difference of 150 rubles).
Age restrictions for use
When choosing Phosphalugel or Maalox, you should pay attention to the patient’s age.
The manufacturers of Maalox have not conducted studies on the effect of the drug on young children, therefore the drug is contraindicated in children under fifteen years of age.
Thus, Maalox can only be taken by children over fifteen years of age and adults.
It is also allowed for elderly patients if there are no kidney pathologies. Phosphalugel , in turn, is prescribed even to infants, if the need arises. And although the drug does not cause obvious harm to the child’s body, careful selection of dosages and monitoring of the child’s condition is required. In old age, Phosphalugel is also allowed, but, like Maalox, it is not prescribed for kidney pathologies.
Both of these drugs require caution when used in old age, as they cause a decrease in the amount of calcium in the body, which is unsafe for bone tissue.
What's better
Almagel is better for people who need to quickly get rid of discomfort and acute pain in the stomach - the drug acts faster - in 5 minutes. For home use, a suspension in a bottle with an attached measuring spoon is convenient. You should not take it for a long time, as aluminosis may develop - it impairs the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Maximum intake – 2 weeks.
Phosphalugel is convenient for people who are constantly on the move, rarely at home, travel, or work. The sachets are convenient to carry with you (more convenient than a bottle with a spoon). Thanks to its composition, the medication not only blocks acidity, but also acts as a protector for the gastrointestinal mucosa. Maintains calcium balance, can be taken for a long time without worrying about bone problems or calcium deficiency.
Children and pregnant women are allowed to take calcified medicine - Phosphalugel. It has a minimum of contraindications and is approved for children up to 1 month. It is acceptable to take the drug during lactation. While treatment with Almagel during pregnancy is allowed for no more than 3 days, and during breastfeeding it is prohibited.
Only a gastroenterologist will select the drug individually. Initially, you need to consult your doctor, then if you have heartburn, you will have to look at the stomach using an endoscopic device. A gastroenterologist will advise and select a medication, taking into account all the patient’s characteristics.
Medicine and healthComment
Tolerability of drugs
When choosing what to take: Maalox or Phosphalugel , you should also pay attention to the tolerability of these drugs. Maalox has a slightly larger range of contraindications and side effects than Phosphalugel. But even in this case, tolerance will be purely individual, since existing chronic pathologies also affect the absorption and effect of drugs.
Based on reviews from patients who took Maalox , we can conclude that it does an excellent job of eliminating heartburn, but is not suitable for constant use for these purposes, since digestive disorders have been noted with long-term treatment. Mostly, patients complain of diarrhea or constipation.
With long-term treatment, Phosphalugel can also cause digestive disorders, according to the instructions given by the manufacturer of the drug, however, data from patients about such phenomena are extremely rare.
