Preparations Almagel, Almagel A and Almagel Neo are effective antacids

The administration of Almagel and Almagel A can be recommended for acute gastric antacid (ie, occurring with increased acidity), exacerbation of chronic gastritis with high acidity and peptic ulcer, acute duodenitis, esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus mucosa), secondary Colitis, enteritis. These medications are indicated for discomfort and pain in the stomach and intestines, the appearance of which was triggered by overeating or taking alcohol, frequent smoking, and taking certain medications. Both "Almagel" and "Almagel A" (the instruction describes in detail their effect) facilitate the patient's condition in foodborne infections.

The active substances in these preparations are magnesium hydroxide (in the form of a paste) and aluminum hydroxide (in the form of a gel). "Almagel A", in addition, contains benzocaine (anestezin), which has a local anesthetic effect. The preparation "Almagel Neo" is also produced: it also contains simethicone - a medicinal product that possesses carminative properties. It destroys the gas bubbles in the intestines and prevents their formation. Thanks to the content of simethicone, "Almagel Neo" can be recommended for gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by flatulence.

The effect of taking these medications is due to their interaction with the acid of the gastric juice. So, getting into the stomach, aluminum hydroxide reacts with gastric acid, neutralizing it. In turn, magnesium hydroxide also interacts with hydrochloric acid, which is part of the gastric juice. This creates a compound that is not only harmless to the stomach, but also neutralizes the negative effect of aluminum chloride, which causes constipation. A mild laxative effect is also possessed by the auxiliary substance contained in these preparations - sorbitol, a harmless sweetener. In addition, it strengthens the separation of bile.

"Almagel" and its varieties are produced in the form of a thick suspension. Due to its structure, it evenly envelops the gastric mucosa, as a result of which the drugs are distributed throughout its surface. The acidity level (pH) is maintained in the range 3.5-4.0. One-time adult dose of drugs is 1-2 teaspoons, children - a third of this amount, and teenage - half. Take these medications before meals, 30 minutes, or 45-60 minutes after it, and also in the evening before bedtime. For half an hour after this, you should not drink. Vial should be shaken before taking medications. If the recommended dose is inadequate and there is no improvement, it can be increased on the recommendation of the doctor, however, the duration of the medication will be reduced.

Contraindications for the use of these drugs are individual intolerance of their components, Alzheimer's disease, the patient's early age. Both "Almagel A" and "Almagel" (instructions for use indicate this) during pregnancy and lactation are applied only under the supervision of a doctor and no longer than 4-5 days: there are no clinical data on the use of these drugs in this period. These drugs are also contraindicated in patients with chronic renal failure, in which the blood levels of magnesium and aluminum ions can rise to dangerous levels.

In addition, "Almagel A" can not be used simultaneously with sulfanilamide preparations, since it reduces their antibacterial effect due to the interaction of benzocaine with them. With the preventive purpose, these drugs can be recommended in parallel with the intake of glucocorticosteroids, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin, diclofenac, indomethacin) - they can significantly reduce the risk of ulcerative lesions of the stomach and intestines.