Almagel: contraindications and indications for use

Almagel is an effective and fairly safe drug used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but there are contraindications. Almagel belongs to the group of antacids: it partially neutralizes the effect of hydrochloric acid and reduces the production of gastric juice, and also has anesthetic properties. Its use allows you to get rid of pain and discomfort, as well as eliminate the cause of diseases of the digestive system.

pharmachologic effect

Manufacturer: BALKANPHARMA (Bulgaria)
Release form: suspension for oral administration

Active ingredient: aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide

Analogs: Rennie, Motilium, Almakson

Almagel is a medicine that actively reduces the increased acidity of gastric juice and reduces the activity of pepsin.

The drug has an analgesic, adsorbent and enveloping effect, protecting the gastric mucosa from damaging factors and the action of hydrochloric acid.

Sorbitol, which is part of Almagel, as an additional ingredient, gives a moderate choleretic and laxative effect, and also helps reduce intestinal bloating.

Dependence of replacement on symptoms

To find a worthy replacement for Almagel, you need to clearly understand what effect the patient ultimately needs. Classic Almagel (green) reduces acidity and creates a protective layer, Almagel A (yellow) additionally has an analgesic effect, and Neo (orange) treats gas formation. In exactly the same way, Fofalugel, Maalox and Gaviscon combine pH reduction and protection; taken mainly for peptic ulcers and reduce acid production Omez, Omeprazole and Ranitidine. Smecta collects and removes toxins, stopping diarrhea, and Hilak Forte does not immediately relieve symptoms, but normalizes the microflora.

For heartburn and pain, Gaviscon, Maalox or Phosphalugel will have the fastest effect. If we are talking about things in which alcohol is involved, it would be wiser to choose Smecta. Reducing acidity through blocking will have an effect in case of exacerbation of peptic ulcer or gastritis. Do not forget that the compatibility of any gels and sorbents with other drugs is conditional. To prevent some of the active ingredients from being removed from the body without producing an effect, any medications must be taken at least an hour after Almagel, Smecta or Maalox.

Indications for use

Almagel is used in the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases. Indications for use of the drug are the following pathologies of the digestive system:

• gastric and duodenal ulcers in the acute stage;
• acute or chronic gastritis with normal or hypersecretion in the acute phase;
• reflux esophagitis;
• duodenitis;
• diaphragmatic hernia;
• gastrointestinal disorders due to poor eating habits or bad habits.

Does Almagel treat or relieve symptoms of the disease?

It has medicinal properties and can be part of complex therapy for these diseases.

Smecta - removal of toxins

The main area of ​​application of Smecta is the treatment of diarrhea, including those caused by poisoning. The diosmectite in the composition not only coats the walls of the stomach, but also collects any toxins found in the digestive tract. Smecta is not absorbed, so harmful substances and bacteria leave the gastrointestinal tract with it. This property is useful for both infections and alcohol poisoning; The sachets also calm nausea, heartburn and abdominal pain. Compared to Almagel, Smecta sorbs substances better.

The suspension is prescribed to both pregnant women and children - even infants. For the latter, the medicine can be mixed in liquid food or water in a bottle. The frequency of use depends on the age and severity of the disorder.

• For children under one year old - with severe diarrhea, 2 sachets per day, followed by switching to a sachet per day. For less severe conditions, drink the contents of one sachet per day.

• For children over one year old - in case of severe disorder, 4 sachets per day for the first 3 days, after that - 2 sachets per day. In other cases, 2-3 sachets are taken per day.
• Adults with acute diarrhea drink 6 sachets per day, and in all other cases - 3 sachets.

Take Smecta in between meals. The exception is esophagitis. For this disease, the suspension is used after meals.

Almagel - instructions for use

According to the instructions for use, Almagel is used in therapeutic practice in the following dosages:

• adult patients - from 1 to 3 dosage spoons up to 4 times a day. For maintenance treatment, the dose is 1 spoon 3-4 times a day for 2-3 months;
• for children under 10 years of age - 1/3 of the dose for an adult patient, and for adolescents, the dosage will be half the volume and only strictly as prescribed by the doctor.

The maximum dose of the drug is 16 spoons per day. The duration of treatment at this dosage should be no more than 14 days.

If heartburn occurs, is it possible or not to use Almagel during pregnancy to relieve it?

Yes, you can, but in a short course, no more than 3-4 days after consulting a gynecologist.

Take Almagel before or after meals

Before using the drug, the suspension must be thoroughly mixed by shaking the package.

Is it better to take it before or after meals? You need to take the medicine 30–40 minutes before meals and at night. When treating peptic ulcers, Almagel is taken between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner.

Types of Almagel

Classic Almagel stands out in the medicine cabinet: it comes in green packaging. However, even if it is not there, there may be other options for the medicine at home: Almagel with yellow (Almagel A) or orange (Almagel neo) elements of the pack. When you first get acquainted with the types of Almagel, it is difficult to guess what the difference is just by packaging or name. In fact, while maintaining the main components and their effects, other options contain additional active ingredients. Their indications and dosage for adults are almost no different from those of classic Almagel.

Painkiller Almagel A

Almagel A contains benzocaine. This is an anesthetic substance, thanks to which the medicine provides help more quickly in difficult situations. It is beneficial to start treatment with Almagel A for acute pain and vomiting, and then switch to the usual form of medication. Children under 1 month should not drink this product; Doctors sometimes prescribe 1/3 of the adult dose to a child under 10 years of age. Pregnant women can be treated with Almagel A for no more than 3 days, and during lactation it is better not to drink the suspension at all.

Reducing gas formation Almagel Neo

This version of Almagel includes a simethicone emulsion. The component destroys gas bubbles in the intestines and prevents new ones from forming, so flatulence and fermentative dyspepsia are added to the indications of the medicine. They drink it in a slightly larger dosage: for treating adults, a suitable option is to take 2 scoops of the suspension at a time, which is repeated 4 times a day. If this amount of medicine is not enough to suppress symptoms, the dose can be doubled. The patient is given no more than 12 measuring spoons per day.

Any Almagel should not be taken in case of chronic renal failure: in such patients, magnesium and aluminum ions will not be excreted at the required rate.

Children over 10 are prescribed half the adult dose. Almagel Neo is not prescribed for pregnant women, and nursing mothers should be careful and take the medicine correctly.

When taking it, you should also not forget that it is not advisable to dilute any Almagel, and drink liquids after it only after 15-30 minutes.

Almagel analogues

How to replace Almagel, if not all patients who have, in addition to gastrointestinal diseases, concomitant pathologies of internal organs, can be prescribed the drug. In this case, Almagel analogues, which are presented in the form:

• generics;
• synonyms;
• medications that have a combined composition with an equivalent mechanism of action.

Analogs and substitutes for Almagel, offered by the pharmacy chain, enable the doctor to select the appropriate drug specifically, taking into account the concomitant pathology.

Table of Almagel analogues with prices and country of origin

A large selection of Almagel substitutes significantly increases the doctor’s ability to approach the selection of medications, taking into account contraindications and their mechanism of action.

The list of Almagel analogues can be supplemented with a number of other drugs. Among them there are Almagel substitutes that are cheaper and more expensive, both imported and Russian, which include:

• Almagel A;
• Almagel Neo;
• Almakson;
• Hephalus;
• Gastal;
• Gaviscon

Gastroenterologists actively use Almagel analogues to treat not only organic diseases (ulcers, erosion, gastritis), but also functional pathologies accompanied by dyspeptic symptoms.

Relzer

Manufacturer: GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS Ltd (India)
Release form: oral suspension

Active ingredients: aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone, licorice root powder

An analogue of Almagel belongs to antacid drugs with an ingredient that reduces flatulence. Relzer has the ability to neutralize free hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which leads to a decrease in pepsin activity.

As a result of the enveloping effect of the analogue on the gastric mucosa, the influence of negative factors is reduced. Under the influence of the drug, inflammation is stopped and the ulcerative process in the stomach and duodenum is healed.

An analogue of Almagel Relzer is taken by adults and adolescents from 15 years old, 1-2 teaspoons 3-4 times a day, by children from 10 to 15 years old - ½ dose of an adult patient. The course of treatment is 2 weeks, which can be extended according to indications.

Pepsan

Manufacturer: ROSA PHOTOPHARMA (France)
Release form: gel, capsules for oral administration

Active ingredient: dimethicone, guaiazulene

Pepsan is a combination drug. The Almagel analogue has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, which results in active regenerative processes. Under the influence of the analogue, a protective film is formed on the gastric mucosa, which protects it from an aggressive acidic environment.

The drug is active in the following gastrointestinal pathologies:

• gastralgia;
• early stage reflux disease;
• high acidity of gastric juice;
• dyspeptic disorders in the form of heartburn, belching, flatulence, nausea, which are functional in nature

Take the analogue of Almagel Pepsan, 1 capsule or sachet 2-3 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor individually.

Phosphalugel

Manufacturer: ASTELLAS (Netherlands)
Release form: gel for oral administration

Active ingredient: aluminum phosphate gel 20%

The analogue Phosphalugel belongs to the group of antacids that neutralize hydrochloric acid and reduce the activity of pepsin. The drug does not cause disturbances in the acid-base balance of the body and has good adsorption capacity.

The result of this process is the formation of a protective film on the gastric mucosa, protecting the organ from the effects of negative factors. Phosphalugel is taken orally by adults and children over 6 years of age, 1-2 packets 2-3 times a day before or after meals, depending on the form of the gastrointestinal tract disease.

Enterosgel

Manufacturer: FARMASIL LLC (Russia)
Release form: paste for oral administration

Active ingredient: polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate

Almagel analogue Enterosgel belongs to the pharmacological group of drugs with enterosorbing action, which has a pronounced detoxification effect. The drug has the ability to bind and remove toxic substances, various poisons, and food allergens from the body.

This analogue of Almagel has the ability to restore beneficial intestinal microflora, remove products of metabolic metabolism, without affecting the absorption of vitamins and microelements. It is indicated for various acute and chronic intoxications of the body.

Enterosgel is taken diluted in a triple volume of water for adults, 1-1.5 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day. For children, depending on age, from ½ teaspoon for infants up to 1 year old up to 6 times a day before each feeding and up to 1 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day from 5 to 14 years according to the instructions.

Motilium

Manufacturer: JOHNSON & JOHNSON (Russia)
Release form: lozenges, oral suspension

Active ingredient: domperidone

Motilium is prescribed as a remedy that helps eliminate dyspeptic symptoms caused by esophagitis or reflux disease, which manifest themselves in the form of:

• nausea, vomiting;
• belching, heartburn;
• a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach, bloating;
• pain in the epigastric region.

An analogue of Almagel Motilium relieves discomfort and symptoms of indigestion, activating the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The drug is taken orally a quarter of an hour before meals, 1 tablet 3 times a day. According to indications, the dosage can be doubled.

In pediatric practice, the drug is used in the form of a suspension and for children weighing over 35 kg. The dosage of the analogue is calculated according to the instructions.

Rennie

Manufacturer: BAYER (Russia)
Release form: chewable tablets

Active ingredient: calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate

Rennie belongs to the pharmacological group of antacid drugs. This analogue of Almagel has the ability to quickly stop excess hydrochloric acid in gastric juice, ensuring its neutralization for a long time.

Relief of dyspeptic symptoms, the appearance of which is due to increased secretory activity of gastric juice, occurs 3–5 minutes after taking the analogue. The Rennie analogue is taken by sucking 1-2 tablets until they are completely dissolved. If necessary, the dosage of the drug can be increased to a maximum daily dose of 11 tablets.

Iberogast

Manufacturer: BAYER (Switzerland)
Release form: drops for oral administration

Active ingredient: extracts from herbal products

Iberogast is a herbal remedy that has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. The analogue actively eliminates spasm of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract without affecting normal peristalsis.

The drug effectively eliminates dyspeptic symptoms in functional disorders of the digestive system. As part of complex therapy, it can be used to treat gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. The drug Iberogast is taken 20 drops three times a day with a small amount of water, for up to 1 month.

Drugs that reduce acid production

Unlike Almagel, which neutralizes the secretion already accumulated in the stomach, such drugs block the very formation of hydrochloric acid; the only difference is in the mechanism. Omez and Omeprazole, similar to each other, intervene at the last stage of synthesis - proton transfer. Ranitidine blocks histamine H2 receptors and suppresses secretion caused by histamine, gastrin and acetylcholine. All drugs work for peptic ulcers, reflux esophagitis and problems caused by taking other medications, but their best effect is achieved when taken in a course.

Omez and Omeprazole

These medications are complete analogues and contain the same substance: omeprazole. Capsules are available in dosages of 10, 20 or 40 mg. Unlike Omez, Omeprazole capsules are cheap; they can easily replace an analogue. What makes omeprazole a good remedy against ulcers is its ability to destroy Helicobacter pylori; however, for the best effect, capsules are combined with antibacterial drugs and a special treatment regimen is followed.

The course of treatment with omeprazole is long: for example, for duodenal ulcers it is taken from 2 to 4 weeks, and for stomach damage - from 4 to 8 weeks. Omez capsules are allowed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but children are treated with them only for serious indications: gastroesophageal reflux disease from 2 years of age and duodenal ulcer from 4 years of age. Omeprazole capsules are not recommended for pregnant women.

The dosage depends on the disease. Thus, for peptic ulcers, adults are prescribed 20 mg of omeprazole per day, and conditions with increased secretion require a daily dose of 60 to 180 mg. In the latter case, the capsules are divided into 2-3 doses. Treatment of children requires 20 mg per day. Take capsules half an hour before meals: they should be washed down with half a glass of water.

Assistant in the treatment of ulcers - Ranitidine

Ranitidine tablets are used both in the treatment and prevention of peptic ulcers. Pregnant women cannot take them due to a lack of data on the effects; they begin taking them only from the age of 14. The daily dose of Ranitidine ranges from 300-450 mg to 600-900 mg (2 to 6 tablets). To prevent exacerbations, take one tablet before bedtime.

Drugs that reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid are absorbed and work at the level of the whole organism. This means that they have more side effects than other possible Almagel alternatives. Taking the medicine can be overshadowed by headaches, indigestion or muscle pain, and sometimes the effects affect the endocrine system and hematopoiesis.

Almagel or Phosphalugel - which is better?

Manufacturer: ASTELLAS (Netherlands)
Release form: gel for oral administration

Active ingredient: aluminum phosphate gel 20%

Both drugs belong to the pharmacological group of antacids and are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by dyspeptic disorders. Almagel and its analogue are effective in eliminating the pathological symptoms of diseases of the digestive system, but there is a difference between them. The advantage of Phosphalugel is:

• budget cost;
• permission for use in any age group of patients;
• pregnant women and during lactation;
• restoration of normal intestinal function.

For gastritis accompanied by pain, Almagel will be the best, since pain relief when taking it occurs in a short time. For reflux, therapy is best carried out with Phosphalugel, since when it is used, there is no “ricochet” effect, that is, repeated increased secretion of gastric juice.

In case of an ulcerative process for the stomach, Almagel will be the best, which not only protects the damaged mucous membrane, but also normalizes the movement of the food bolus throughout the intestine. According to reviews from doctors and patients, both drugs give a good effect. The priority in choosing it remains with the doctor, since the treatment is prescribed taking into account all the nuances of the patient’s body.

Almagel or Maalox – which is better?

Manufacturer: SANOFI-AVENTIS (France)
Release form: suspension for oral administration

Active ingredient: algeldrate, magnesium dioxide

The drugs contain different ingredients and active substances. Both medications actively relieve the pathological symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases.

For gastritis accompanied by pain, the best to use is Almagel, which quickly relieves it.

If the patient has intestinal dysfunction, accompanied by constipation or periodic diarrhea, Almagel will be more effective in therapy.

Almagel or Gaviscon - which is better?

Manufacturer: RECKITT BENCKISER HEALTHCARE (UK)
Release form: chewable tablets

Active ingredient: sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate

Gaviscon is an antacid. When the drug is taken orally, it enters into a chemical reaction with the acidic contents of the stomach, resulting in the formation of an alginate gel, the pH of which is close to neutral.

The gel forms a protective film over the food bolus in the stomach, which prevents the development of gastroesophageal reflux, that is, the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

Treatment with the Gaviscon analogue will be more effective for reflux, since this drug was developed directly for this type of gastrointestinal pathology. Almagel is more suitable for the treatment of ulcerative processes of the stomach and duodenum.

Almagel or De Nol

Manufacturer: ASTELLAS (Netherlands)
Release form: tablets

Active ingredient: bismuth tripotassium dicitrate

Denol, like Almagel, is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis and gastroduodenitis.

The use of a De-Nol analogue in therapy will be preferable if the ulcerative or inflammatory process is associated with bacterial infection by Helicobacter pylori.

Almagel or Omez

Manufacturer: Dr.
Reddy,s (India) Release form: capsules

Active ingredient: omeprazole

Both drugs are prescribed for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis. In case of exacerbation of the process, Almagel will be the best drug, since it quickly relieves pain and reduces discomfort, compared to the mechanism of action of the Omez analogue.

If treatment is prescribed to children, preference should be given to Almagel, since according to the instructions, the drug is approved for use from 10 years of age, and its analogue - from 18 years of age.

Almagel or Gastal

Manufacturer: Teva (Israel)
Release form: lozenges

Active ingredient: magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate gel

According to their mechanism of action, both drugs are equivalent. But Almagel is available in liquid form, as a suspension. It better envelops the gastric mucosa, protecting it from the effects of an aggressive environment and negative factors.

The analogue of Gastal, in the form of a lozenge, will be convenient to take if the patient is away from home.

Almagel or Smecta - which is better?

Manufacturer: IPSEN PHARMA (France)
Release form: powder for the preparation of suspensions

Active ingredient: Diosmectite

Smecta is an adsorbent used to relieve diarrhea of ​​various origins, and also as a symptomatic remedy for relieving dyspeptic symptoms in gastrointestinal diseases.

The drug is well tolerated by patients and can be recommended both for children without age restrictions and for pregnant women. In this case, the Smecta analogue will be preferable to Almagel.

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.

Which is better: Almagel, Almagel A or Almagel Neo

The main base drug and its 2 varieties are available in the form of a suspension for oral administration in bottles of different colors:

• Almagel - in green packaging;
• Almagel A – in yellow;
• Almagel Neo - in orange.

Each package is supplemented with instructions for use. A distinctive feature and difference between these types of analogues is the introduction of an additional ingredient into their composition.

The substance benzocaine has been added to Almagel A, which has a local anesthetic effect. Almagel yellow or green do not differ from each other in their mechanism of action. In case of severe pain in the stomach, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, it is recommended to start taking the Almagel A analogue in suspension, followed by switching to the basic form of the drug.

Almagel Neo contains the substance simethicone, which prevents bloating and pain in the stomach. The analogue of Almagel Neo is prescribed for flatulence, which occurs against the background of errors in the diet, with long-term use of medications or alcoholic beverages.

The prescription of treatment with basic Almagel or its varieties will depend on the predominance of certain symptoms of gastrointestinal disease.

Pain relief and protection

An attack of heartburn or prolonged pain in the stomach does not allow a person to concentrate and makes him think about medications more and more often, and a yellow coating on the tongue becomes a harbinger of gastritis. Almagel becomes a good helper in this case: its effect develops in the first 5 minutes, and the medicine continues to work for up to 3 hours. Unfortunately, sometimes the usual suspension is not available in the home medicine cabinet.

Traditional medicine is also not always equally useful: taking the same soda to reduce acidity is contraindicated for peptic ulcers and can lead to bleeding. When trying to replace Almagel, it is better to use other drugs with a similar effect - fortunately, in this case the patient has a wide choice.

How to replace Almagel at home with folk remedies

The most common remedy for relieving heartburn at home, as a symptom of gastrointestinal disease, is baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). It relieves heartburn as soon as it gets inside. But its effect is short-lived and does not exceed 1-1.5 hours, in contrast to medicinal antacids, the effect of which is over 3 hours.

It is not recommended to use baking soda on a regular basis. It can only act as a means of quick action and temporary use.

Diseases of the digestive system have a wide variety and symptoms in the form of dyspepsia. Almagel analogues enable the doctor to competently select drugs for therapy not only for adult patients, but also for children. This approach makes it possible to quickly stop the pathological symptoms of the disease and improve the well-being of patients.

Treatment of the cause of dysbiosis

Digestive problems can cause disturbances in the microflora. In this case, a medicine to normalize it can solve the problem. Such remedies do not act quickly, but their effect helps to forget about diarrhea and signs of bloating for a long time.

Hilak Forte - drops that are taken orally; They are sold in a bottle or sachet with a precisely measured amount of medicine for one dose. The drug works due to the aqueous substrate of metabolic products of several representatives of the natural microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.

Hilak Forte restores the population of beneficial bacteria and does not cause side effects at any age.

Drops are taken for symptoms of diarrhea, colitis, indigestion, and skin diseases of an allergic nature.

They cannot be diluted with milk, but other liquids are suitable. Infants are prescribed 15-30 drops of Hilak Forte per dose, children - from 20 to 40 drops. Adults can take 40-60 drops at a time. In all cases, the medicine is taken three times a day before meals or simultaneously with meals, and if the patient feels better, the dose is reduced by half. Possible use in early pregnancy.