Antacids are a group of medicines that reduce the acidity of the stomach contents. This effect is achieved through the adsorption or neutralization of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice. It should be noted that antacids for the most part have an adsorbing and neutralizing effect.
Predominantly neutralizing action is typical for compounds of some alkali metals. These include, in particular, precipitated calcium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, basic magnesium carbonate, and magnesium oxide. Ion-exchange resins and some aluminum compounds have an adsorbing effect. Aluminum oxide, phosphate, hydroxide, especially in colloidal form, also have an enveloping effect, while increasing the protection of the gastric mucosa, reducing secretory activity in the pancreas.
Antacids, by raising the pH of the contents of the stomach to 4.5, lower the peptic activity of gastric juice. Medicines containing aluminum contribute to the inhibition of pepsin activity, thus reducing the importance of the peptic factor in the formation of ulcers and the maintenance of inflammatory processes in the mucosa. GIT. Colloidal aluminum antacid preparations (especially in the form of gels - Phosphalugel, Almagel) form a kind of protective layer on the mucosa. This layer adsorbs various mucosal damaging substances contained in the intestinal or gastric cavity, including toxins, microbial bodies, bile acids.
Antacids. Classification
Medicines vary in their ability to neutralize hydrochloric acid. So, for example, a gram of sodium bicarbonate neutralizes about one hundred and twenty milliliters of acid, a gram of magnesium trisilicate - 155 ml, a gram of precipitated calcium carbonate - 200 ml, and so on. Among the products, sodium bicarbonate has the least activity, magnesium oxide has the highest.
Antacids can work for several hours. The duration of activity can be increased with anticholinergic drugs, H-2 histamine blockers and other drugs that reduce secretory function in the stomach.
Among the fairly common means of the group under consideration, one should single out such drugs as Maalox, Alamag, Phosphalugel.
The last medicine is a colloidal gel. The medication is taken orally. It is prescribed for dyspepsia, gastritis - before meals, for ulcers - after eating in an hour or two, and if pain occurs - immediately. With reflux esophagitis - before going to bed after eating, and with dysfunction in the large intestine - at night and in the morning on an empty stomach.
Maalox drugAvailable in the form of chewable tablets, powder and suspension. The product contains magnesium hydroxide and algeldrate. Usually recommend one to two tablets or a tablespoon of suspension per day.
Means "Alamag" is produced in the form of a suspension. The recommended single dose for an adult is one spoon (teaspoon).
