Problems of the gastrointestinal tract occupy one of the first places in terms of prevalence among the diseases of the population of our planet. Fast food, hasty snacks, overeating at night, alcohol abuse, irregular meals, intestinal infections, the negative effects of various drugs, including antibiotics, and other factors are the causes of digestive system disorders that are so common in people. Fortunately, modern pharmacology can offer many drugs that help to cope with diseases of the stomach and intestines. One of these drugs has numerous positive reviews. "Phosphalugel" is an effective remedy, which will be discussed in this article.
Composition and release form
The drug "Phosphalugel" is a remedyintended for oral administration. The drug is a suspension of a gel-like consistency of white color, sweetish in taste and having a pleasant aroma of orange. The packaging of the medicine is sachets packaged in cardboard boxes of 20 or 26 pieces. The main active ingredient of the drug is aluminum phosphate, the share of which is 65% by weight of the contents of one package. Additional compounds that make up the gel are sorbitol, calcium sulfate, agar-agar, pectin, purified water and flavoring. Means "Phosphalugel" is classified as a group of non-absorbable antacids. This means that the active ingredients of the drug are not absorbed in the stomach and intestines and, after their action, are excreted from the body. This group of drugs is also characterized by a slightly later onset of the effect, but at the same time it lasts much longer.
Pharmacological action
The drug "Phosphalugel", the use of which is indicated for many diseases of the digestive system, has a number of useful properties that help eliminate the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Let's name each of its pharmacological actions.
- Normalization of the acidity of the stomach, which is based on the neutralization of the excess of hydrochloric acid secreted by the digestive glands. At the same time, Phosphalugel has the ability to bind bile acids produced by the liver and lysolecithin, which have an aggressive effect on mucous membranes.esophagus, stomach, pancreatic tissue and on the wall of the gallbladder. As a result of the neutralization of hydrochloric acid, aluminum chloride is formed. The interaction of the latter with the alkaline environment of the intestine is a reaction of the formation of s alts, which are completely excreted from the body along with feces.
- The enveloping and absorbing effect lies in the fact that the dissolved particles of aluminum phosphate have a large surface area and are able to cover the gastric mucosa with a uniform layer, thereby performing a protective role. Colloidal formations of pectin and agar-agar enhance this effect, neutralize toxins and gases, and also prevent the reproduction of microorganisms.
- Cytoprotective action of "Phosphalugel" promotes increased production of prostaglandins, thereby increasing the content of bicarbonate and mucus ions. Among other things, sorbitol, which is part of the drug, causes a mild laxative and choleretic effect of the drug.
Indications for use
In the complex treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as as a means of monotherapy, the drug "Phosphalugel" is successfully used. Heartburn is just one of the troubles that this medicine eliminates. The drug is prescribed for non-ulcer dyspepsia syndrome, diseases of the colon and a number of other diseases. A means of a wide spectrum of action - this is how the drug "Phosphalugel" can be called. Indications for the use of the drug also include such problems of the gastrointestin altract, such as acute and chronic gastritis, reflux (duodenal-gastric or gastroesophageal), functional diarrhea, intestinal infections, digestive system disorders resulting from intoxication, hyperacidity, peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum. In addition, the drug effectively copes with such unpleasant symptoms as belching, abdominal pain, flatulence. The effectiveness of the tool is confirmed by many positive reviews. "Phosphalugel" in combination with other medications and adherence to a therapeutic diet eliminates the manifestations of hiatal hernia. Timely use of the drug helps to stop the progression and prevent the occurrence of complications, such as acute gastrointestinal bleeding, stenosis, perforation of the stomach wall, the development of a malignant tumor (malignancy).
Phosphalugel during pregnancy
Problems of the digestive system haunt almost all women who are expecting a baby. In pregnant women, intestinal motility decreases, since progesterone inhibits the contraction of the smooth muscles of the organs. For the same reason, heartburn occurs in women, since the muscle located on the border of the esophagus and stomach is in a relaxed state, and part of the gastric juice freely enters the upper digestive system, causing a burning sensation. The situation is aggravated by the growing uterus. Can the drug be used"Phosphalugel" during pregnancy? Yes, as a one-time help for heartburn, this remedy is recommended by specialists. Moreover, the absorbent effect of the drug helps to remove toxins and infections from the body of the expectant mother. But the systematic use of "Phosphalugel" during pregnancy is prohibited, as this can lead not only to severe constipation, negative effects on the kidneys and disruption of metabolic processes in the tissues of the woman's brain, but also not the best way to affect the condition of the developing fetus.
Means "Phosphalugel" for children
The substances that make up the drug are safe for children. The doctor can prescribe the drug "Phosphalugel" even to newborns and infants. The dosage of the medicine depends on the age of the child. Children under six months are recommended to give the drug no more than six times a day after each feeding. A single dose should not exceed ¼ sachet or one teaspoon. The doctor will prescribe the necessary duration of medication, which usually ranges from one to four weeks. Babies over the age of six months taking the drug "Phosphalugel" is shown 4 times a day after meals at a dosage of two teaspoons or half a sachet. For adolescents and children over six years of age, the dosage and frequency of use of the drug are similar to those for adults. The main indications for the appointment of "Phosphalugel" for children are esophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux.
Side effects
Individual intolerance to the components of the drug "Phosphalugel", in particular aluminum phosphate, can cause allergic reactions. In extremely rare cases, on the part of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation becomes a side effect, since the drug reduces intestinal motility. It is worth noting that problems with bowel movements as a result of taking this remedy are observed mainly in elderly and bedridden patients. In such cases, drinking more fluids is recommended to relieve constipation.
Dosage
The drug is used undiluted or by dissolving the contents of the package in 100 grams of warm water. The time and frequency of taking the medicine depends on the nature of the disease. For example, with a stomach or duodenal ulcer, the remedy should be used during the onset of pain, as well as at bedtime. Gastritis involves the use of medication shortly before meals, but in the case of diaphragmatic hernia or reflux - after meals and at night. First you need to knead the sachet so that the gel becomes more homogeneous, then squeeze the medicine into a spoon or into a glass of water. Take the drug should be 1-2 servings no more than 3 times a day, this applies to both adults and children over six years of age and adolescents.
Contraindications
It is not worth using Phosphalugel in cases where there are problems with kidney function (for example, chronic renalinsufficiency) and allergy to the components of the drug (individual intolerance). In addition, a contraindication to the use of the drug is Alzheimer's disease. The chemical element aluminum has been proven to have a negative neurotoxic effect on nerve cells. Due to the fact that antacids contain aluminum phosphate, people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other severe disorders of the central nervous system should not consider Phosphalugel as a means of long-term treatment of diseases of the digestive system.
More information
The drug does not contain sodium chloride, so patients with arterial hypertension can use it without any fear. Also, Phosphalugel can be used by patients with diabetes, since sorbitol, which is a component of the drug, does not cause an increase in blood glucose levels, being a sugar substitute. It is noteworthy that the drug can be used as a prophylactic agent to reduce the absorption of radioactive elements.
Cost and reviews
In the media about the drug, you can see numerous positive reviews. "Phosphalugel" is a tool that effectively helps people in the fight against diseases of the digestive system, as evidenced by the positive feedback from users. Many people like the fact that it can be carried with them and used as needed.need. Whether heartburn was taken by surprise, or the stomach ached after an unusual meal, the medicine is always at hand. Small bags will fit in any purse and even in a wallet. Now there is no need to constantly carry a lot of different means. The drug "Phosphalugel" combines several drugs you need at once. Many are satisfied with the fact that the effect of the remedy lasts long enough. The proof of this is satisfied patients and their reviews. "Phosphalugel" is an excellent remedy for many problems. Its effectiveness has been proven. Before use, carefully read the information contained in the instructions supplied with the Phosphalugel preparation. The price of the drug is not so high, given the wide range of its action. For example, the price of a package of a product with 20 bags ranges from 270 to 300 rubles.