Antacid preparations. Description

Antacids are a group of medicines that reduce the acidity of the contents of the stomach. This effect is achieved by adsorption or neutralization of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice. It should be noted that antacid preparations mostly have an adsorbent and neutralizing effect.

A predominantly neutralizing effect is characteristic for the compounds of certain alkali metals. These include, in particular, calcium carbonate precipitated, sodium hydrogencarbonate, magnesium carbonate basic, magnesium oxide. Ion exchange resins and some aluminum compounds possess an adsorbing action. Aluminum oxide, phosphate, hydroxide, especially in colloid form, also have an enveloping effect, while increasing the protection of the gastric mucosa, reducing the secretory activity in the pancreas.

Antacids, by increasing the pH of the contents of the stomach to 4.5, reduce the peptic activity of gastric juice. Medications with aluminum content contribute to the inhibition of pepsin, thus reducing the importance of the peptic factor in the formation of ulcers and the maintenance of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Colloidal antacid preparations of aluminum (especially in the form of gels - "Fosfalugel", "Almagel") form a protective layer on the mucous in some way. This layer adsorbs various damaging mucous substances that are contained in the intestinal or gastric cavity, including toxins, microbial bodies, bile acids.

Antacids. Classification

Medications differ depending on the ability to neutralize hydrochloric acid. So, for example, a gram of sodium hydrogencarbonate 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 means of the least activity in sodium hydrogencarbonate, the highest - in magnesium oxide.

Antacid preparations may work for several hours. The duration of activity can be increased by anticholinergic drugs, H-2 histaminoblockers and other drugs that reduce the secretory function in the stomach.

Among the fairly common means of the group under consideration, it is necessary to allocate such drugs as "Maalox", "Alamag", "Fosfalugel".

The last medicine is a colloidal gel. Medication is taken orally. It is prescribed for dyspepsia, gastritis - before meals, with ulcers - after eating an hour or two, and if there is pain - immediately. When reflux-esophagitis - before bed after eating, and with dysfunction in the large intestine - at night and in the morning on an empty stomach.

The drug "Maalox" comes in the form of chewable tablets, powder and suspension. The agent contains magnesium hydroxide and algeldate. Usually recommend one or two tablets or a tablespoon of a suspension a day.

The "Alamag" agent is produced in the form of a suspension. The recommended single dose for an adult is one spoon (tea).