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Alugastrin is a medicine used in family medicine and gastroenterology to relieve symptoms of gastric and duodenal damage caused by ulcerative agents. The preparation has antacid properties, therefore it is administered in peptic ulcer disease. Alugastrin is available as lozenges and can be obtained without a prescription.
Alugastrin – characteristics
| Form, dose, packaging | Availability category | The active substance |
|---|---|---|
| tabl. for suction 0,34 g (20 tablets, 40 tablets) | OTC (over-the-counter) | aluminum (dihydroxialumini sodium carbonate) |
Alugastrin – action
Alugastrin is a medicine to neutralize excess acid in the stomach. It is a white suspension with a mint odor. The Alugastrin bottle contains 250 ml of liquid. The preparation has a protective effect – it covers the mucous membranes of the esophagus, duodenum and stomach. Thanks to it, there is no excessive alkalization of gastric juice. In addition, it has a soothing effect on pain caused by hyperacidity.
The chemical composition of the drug includes substances such as: propyl, sorbitol, methyl parahydroxybenzoate. 15 ml of the substance contains about 1 g of dihydroxy aluminum sodium carbonate. Before using the drug, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the indications and contraindications to the use of the drug and the data on side effects. The dosage of the drug should also be read.
Alugastrin – dosage
Adults and children after 6 years of age: 1-2 tablets or 15 ml of suspension approx. 1 hour after meals and at bedtime or in case of symptoms.
Alugastrin – contraindications and warnings
If symptoms persist for more than 14 days in adults or 7 days in children, a doctor should be consulted.
Depending on the formulation of Alugastrin, one tablet or 5 ml of suspension contains about 60 mg of sodium, which should be taken into account in patients with impaired renal function and on a low-sodium diet.
Caution should be exercised in patients with renal insufficiency and in patients prone to constipation.
Long-term ingestion of high doses of Alugastrin may lead to hypophosphataemia.
In children under 6 years of age, it can be used only after the doctor has diagnosed the cause of the ailments.
Before taking the drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult a doctor, be careful, especially during the administration of the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Do not use for a long time or in high doses.
The preparation reduces the absorption of tetracyclines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, iron, oral anticoagulants, H2 receptor antagonists (drugs that reduce gastric acid secretion), phenytoin, fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin), cardiac glycosides, ketoconazole, salicylates, sucralfate.
Keep the intervals recommended by the doctor between the administration of the preparation and other oral medications.
The following may occur: constipation and excessive phosphorus loss, loss of appetite and weakness, especially if the preparation is administered in too high doses or for a long time; nausea, vomiting, chalky taste, stomach cramps, whitish color of stools.
In the case of long-term use (or high doses) of the preparation, symptoms of phosphorus loss may appear: encephalopathy, bone pain, swelling of joints or ankles. The preparation may affect the acid-base balance.
Alugastrin – interactions with other drugs
Taking the drug reduces the absorption of drugs from the gastrointestinal tract, e.g. phenytoin, omperazole, cardiac glycosides, sucralfate, tetracyclines, cardiac glycosides, ketoconazole. For this reason, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting therapy with Alugastrin and inform him about any previously taken medications, including those sold without a prescription.