Almagel as a remedy for heartburn during pregnancy. Heartburn is not always a symptom of the disease. Possible risks and contraindications

A very common occurrence from which Almagel is used during pregnancy is heartburn. This painful burning sensation can ruin the life of anyone, even the most patient person, and what can we say about pregnant women?

Is Almagel possible during pregnancy?

Almagel is a preparation containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Both of these substances are alkaline. This is what determines their effect on heartburn. Indeed, entering into a neutralization reaction with hydrochloric acid, these compounds reduce the acidity of gastric juice, turning into insoluble salts and ordinary water. It would seem, what else is needed?

The drug is really effective in treating heartburn during pregnancy, and, nevertheless, its use should be regulated during these 9 months. The fact is that drugs such as Almagel or Almagel Neo during pregnancy can cause constipation. This nuisance is also often found in women in a position, and, perhaps, you should not aggravate the situation with medication. But this is not the main disadvantage of the drug.

The main problem is that heartburn in pregnant women is almost constant, which means it is easy to exceed the prescribed dose of the medication. If you take magnesium-containing drugs for a long time during pregnancy, there is a risk of developing hypermagnesemia in a newborn child - a dangerous complication that sometimes leads to coma and even death of the child. In addition, long-term use of these drugs can reduce the amount of phosphorus in a woman's blood, causing so-called encephalopathy of pregnancy.

Therefore, Almagel can be consumed once or twice during pregnancy, and then you should consult a doctor for the appointment of safer drugs (one of which is Gaviscon).

Almagel during pregnancy, instructions

Almagel, indications and contraindications

You can not use Almagel for severe renal impairment, Alzheimer's disease, children under one month old and people with hypersensitivity to the drug.

Despite the fact that heartburn is a fairly frequent and painful phenomenon, it is better not to use Almagel during pregnancy. Check with your doctor and take what he or she prescribes, taking into account all the risks to you and your baby.

The period of waiting for a child gives not only joy. Often, expectant mothers experience difficulties associated with the state of the gastrointestinal tract. In practice, this manifests itself in an unpleasant distension of the abdomen, heartburn, and pain.

Almagel is known for relieving these unwanted symptoms. Since most drugs are prohibited during pregnancy, it is worth figuring out whether Almagel can be drunk or should be abandoned.

Overeating can be a cause of discomfort in pregnant women.

The main reason for the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the abdomen is squeezing of internal organs under the influence of an increasing size.

The stomach, intestines, kidneys are in a forcedly displaced position, and this provokes the appearance of pain.

The pressure on the esophagus generally complicates the course of food, causing significant discomfort, provoking.

The second important reason is overeating, which women allow under the influence of increased appetite. Eating an extra portion, they worsen the condition, because even without that there is not enough room in the abdominal cavity for the normal location of internal organs. However, one should not think that poor appetite and nausea caused by toxicosis are less harmful than overeating. Lack of food is also a big burden on.

Women who are most at risk are women who have encountered diseases before pregnancy. All chronic diseases in most cases turn into an exacerbation stage at different stages of pregnancy.

From simple gastritis to severe ulcers, all diseases require medical attention. If you do not use supportive therapy, you can aggravate the condition and cause unnecessary pain.

Is Almagel prescribed during pregnancy?

Almagel can provoke constipation.

The instruction of all the funds that have the name Almagel notes that you can take the remedy when. However, there is a clause "with caution" here.

It is believed that these drugs can be taken continuously for a limited period of time, the duration of which is no more than 3 days, and they should be prescribed as a last resort.

These recommendations are not unfounded. Restrictive measures are associated with Almagel's ability to provoke. During pregnancy, constipation becomes a common occurrence, which again develops under the influence of an enlarged uterus, which constantly presses on the intestines. Often in this situation, bowel movement is possible only with the use of additional funds.

Of course, the strengthening of this problem with the help of Almagel can worsen the situation as a whole and significantly complicate the course of pregnancy. The second reason affecting the restrictions on the intake of Almagel is associated with such a side effect as saturation of the body with magnesium. Since the excess in the body of the fetus can provoke hypermagnesemia in the fetus, Almagel can be drunk only in small quantities.

After all, hypermagnesemia is dangerous by the development of pathology of the nervous, circulatory systems. Usually they drink Almagel to eliminate heartburn, which torments a woman for weeks. Taking a 3-day intake will not help in such a situation, but will only temporarily relieve symptoms. And if you do not listen to official recommendations, then you can quickly enough face an overdose, which will harm, first of all, the fetus.

It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor and not independently increase the prescribed dose. Usually, it is recommended to take no more than 3 measuring spoons at a time, the number of doses per day is 3, maximum - 4. Almagel has a number of contraindications that should also be taken into account by pregnant women.

It is necessary to abandon Almagel if there are malfunctions of the kidneys, individual intolerance, Alzheimer's disease.

Characteristics of the drug Almagel

Almagel A has an analgesic effect.

Almagel belongs to a group, that is, funds created for the treatment of acid-related diseases.

They help neutralize hydrochloric acid, which in some situations is overproduced.

This ability is based on the properties of Almagel components. Its main components are magnesium and aluminum hydroxide. These components have an alkaline reaction, therefore they can react with, forming harmless compounds.

Hydrochloric acid is an integral part of the digestion process. But in some pathological conditions, it destroys the digestive organs from the inside, in such situations Almagel is needed to avoid inflammatory processes or stop them.

Neutralized acid cannot harm. The second direction of Almagel's action is adsorbing, enveloping. A particle of the agent is distributed over the inner surface of the stomach and protects it from negative influences. Main forms of release: suspension, tablets. There are 3 types of suspension:

• Almagel (green packaging) is a common product that contains magnesium and aluminum hydroxides. We can say that this is a classic variety.
• (yellow packaging) - a product that additionally includes benzocaine, which has an analgesic effect.
• Almagel Neo (orange packaging) - a product supplemented with a component for reducing simethicone. It relieves bursting sensations, colic.

Indications for use

Almagel is prescribed for gastric ulcer.

Almagel is prescribed in the presence of one of the following indications:

1. Stomach ulcer, during exacerbations;
2. Acute gastritis, exacerbation of chronic;
3. - damage to the duodenal mucosa (manifested by pain in the upper abdomen, urge to vomit);
4. Enteritis - inflammatory processes in the small intestine, it is recognized by diarrhea;
5. Reflux esophagitis - to eliminate heartburn caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus;
6. Painful sensations caused by improper diet;
7. - inflammatory processes that involve the large intestine, you can recognize them by the streaks of blood in the feces.

The same indications are considered the basis for the appointment of Almagel to pregnant women. However, most often women are faced with heartburn and are looking for remedies for it.

As a remedy for heartburn, Amagel can be prescribed.

Tablets or suspension?

Almagel is produced in tablet form and in the form of a suspension. Experts recommend using the suspension. If you are worried about not only heartburn, but also pain, then it is better to take Almagel A. If you add to the discomfort from heartburn

When there are problems with the work of the digestive system, the question arises of the need to take antacids. Whether a drug such as Almagel is permissible during early pregnancy can only be decided by a doctor observing the gestation.

Release form and composition of Almagel

Almagel is available in the following dosage forms:

• suspension;
• pills;
• powder.

The drug has a fairly rich composition, which gives it additional properties. In turn, the suspension is produced in three types:

• Almagel with main components (aluminum and magnesium hydroxide gel);
• Almagel A with a basic and anesthetic component (analgesic benzocaine);
• Almagel Neo with basic and anti-gassing component (simethicone).

Depending on the color of the suspension, it is produced in a package of the appropriate color: green, red, yellow.

The name of the Almagel tablets contains the letter "T", which confirms the form of release. Almagel Neo tablets are sold in red packages. Almagel Neo is also available in 10 ml or gram sachets. So the suspension and powder are packaged.

All suspensions are available in 170 ml vials. For ease of use, the manufacturer sells the drug with a 5 ml measuring spoon. Tablets are sold in blisters of 12 and 24 pcs.

Table 1 lists the components that make up Almagel of different types.

Some components of Almagel are highly undesirable during pregnancy. Therefore, the doctor observing the woman decides on the appointment of the drug, taking into account all possible risks.

Pharmacological action of Almagel

Almagel components have the following therapeutic effects:

• adsorbent;
• enveloping;
• antacid.

The adsorbing effect is manifested in the neutralization of toxins, aggressive elements and decay products in the digestive tract. Thus, a reliable protective barrier is created for microbes, toxic compounds and hydrochloric acid.

Taking Almagel quickly neutralizes hydrochloric acid, which reduces heartburn. The gastric mucosa is not irritated for the duration of the drug action. Hydroxide of magnesium and aluminum bind hydrochloric acid molecules. This significantly reduces the digestive process, preventing the development of peptic ulcer disease.

The protective layer on the mucous membrane does not allow the formation of carbon dioxide, which provokes flatulence, a feeling of heaviness and increased production of hydrochloric acid. Patients with increased secretion of gastric juice take Almagel to eliminate heartburn and prevent peptic ulcer disease.

First of all, Almagel relieves acute symptoms by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive system. The expected effect occurs 3-5 minutes after taking the drug and lasts up to 2-3 hours.

The analgesic benzocaine, which is part of Almagel A, has an analgesic effect, which is simply necessary for severe pain.

Almagel Neo, thanks to the substance simethicone, prevents increased gas formation. Gas bubbles under the action of the drug are destroyed and absorbed into the intestinal walls, eliminating bloating.

Indications for taking Almagel for pregnant women

Almagel is prescribed for acute conditions of the following diseases, as well as in order to prevent their exacerbations during periods of remission:

• peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
• gastritis;
• enterocolitis;
• flatulence;
• foodborne toxic infections;
• esophagitis;
• hernia of the diaphragmatic opening of the esophagus;
• pancreatitis;
• diverticulitis;
• proctitis;
• sigmoiditis;
• diarrhea.

Also, taking Almagel is necessary for food intoxication and congestion in the intestines. Table 2 shows the features of taking the drug in common acute conditions of the digestive system.

Along with the above, the use of Almagel in a high dosage has a negative effect on the musculoskeletal system. As a result, the following dangerous conditions develop:

• deficiency of calcium and phosphorus in the blood;
• increasing the concentration of magnesium and aluminum in the blood to critical levels;
• high concentration of calcium in urine;
• sedimentation of calcium salts in the urinary organs;
• encephalopathy.

Bones become more fragile, the feeling of thirst increases, blood pressure decreases, and conditioned reflexes are disturbed.

To completely remove the drug from the body, it is recommended to wash the stomach, and then drink a sorbent and a laxative.

You might be interested in: What is the risk of calcium deficiency during pregnancy and how to fix it

Almagel's analogs

When there is an intolerance to the drug, the doctor selects an analogue. Almagel has a number of drugs that are identical in action, ready to help without side effects. Modern pharmacology offers the following antacids for overcoming acute conditions in digestive disorders:

• Phosphalugel. In consistency, Phosphalugel differs from Almagel in greater fluidity. Once on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, the gel molecules create a shell that is unique in its functions, effectively relieving painful symptoms. The advantage of prescribing this analogue for pregnant women is that there is no threat of leaching of trace elements from the body. Therefore, the course of therapy with Fosfalugel can be quite long until the problem is finally eliminated.
• Maalox. Available in suspension and tablet form. Unlike Almagel, Maalox does not have an anesthetic effect, which reduces its effectiveness in severe pain syndromes. Basically, the tool does an excellent job with increased gas production and prolonged diarrhea.
• Rennie. Of the advantages of Rennie over other antacids, one can single out the fact that it does not include aluminum, which contributes to the development of constipation. During pregnancy, Rennie is prescribed only in cases where the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Gevikson. Has established itself as a quick and effective remedy in the treatment of digestive disorders: heartburn, belching, bouts of nausea, frequent bloating, feeling of heaviness after meals. There were no side effects on the embryo in Gevikson. Moreover, the drug actively works only within the gastrointestinal tract, without penetrating into the bloodstream. The active components of Gevikson do not have the ability to be absorbed by the villi of the intestinal walls.

It should be noted that it is sometimes permissible to combine the listed analogs, however, this should be done only after agreement with the doctor. It is advisable to completely free the body from the remnants of the previous drug, and then switch to taking an analogue. But sometimes acute symptoms do not leave such an opportunity for the patient.

Painful discomfort, heartburn, stomach cramps, increased gas production and other unpleasant symptoms can appear in women at any stage of embryonic development. The uterus increases every day, creating significant pressure on the pelvic organs and the diaphragmatic region. As a result, the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus. On an empty stomach, gastric juice, saturated with hydrochloric acid, provokes acute heartburn, which can drag on for the whole day. It is difficult to do without drugs in such conditions.

The systematic use of antacids can lead to negative consequences in the body of the mother and the unborn child. The action of Almagel and some of its analogs has not been fully clinically studied until now. Therefore, it is only necessary for the doctor to make therapeutic appointments after studying the anamnesis, the course of embryonic development and the individual reactions of the pregnant woman's body.

An excess of aluminum compounds in the body of a woman in the first trimester of pregnancy destructively affects the functions of the fetal brain, and also provokes a strong fixation of feces. Until the final formation of the placental barrier, it is not recommended to take antacids for too long. A high concentration of magnesium and aluminum compounds in the blood of a pregnant woman causes abnormalities in the formation of the embryo. In the later stages of gestation, there is also a threat in the form of constipation.

Undesirable consequences from taking Almagel appear quite rarely. The most common is constipation, as a result of inhibition of intestinal motility by aluminum ions. More serious side effects occur in case of exceeding the dosage of the drug and uncontrolled chaotic intake to relieve acute symptoms upon the fact of its manifestation.

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