"Almagel" for children: instructions, effect on the child's body

Every third woman after childbirth complains of digestive disorders: flatulence, defecation disorders (constipation, diarrhea), heartburn, stomach pain, etc. These conditions disrupt the usual way of life and make it difficult to concentrate on pleasant worries. How to improve the functioning of the digestive tract so as not to harm the newborn?

Almagel (Almagel) is an antacid drug that is used to treat acid-related diseases of the digestive tract. The drug is sometimes prescribed to women who are breastfeeding. How safe is it? More on this later.

Kinds

The release forms of this medicine are suspension and tablets. The medicine is sold in three versions:

• Regular "Almagel" (it is produced in the form of liquid and tablets). This version of Almagel contains basic ingredients such as aluminum hydroxide along with magnesium.
• The drug has the additional designation “A”. This type contains benzocaine, which provides an analgesic effect.
• The Almagel Neo variety, in addition to the main components, may contain simethicone, which eliminates excess gases.

Is it true that Almagel is suitable for children? This is a common question.

Can children take these drugs, if so, how much and for how long?

Phosphalugel is quite effective for diarrhea in children.

For infants up to six months, the following doses are recommended: up to 1-1.5 sachets per day. Children 2-6 years old can take up to 3 sachets per day. The daily dose must be divided into small parts. Children over 6 years of age can take Phosphalugel in doses recommended for adult patients.

Almagel for diarrhea should not be taken by children under 10 years of age.

Action of the medication

The presented medicine produces an enveloping and antacid effect. All its types contain the same basic active ingredient. The mechanism of action is as follows: the medicine neutralizes hydrochloric acid, protecting the gastric mucosa, which effectively prevents the formation of ulcers.

At the same time, components that can negatively affect the mucous membrane of the digestive system are neutralized. The composition of this medicine envelops the stomach, creating a protective barrier. The active components of the drug are distributed evenly, resulting in a long-lasting effect.

Sodium hydroxide relieves and prevents constipation. Sorbitol, which is included in the composition, increases the secretion of bile. Both components contribute to the rapid regulation of stool. The protective layer protects the stomach from the accumulation of gases, a feeling of heaviness and excessive production of hydrochloric acid.

The presented remedy eliminates pain in the digestive organs. It is also possible to use Almagel for heartburn. The effect of the medicine begins three to five minutes after administration. The effect lasts from one to two hours.

"Almagel A" has a longer and stronger analgesic effect. It can be taken in case of poisoning. The medicine with the prefix “Neo” eliminates gas formation and prevents it. Gas bubbles are absorbed into the intestines and then completely eliminated from the body. This medicine can cause some side effects and has a number of contraindications. It is prescribed to pregnant women only in short courses.

In what cases is Almagel prescribed for children?

More details about the components

There is a rather long-lasting local effect of deactivation of gastric juice, constantly secreted by the endocrine glands. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in this substance is reduced to values ​​considered optimal for the therapeutic program. Aluminum compounds in the composition of the drug inhibit the production of pepsin and reduce the activity of hydrochloric acid. The reaction is accompanied by the formation of aluminum chloride, which in an alkaline environment is transformed into aluminum salts.

Magnesium hydroxide has the inherent ability to deactivate hydrochloric acid. The reaction is accompanied by the production of magnesium chloride. This compound creates an effect directly opposite to the influence of the aluminum component, which can cause constipation. Magnesium molecules (hydroxide, chloride) are absorbed in a low percentage. The process has virtually no effect on the content of magnesium ions in the circulatory system.

Benzocaine is a component due to which local anesthesia is observed. The substance has a pronounced effect with a rather long action. Benzocaine has proven itself well in cases of severe pain.

Indications for use in children

This drug is a non-absorbable drug and does not cause any metabolic disorders. "Almagel" is used in the presence of heartburn even during pregnancy. This medicine does not irritate the genitourinary system even after prolonged use. Indications for use for children are as follows:

• If you have intestinal disorders.
• Against the background of peptic ulcer disease.
• In the presence of duodenitis.
• Against the background of intestinal diseases.
• In the presence of flatulence.
• For enteritis, colitis and gastritis.
• Against the background of reflux-esophagitis.
• Against the backdrop of the consequences of an incorrect diet.

Taking Almagel for children is allowed as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes, but only on the recommendation of a doctor. This drug can be prescribed together with other medications or directly after taking non-steroidal drugs and glucocorticosteroids.

Is it always possible to give Almagel to children?

Reception features

In the photos showing the appearance of “Almagel A” (“Almagel” with an anesthetic, as many people call it), you can see a convenient spoon and a small container containing a suspension that has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastric system. This remedy can be prescribed not only to adults, but also to children, however, only if there are strict indications. For persons under ten years of age, a dosage of one-third of that prescribed for adults is recommended; for those older but under 15 years of age, it is recommended to reduce it by half compared to that prescribed for adults.

Sometimes the disease is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If this is exactly the case, if the patient experiences severe pain in the stomach area, it is first necessary to use Almagel, which is enhanced with an analgesic component, which is eventually replaced with a regular one. Replacement is possible after the disappearance of severe severe symptoms.

Immediately before use, the product must be mixed carefully.

Contraindications for use

This drug can cause side effects, such as short-term nausea and numbness of the tongue. Relative contraindications for treating children with this medication include:

• The child has liver disease or epilepsy.
• In childhood from ten to eighteen years.
• Against the background of breastfeeding.
• For alcoholism and brain diseases.

Additional contraindications include individual intolerance to the components. Children should not take this medicine simultaneously with sulfonamides or if their kidneys are not functioning properly.

How effective are they against diarrhea?

Phosphalugel for diarrhea is effective in various cases and helps different categories of patients. The dosage depends on many indicators, on average it is:

• Single dose – 16-40 g.
• Daily dose – 32-120 g.

The amount of medicine depends on the diagnosis and condition of the patient. Experts recommend dividing the daily intake into equal parts. In this case, their use should be at equal time intervals. Most often, Phosphalugel is taken after meals. The maximum course of therapy is two weeks.

Important! If, during diarrhea, there are mucus or blood in the excreted feces, and the body temperature rises, it is not recommended to self-medicate. Such symptoms require urgent consultation with a specialist, as they may indicate the presence of a serious pathological process.

Instructions for use of "Almagel" for children

Green "Almagel", as well as its other form in the form of yellow "Almagel A" are suitable for treating children starting from one month. Immediately before use, the medicinal bottle should be shaken to obtain a homogeneous composition. The suspension is given to children half an hour before meals. In the evenings, children are given this medicine before going to bed; it should not be washed down with water. You can give your child the drug between meals. Between the use of Almagel and other drugs, an interval of one to two hours must be observed.

Pharmacological activity

The instructions accompanying “Almagel A” (“Almagel” with anesthetic) specify the ability of the medicinal composition to deactivate the hydrochloric acid present in the gastric cavity. This somewhat reduces the ability of gastric juice to digest substances. Taking the drug does not lead to secondary excessive generation of gastric juice. The use of the composition is associated with a local anesthetic effect. The drug belongs to the class of adsorbents. The active ingredients have an enveloping effect, due to which the aggressive effect of acidic factors on the gastric mucosa is reduced.

The instructions attached to “Almagel A” (“Almagel” with anesthetic) specify: the therapeutic effect is observed just a few minutes (no more than five) after the drug enters the body. Its average duration is about 70 minutes.

"Almagel A"

If, at the time of starting therapy, the disease is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, then treatment of the child should begin with taking Almagel A. As soon as these symptoms disappear, it would be rational to switch to using green Almagel. A child is 4 years old, how much medication can he be given?

Children under ten years of age take the drug in an amount of one third of the adult dose. Children from ten to fifteen years old receive a suspension in the amount of half the adult dosage. Teenagers who are over fifteen years of age are taking this drug in adult dosages.

Children under ten years of age take one scoop of medication for therapy. If you don't have a measuring spoon, you can use a regular teaspoon. Children aged ten to fifteen years take one and a half scoops containing 5 milliliters of medicine four times a day. And teenagers over fifteen years old, three spoons four times.

In general, how much Almagel can be given to children per day?

The maximum daily dose for children under ten years of age is 5 scoops (that is, 25 milliliters of medication). At the age of ten to fifteen years, take eight measuring spoons (40 milliliters of medicine). Those children over fifteen years old can take a maximum of sixteen spoons (80 milliliters of the drug) per day. If a child takes medication in such high dosages, the maximum permissible course duration is two weeks.

Can Almagel be given to children during maintenance therapy?

Pharmacokinetics

"Almagel A" ("Almagel" with anesthetic) is not able to be absorbed into the circulatory system. If you use the product in accordance with the program developed by the manufacturer, in the correct volumes, observing the correct pauses between uses, resorption processes in the gastrointestinal tract are practically not initiated. The effectiveness of the medicine is long-lasting and uniform, and does not lead to an imbalance of electrolytes. Observations showed that there was no risk of alkalosis or other metabolic failures. There is no effect that irritates the urinary system. Long-term use of the composition does not initiate alkalosis. The drug does not increase the risk of stone formation in the urine ducts.

Dosages for maintenance treatment

Immediately after the elimination of symptoms and normalization of general health, you can continue treatment with Almagel in maintenance doses for three months. The following norms are the maintenance and preventive dosage for children of different ages:

• For the treatment of children under ten years of age, 3.5 milliliters of the drug are prescribed.
• Children aged ten to fifteen years take 5 milliliters of the drug.
• Teenagers over fifteen years old take 10 milliliters.

Admission rules

You can’t find a photo of the packaging of “Almagel” with an anesthetic, since the drug is officially called “Almagel A”. Cardboard boxes and bottles with this inscription can be seen both in pharmacies and in reviews illustrated with photographs from people who have taken the product. It is noted that a positive effect was observed only with proper use of the medication. The features of the program are listed by the manufacturer in the instructions accompanying the pharmaceutical product.

The medicine is taken orally. The features of the program are determined by the attending physician. Dose – from one to three spoons (you must use the plastic one offered with the product, or a tea spoon). The specific dosage is determined by the strength of the symptoms. Frequency of use – up to four times daily. The drug is taken 30 minutes before a meal, in the evening - shortly before bedtime.

"Almagel Neo"

"Almagel Neo" is approved for use only by children over ten years of age. Children aged ten to fifteen years receive this drug at half the dose. And teenagers over fifteen take the medication exclusively in adult dosages.

Immediately before use, shake the bottle of suspension thoroughly. Children are not recommended to dilute Almagel Neo. After consuming the suspension, it is forbidden to give the child any drink for half an hour. The use of Almagel Neo and other medications must be distributed over time. The suspension itself is taken one hour after meals. The use of the product for a long time must be accompanied by the inclusion in the diet of foods that are rich in high phosphorus content.

Children who are between the ages of ten and fifteen years take the suspension one measuring spoon (that is, 5 milliliters of medicine) four times. The child is given the last dose in the evening, just before bedtime. If the baby’s condition is severe and the symptoms are excessively pronounced, then the one-time dose can be increased to two scoops, which will correspond to 10 milliliters of medication. The maximum permissible dose of Almagel, which children aged ten to fifteen years are allowed to take per day, is six measuring spoons. The duration of the course of therapy should not exceed four weeks.

What else can you give children for stomach pain?

Will it help?

According to reviews, “Almagel” with an anesthetic (“Almagel A”) shows a pronounced positive effect. Many people who have used the drug note rapid relief of their condition soon after using the composition. Undesirable consequences of taking it bother people very rarely. Professionals also consider “Almagel” in all forms of release (including “NEO” and an anesthetic agent) to be a very successful pharmaceutical development. Reviews of Almagel, including releases enhanced with an analgesic, as well as NEO, indicate that all forms of this product are equally reliable and do not disappoint customers.

Side effects and influence on the children's body

This drug has different effects on children's bodies. Some children easily tolerate treatment with Almagel, while others may experience some side effects due to its use. Thus, as a result of taking this medication, children may sometimes experience various side effects, but most often this occurs due to an overdose and improper adherence to the amount of the drug prescribed by the doctor. So, the drug “Almagel” in green and yellow packages can cause undesirable reactions in children in the form of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, drowsiness, changes in the action of taste buds and constipation.

It is also worth noting that prolonged use of this medication leads to phosphorus deficiency and bone destruction. If the drug is used for kidney failure, this medicine can provoke swelling of the arms and legs along with the appearance of dementia and an increase in the concentration of magnesium in the blood. The form of “Almagel” called “Neo” sometimes provokes allergic reactions in children, as well as bowel dysfunction.

About security

Occasionally, the use of a medicinal composition leads to a correction of taste sensations. Sometimes people experience nausea and vomiting, and occasionally stomach cramps and tenderness in this area. There is a danger of constipation. All these phenomena resolve themselves if the volume of the drug used is reduced. Using the drug in a higher dose is accompanied by a risk of craving for sleep during the daytime.

Long-term use of an increased dosage against the background of a diet containing too little phosphorus can cause a deficiency of this element if the human body is predisposed to this condition. Sometimes there is increased resorption and excretion of calcium in urine. There is a danger of osteomalacia developing. A long therapeutic course should be accompanied by a revision of the diet so that quite a lot of phosphorus is supplied with food.

Special instructions for use

It is worth keeping in mind that immediately before taking the drug suspension should be shaken well until the composition is homogeneous. It is not recommended to use Almagel in excess of the amount prescribed by the doctor, otherwise the child may experience unwanted side reactions. And the onset of an overdose can cause an increase in the amount of magnesium and aluminum in the blood.

Phosphorus deficiency due to overdose can cause osteoporosis, and if the child does not have enough calcium, frequent fractures are possible. Due to excessive intake of this medication, salt deposits appear in the kidneys, and at the same time the normal functioning of various organs is disrupted. Sometimes an overdose can cause encephalopathy. Children with kidney failure may experience thirst along with low blood pressure.

The presented drug is a slightly toxic medicine, thanks to which it is allowed in small quantities even for pregnant women. Thus, this remedy, provided the dosage is observed, does not pose any threat to the child’s health and prevents relapses of diseases of the digestive system.

Reviews from parents who treated their children with this drug are almost all positive. But do not forget that a child should take this medicine only as prescribed by a pediatrician.

In the article we reviewed the instructions for children for the drug “Almagel”.

Is there an alternative?

To some extent, the following drugs can be considered analogues of Almagel with an anesthetic:

• "Palmagel A".
• "Remagel A".
• "Megalak".

The first two have a similar composition. "Megalak" differs in active ingredients, but belongs to the same group. It is recommended to replace a medication prescribed by a doctor with an alternative only after consultation with a specialist, otherwise the program may not give the desired result or even provoke complications.

Since the cost of one package of the medicine in question is about 250 rubles, and its alternatives are available for sale only in a limited number of pharmaceutical outlets, replacing the product with another in order to save money is not always a reasonable decision.

Almagel or Maalox?

Both Almagel and Maalox are a liquid dosage form - a suspension. In addition, the composition of both drugs is almost identical. Both of them contain aluminum and magnesium hydroxide as the main active component. Therefore, you can choose any drug that a person likes best for some subjective reason.

However, if the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract is accompanied by severe and severe pain, then it is better to prefer the Almagel A suspension, which has the best anesthetic effect. If there is severe gas formation and bloating, the most preferable option is Almagel Neo, which contains a substance that eliminates this particular painful symptom. If there is no pronounced pain or gas formation, then you can choose any drug, depending on personal preferences.

General principles of therapy

A competent approach to the treatment of reflux esophagitis is, of course, considered to be comprehensive. For esophageal pathology, the following recommendations exist.

• Moderate physical activity, which has a good effect on the body and complements the treatment of many pathologies, in case of a disease of this type excludes strength loads and exercises that require bending forward.
• Proper nutrition serves as the basis for the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract and has a preventive effect on the exacerbation of chronic pathologies.
• Medicines, including those that fight the cause of the disease, and also help remove clinical symptoms.
• Preventive actions.
• Adding physiotherapy during periods of exacerbation.

Currently, specialists use several treatment regimens for esophagitis, selecting each individually and taking into account all the results obtained during diagnosis. How to treat reflux esophagitis? Reviews confirm that nutrition is of no small importance.

Conducted medical studies have convincingly shown that in order to cope with reflux esophagitis, treatment with drugs must be combined with other measures - diet therapy, correction of the patient’s lifestyle. Only by eliminating the true causes of the disease can you achieve your goal - to prevent relapses of the disease and eliminate unpleasant sensations.

Principles of treatment of reflux esophagitis:

• reducing the acidity of the stomach contents to acceptable parameters by prescribing appropriate medications;
• optimal stimulation of motility of the structures of the digestive tract - strengthening their evacuation activity;
• restoration and protection of the mucous membrane of the esophageal tube with medications.

The causes and treatment of the disease are closely interrelated - by eliminating the former through the influence of the latter, the patient improves his own well-being. However, it is not recommended to independently purchase from a pharmacy and take this or that remedy for reflux disorder. Without knowing the mechanism of formation of the pathology and the point of application of the pharmacological action of the drug, you can achieve the opposite result - the appearance of severe complications.

Analogs

Structural analogues of the active substance:

• Ajiflux;
• Almol;
• Alumag;
• Almagel A;
• Almagel Neo;
• Anacid forte;
• Gastracid;
• Maalox;
• Maalox mini;
• Rivolox.

Analogs by pharmacological group (antacids):

• Additive calcium;
• Aktal;
• Alfogel;
• Alugastrin;
• Anacid forte;
• Antareit;
• Becarbon;
• Gastal;
• Gasterin;
• Gastrik;
• Gastroromazole;
• Gaviscon;
• Gaviscon forte;
• Gelusil;
• Gelusil varnish;
• Gelusil;
• Gestid;
• Daijin;
• Calcium carbonate;
• Magalfil 800;
• Magnatol;
• Magnistad;
• Magnesium oxide;
• Milk of Magnesia;
• Sodium bicarbonate;
• Sodium bicarbonate;
• Relzer;
• Rennie;
• RioFast;
• Rokzhel;
• Rutacid;
• Simalgel VM;
• Scoralite;
• Talcid;
• Tams;
• Tannacomp;
• Tisacid;
• Topalkan;
• Phosphalugel;
• Andrews antacid.

Interaction with other drugs

The medicine contains benzocaine, so its simultaneous use with sulfonamides is contraindicated. The use of enteric tablets and Almagel causes irritation of the gastric mucosa. The drug reduces the absorption of certain medications, so the interval between taking them should be 1 to 2 hours. Such means include:

• reserpine;
• histamine H2 receptor blockers;
• cardiac glycosides;
• iron salts;
• lithium preparations;
• quinidine;
• mexiletine;
• phenothiazine drugs;
• tetracycline antibiotics;
• ciprofloxacin;
• isoniazid;
• ketoconazole

What to do if diarrhea does not go away

In most cases, diarrhea goes away quite quickly, but in some cases you still cannot do without consulting a doctor. The specialist will collect anamnesis, find out the cause of the pathology and, if necessary, perform the necessary examination.

You should consult a doctor if:

• Increased body temperature.
• The intensity of diarrhea does not decrease for three days.
• Pains of various types are felt in the lower abdomen.
• Dehydration.
• Dark-colored stool.
• Pronounced pallor of the skin.

If you prevent the development of serious complications and take antidiarrheal drugs in a timely manner, then the prognosis for recovery is quite favorable.

Composition and release form

All 3 types of Almagel have a neutralizing effect on gastric juice and form a protective layer on the surface of the gastric mucosa. Thereby protecting the inflamed mucosa from the aggressive effects of gastric juice.

Almagel

Composition of active components:

• Aluminum hydroxide;
• Magnesium hydroxide.

Features of the drug:
Aluminum hydroxide - when interacting in the lumen of the stomach with hydrochloric acid of gastric juice, it neutralizes the latter, thereby reducing the acidity of the stomach. Aluminum hydroxide also reduces the secretion of the stomach enzyme - pepsin. This property reduces the aggressiveness of gastric juice.

Magnesium hydroxide - by analogy with aluminum hydroxide, reacts to neutralize hydrochloric acid. Magnesium hydroxide also has a laxative effect, thereby neutralizing the effect of aluminum hydroxide, which can cause slower peristalsis and constipation.

Almagel Neo

Composition of active components:

• Aluminum hydroxide;
• Magnesium hydroxide;
• Simethicone.

What is the difference: this drug contains the same components as Almagel, but it also contains simethicone. Simethicone is a drug that prevents increased gas formation. In diseases of the stomach and duodenum, the entire digestive process is disrupted, which contributes to the activity of intestinal microflora and the active formation of gases in the intestines.

Almagel A

Composition of active components:

• Aluminum hydroxide;
• Magnesium hydroxide;
• Benzocaine.

What is the difference: it contains the same components as Almagel, however, it additionally contains benzocaine, which has an analgesic (freezing) effect on the mucous membranes. Thanks to benzocaine, it is possible to get rid of pain caused by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum.