Vikair is the common name of a popular drug. The international nonproprietary name, accepted in pharmacology, lists all chemical and herbal components. You won’t immediately guess from him that this is Vikair. The instructions indicate that the medicine is a combination medicine. Synthetic substances and raw materials of natural origin are used in its production.
The product is produced in Russian in tablet form. It is characterized by general antispasmodic, astringent, antacid and laxative properties. Doctors prescribe it for diseases and conditions accompanied by increased acidity of gastric juice. A prescription is not required; the drug is available for free sale in pharmacies. It is important to read the instructions first to avoid mistakes in using the medicine.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The components included in the drug determine its antacid, bactericidal, laxative, astringent, antispasmodic and reparative effect.
Sodium bicarbonate is an absorbable antacid that neutralizes hydrochloric acid , providing a quick but short-lasting effect.
non-absorbable antacid, magnesium carbonate , also has the ability to neutralize hydrochloric acid , forming magnesium chloride and carbon dioxide . At the same time, magnesium carbonate is characterized by a slow but prolonged effect. Magnesium ions then increase the osmotic pressure in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the volume of intestinal contents increases and passage accelerates.
In addition, when pepsin , the proteolytic property of gastric juice decreases. In an acidic environment, bismuth salts form chelate compounds, binding to the protein structures of the mucous membranes - this allows the formation of a protective coating on the damaged area. Stimulation of the production of prostaglandins , which normalize the formation of bicarbonate and mucus, was also noted. Moreover, bismuth salts cause the death of H. pylori. Some of the substance is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, after which it is excreted by the kidneys, and the rest is excreted in the form of sulfide in the feces.
Calamus rhizomes are characterized by antispasmodic, reparative and analgesic effects. Buckthorn bark contains saponins and anthraglycosides , emodin in the intestines , which improves intestinal motility.
Composition of the medicine
The drug contains components of chemical and plant origin:
- bismuth nitrate (basic) – 0.35 g;
- magnesium carbonate (basic) – 0.4 g;
- sodium bicarbonate – 0.2 g;
- buckthorn bark (finely ground, powder) – 0.025 g;
- calamus root (crushed powder) – 0.025g.
In addition to these active ingredients, the tablets contain excipients in the form of starch, talc, and stearic acid.
Release form: tablets No. 10 in blisters. The package includes 2 blisters.
The medicine should be stored in its packaging at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. The storage place should be dry, dark, out of reach of children. The shelf life of the medicine is 5 years from the date of issue. You cannot take Vikair after it expires.
Interaction
The simultaneous use of Vikair, due to the presence of antacids , with other drugs can cause different effects on their absorption, for example: the absorption of tetracyclines, anticoagulants, H2 receptor blockers, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, salicylates, antifungal and antiepileptic drugs, glucocorticoids, cardiac glycosides , antiplatelet agents, macrolides, a number of antihistamines, immunosuppressants, ACE inhibitors, rifampicin and zalcitabine.
When the drug is contraindicated
The medicine has contraindications; it is not used for pathologies:
- hypoacid gastritis (low acidity);
- intolerance to any of the components of the drug;
- chronic appendicitis.
There are also age restrictions for Vikair: no doctor will prescribe the drug to patients under 18 years of age.
Vikair is not prescribed for children
Pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding are also contraindications for taking the medicine: a side effect may occur - bismuth encephalopathy (impaired brain formation) in the fetus.
You should not use Vikair if an ulcer is combined with chronic inflammatory processes in the digestive organs - enterocolitis, cholecystitis. This medicine should not be used if you are prone to gastrointestinal bleeding.
Analogs
Level 4 ATC code matches:
Ventrisol
Novobismol
Vis-Nol
De-Nol
Gastrocepin
Dalargin
Venter
Omez D
Gastrofarm
Gaviscon
Vikalin
Exact analogues of this drug do not exist, but De-Nol, Maalox, Almagel and Rennie have a similar effect.
Recommendations for use and dosage
Instructions for use recommend internal administration of the drug one to one and a half hours after meals. A single dose is equal to 1-2 tablets. It is better to take the medicine with a small amount of water (about a quarter glass).
The frequency of daily intake is three times a day. The duration of the treatment course will be determined by the doctor. It depends on the nature of the disease and its severity. Typically therapy lasts from 1 to 2 months. Repeated courses are possible if necessary.
Important: during treatment it is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages
There is no data on the effect of the drug on reactions when driving a vehicle and operating machinery.
Reviews about Vikair
According to experts, this drug is considered somewhat outdated, so in medical practice it is replaced with other modern means. However, some people continue to use it and, as reviews of Vikair show, quite successfully.
These tablets help eliminate pain caused by stomach ulcers and even normalize the gastrointestinal tract. There have also been cases of effective treatment for hyperacid gastritis , which led to stable remission. Therefore, it is difficult to determine what pills help best.
In addition to the fact that Vikair is considered not a modern remedy, it has been established that its use can have a detrimental effect on the condition of the mucous membrane and walls of the stomach due to the formation of large amounts of carbon dioxide. It is also possible to develop hypertensive crises and swelling, which are caused by sodium. For this reason, this drug should be taken with extreme caution.
Side effects
Common side effects include allergic reactions to the components of the drug and stool upset (diarrhea).
Less common : headache, nausea, anemia, pigmentation on the tongue, swelling of the eyelids and gums, intestinal colic.
In addition, Vikair helps increase appetite. But usually patients do not gain excess weight due to the laxative effect of buckthorn.
If side effects occur, the dose of the drug should be reduced. If this does not help, stop taking it and consult your doctor to change the medication.
Contraindications and features of administration
Vikair is contraindicated:
In pediatric practice (up to 18 years);- during pregnancy and lactation;
- with enterocolitis (inflammation of the small and large intestines);
- with chronic appendicitis;
- in severe forms of renal failure;
- with gastritis, which is characterized by reduced acidity;
- in case of individual sensitivity to the components of the drug.
During treatment with bismuth-based medications, stool may turn black or dark green. After stopping use, normal color is restored within a few days.
Does not have a hemostatic effect. Therefore, for peptic ulcers accompanied by bleeding, it is not advisable to use Vikair.
Due to the laxative effect of the drug, it cannot be used for intestinal obstruction, spastic constipation, and acute intestinal diseases.
During pregnancy and lactation
Pregnant women should not take Vikair. Bismuth accumulates in the body and can negatively affect the development of the fetus - there is a high risk of brain damage.
The drug should also not be used during lactation.
Vikair price, where to buy
The price of Vikair in Ukraine is 20-40 UAH.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
ZdravCity
- Vikair tablets 20 pcs. Pharmstandard-Leksredstva OJSC
65 rub. order
show more
Pharmacy24
- Vikair N10 tablets PAT "Kievmedpreparat", Ukraine
33 UAH. order
Overdose
If the recommended method of using the drug is not followed and excessive doses of Vikair are used, acute renal failure may develop due to the effects of increased levels of the substance in the blood.
Symptoms of overdose are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and increasing weakness.
In case of overdose, treatment is recommended:
- gastric lavage is performed as first aid;
- purpose of sorbents (activated carbon, Enterosgel, Polysorb);
- carrying out detoxification therapy (injection of solutions into a vein);
- in severe cases, hemodialysis.
Vikair or Vikalin?
It is difficult to say which drug is better: Vikalin or Vikair. There are certain differences in their composition. Vikalin includes additional components:
- Kellyn
. Necessary for reducing the tone of the bladder, blood vessels, and intestines. - Rutin
. Necessary for strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
The indications for the medications are the same - complex therapy for stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis (if acidity is high and constipation is frequent).
Safety precautions and interactions with other medications
For the period of taking the complex drug in question, a special diet is required. It is advisable to take Bismuth 2 hours before taking another medication or after this time has passed after taking it.
During the period of Bismuth therapy, it is important to monitor the functioning of the kidneys and monitor the concentration of bismuth in the blood and urine.
The use of the complex drug in question reduces the resorptive effect of tetracyclines. The interaction of tetracyclines with medications that include magnesium cations is accompanied by the formation of poorly absorbed complexes.
During the period of treatment with Vikair, specialists do not prescribe other medications containing bismuth. This is necessary to prevent an increase in the amount of bismuth in the blood.
The complex drug should not be prescribed simultaneously with the following medications:
- glycosides;
- alkaloids;
- antibiotics;
- enzyme medications.
The use of Vikair is accompanied by a decrease in the absorption of coumarin derivatives. It is also possible to reduce the absorption of other medications used simultaneously with the drug in question.
It is not advisable to consume milk or antacids within 30 minutes. up to or 30 min. after taking the pills.
Gastric juice is required to form a protective film. Long-term use of the drug in question increases the risk of encephalopathy. The likelihood of this side effect occurring is minimized by following the regimen recommended by your doctor.
There is no data in the instructions regarding the adverse effects of the drug in question on the reaction rate when operating machinery or vehicles.
