Becarbon

Various medications are used to treat functional gastrointestinal disorders, but Becarbon deserves special attention. Let's take a closer look at this drug. Becarbon is a combination drug with antispasmodic and antacid action. The tablets contain two active components: belladonna extract and sodium bicarbonate. It is this pharmacological composition that provides a stable therapeutic effect. Before starting therapy, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

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Indications Becarbon

In order for the treatment to be as effective and efficient as possible, all medications must be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.

Indications for use:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Spasms of the intestines and bile ducts
• Heartburn
• Hyperacid gastritis
• Dyspepsia
• Stomach ache
• Spasms of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract

Becarbon can be used in complex therapy of the above-mentioned diseases in combination with other medications.

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Release form

The antispasmodic is available in tablet form. One package contains two blisters of 10 tablets each. The tablets are yellow-brown with inclusions. Each capsule contains 0.01 g of belladonna extract and 0.3 g of sodium bicarbonate, excipients: starch and talc.

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Pharmacodynamics

The drug contains two active ingredients that differ in their effectiveness and mode of action. Pharmacodynamics of becarbon:

• Belladonna extract is classified as an M-anticholinergic and has an antispasmodic effect. The substance inhibits acetylcholine, causing decreased secretion of gastric juice, bronchial mucus, and salivary glands. Belladonna inhibits sweating and secretion of the lacrimal canal, but produces pancreatic secretion. Maintains muscle hypotonia of the gallbladder and its ducts, and gastrointestinal tract organs. It can provoke the development of mydriasis, tachycardia, increased intraocular pressure, and difficult lacrimation.
• Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid, i.e. a neutralizer of increased acidity. When entering the body, the component binds with hydrochloric acid, which is contained in gastric juice. This interaction accelerates the removal of chlorine and sodium from the body, promotes osmotic diuresis, and hypersecretion of bronchial mucus. Bicarbonate has expectorant and mucolytic properties.

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Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, the drug is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, providing a therapeutic effect. Tablets should be taken before meals, since food slows down absorption. Pharmacokinetics is based on the activity of the components of becarbon.

The spasmolytic effect occurs within 30 minutes after application, as does the hyposecretory effect. The drug's activity lasts for 5-6 hours after taking the recommended single dose. It is excreted by the kidneys as inactive metabolites and with feces, binding to blood plasma proteins is low.

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Dosing and administration

Based on the test results and diagnostics of the patient's condition, the doctor selects the method of administration and dosage of the drug. As a rule, 1 tablet is prescribed 2-3 times a day 30-40 minutes before meals. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 5 tablets. The capsules should not be chewed, they are swallowed with water.

The pharmaceutical product is intended for short-term symptomatic treatment, so the duration of therapy should be monitored by a doctor. If the negative signs of the disease do not disappear after 3-5 days, the treatment regimen and further use of the drug are reviewed.

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Use Becarbon during pregnancy

Becarbon is not prescribed for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders in expectant mothers. That is, its use during pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated. Use is possible if the therapeutic benefit for the mother is higher than the potential risks to the fetus.

The tablets should be taken with special caution when driving vehicles and operating other machinery, as side effects from the visual organs and nervous system are possible. The medicine is not prescribed for the treatment of pediatric patients.

Contraindications

The main contraindication to the use of Becarbon is individual intolerance to its active components. Tablets are not taken in case of:

• Cardiovascular diseases (tachycardia, ischemia, arterial hypertension, arrhythmia)
• Urinary retention
• Gastrointestinal diseases with obstruction
• Hypoacid gastritis
• Glaucoma
• Acute bleeding
• Myasthenia
• Thyrotoxicosis

The medication is prescribed with special caution in cases of weakened immunity, high temperature, for elderly patients and in the presence of the following disorders:

• Autonomic neuropathy
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Chronic and acute lung diseases
• Renal and hepatic failure
• Reflux esophagitis
• Hiatal hernia
• Inflammation of the intestines

It is not recommended to use the drug longer than prescribed by the doctor, as this may cause negative symptoms and worsen the course of the underlying disease.

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Side effects Becarbon

If the doctor's recommendations for the use of a combination drug for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders are not followed, side effects occur. Most often, disorders manifest themselves on the part of the nervous system, causing headaches, nervousness, dizziness, sleep disorders, speech disorders. Problems with urination, taste disorders, belching, abdominal pain, constipation, decreased intestinal motility are possible.

In rare cases, side effects cause photophobia, increased intraocular pressure, facial flushing, and increased heart rate. In addition, hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactic shock, skin rashes, and dermatitis are possible. If the above symptoms appear, you should stop taking Becarbon and seek medical help.

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Overdose

Long-term use of the drug or exceeding the recommended dose provokes negative symptoms. Overdose manifests itself as an increase in side effects. Patients experience bouts of nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, irritability, sleep problems, headaches, and convulsions.

Symptomatic therapy is used to eliminate these symptoms. It is recommended to take activated carbon, wash out the stomach and correct the water-electrolyte balance.

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Interactions with other drugs

For a speedy recovery, patients are prescribed complex therapy, which consists of using several drugs at the same time. The interaction of Becarbon with other drugs should be monitored by a doctor. Let's consider possible reactions of the antispasmodic with other drugs:

• Anticholinergic effect is enhanced when used with Amantadine, Glutethimide, Nefopam.
• CNS depression and lethargy develop with the use of opioid analgesics and phenthiazines.
• Increased intraocular pressure – use of Haloperidol, betyrophenones, corticosteroids.
• Orthostatic hypotension develops when combined with Furosemide.
• Interaction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Digitoxin, Metronidazole, Doxycycline, Griseofulvin causes a decrease in their effectiveness.
• Ketoconazole increases the pH of gastric juice, so it should be taken two hours before becarbon.
• Sodium bicarbonate may increase the excretion of lithium and reduce its concentration in blood plasma.

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Storage conditions

In order for the treatment to be effective, it is very important to observe the storage conditions of the drug. Becarbon must be kept in the original packaging, in a place protected from moisture, sunlight and inaccessible to children. The recommended storage temperature is within 25 ^o C.

If the above storage conditions are not met, the tablets lose their medicinal properties and are prohibited for use.

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Shelf life

Becarbon is allowed to be taken for 36 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration date is indicated on the tablet packaging. After its expiration, the medication must be disposed of. Since its use can cause uncontrolled side effects from many organs and systems, which will worsen the course of the underlying disease.

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