Gastal

Gastal is a combined antacid agent used in acid-dependent gastroenterological diseases.

[1], [2], [3]

Indications Gastal

The list of indications Gastal included: acute and chronic hyperacid gastritis; inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis); gastroesophageal reflux disease; acute inflammation of the duodenum (duodenitis); exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum; functional intestinal dyspepsia (including putrefactive and fermentation).

Gastal is used to relieve heartburn, acidic burp and pain in the stomach, caused by any and errors in nutrition or taking medications.

[4]

Release form

Gastal is available in the form of 300 mg tablets (for oral administration) and tablets for resorption.

Pharmacodynamics

Gastal contains alumina monohydrate (aluminum hydroxide), magnesium carbonate (magnesium carbonate) and magnesium oxide (magnesia). These substances bind and neutralize the salt acid of gastric juice and thereby reduce the level of its acidity (raising the pH). Thus, the irritating effect of gastric juice on mucous membranes of the digestive system stops.

Magnesium promotes the formation of mucoid secretion of the gastric mucosa, which increases the protection of its cells from hydrochloric acid.

At the same time, the drug does not affect the overall acid-base balance of the body. 

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Pharmacokinetics

The interaction of aluminum hydroxide with hydrochloric acid of gastric juice leads to the formation of insoluble aluminum phosphate salts, which are excreted by the intestine.

Magnesium carbonate and magnesium are absorbed into the digestive tract; the presence of magnesium causes a laxative effect, as the osmotic pressure in the intestine rises, which increases the volume of its content rate of excretion. 

[10], [11], [12], [13], [14],

Dosing and administration

Gastal should be taken whole, washed down with water, one hour after eating - one to two tablets five times a day (or when heartburn occurs).

Gastal tablets for resorption are used after meals (after 60 minutes) - one tablet several times a day; the maximum daily dose is 8 tablets, and the duration of application is two weeks.

[20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26],

Use Gastal during pregnancy

Gastalum during pregnancy is used to treat heartburn is not recommended.

Contraindications

Contra-indications Gastal include pronounced impaired renal function, phenylketonuria, serum phosphate deficiency (hypophosphatemia), intestinal obstruction, Alzheimer's disease, age younger than 12 years.

[15], [16], [17]

Side effects Gastal

The use of Gastal, as well as other antacid agents containing aluminum hydroxide, can be accompanied by a worsening of phosphate absorption in the intestine and a decrease in their quantity in the blood (hypophosphatemia). As a consequence, side effects are possible in the form of:

• kidney failure;
• disorders of the intestines (diarrhea or constipation);
• accompanied by pains of softening of bone tissue of the skeleton (osteomalacia) and brittleness of bones (osteoporosis);
• reduction of muscle tone;
• increasing the level of calcium salts in urine and deposition of them in the bladder (urolithiasis);
• an increase in the magnesium content in the blood (hypermagnesia), which is manifested by a decrease in blood pressure, hyporeflexia and increased thirst;
• encephalopathy with cognitive disorders.

[18], [19]

Overdose

Excess therapeutic doses of Gastal, as well as prolonged use of this drug, can cause a lack of phosphorus and an excess of aluminum and magnesium in the body.

[27]

Interactions with other drugs

Antacids prevent absorption of other oral medications in the digestive tract, therefore, any medicines should be ingested no earlier than two hours after Gastal's administration.

[28], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34],

Storage conditions

Gastal tablets are recommended to be stored at normal temperature in a place protected from moisture.

[35], [36]

Shelf life

3 years.