Kalgan

Galangal is a natural medicinal product widely used in gastroenterology, gynecology, dentistry, dermatology, ENT practice and many other areas of medicine.

According to the ATC coding, galangal is classified as a medicinal product that can have a therapeutic effect on the digestive system, as well as metabolic processes in the body.

The international name of the drug is Tomentilla erecta. In fact, galangal is one of the varieties of perennial plants - cinquefoil (family of roses).

Galangal is perfect for complex treatment as an auxiliary medicine or for monotherapy for pathologies of the digestive tract, pelvic organs, bleeding gums, uterine bleeding, as well as skin diseases and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

Indications Kalgan

Due to its anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial and hemostatic properties, the drug is often used in gastroenterology. Indications for the use of Kalgan include its use in such pathological processes as increased gas formation in the intestine, bloating (flatulence), inflammation in the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestinal sections.

In addition, the drug is effective in cases of ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal dysfunction with the appearance of diarrhea of various causes, including in the presence of an infectious agent.

Indications for the use of Kalgan also include bleeding from the pelvic organs and digestive tract. The drug has a good effect on the inflammatory process in the bladder and urinary tract.

For external use, Kalgan is used to stop bleeding gums and reduce their inflammation. The medicine is effective for pharyngitis, tonsillitis and other inflammations of the larynx and tonsils.

In dermatology, it is widely used in the form of lotions for frostbite, chronic wounds and burns. For hemorrhoids, Kalgan reduces the intensity of the inflammatory reaction and reduces swelling.

Release form

The main active ingredient is the roots of galangal. The release form is presented as a crushed type of raw material and a large powder.

The physical and chemical properties of the crushed product are yellowish color with a red, brown tint, up to dark brown. The rhizome is crushed into pieces of various sizes, but not exceeding 7 mm in diameter.

The smell is almost imperceptible, but pleasant, the taste is strongly astringent. The powder form is presented by pieces of rhizome of the same color, but with the size of pieces 4 times smaller (about 2 mm). The smell and taste are similar to coarsely ground product.

Due to the different forms of release of the drug, it is necessary to differentiate the packaging of the drug. Thus, crushed raw material of 7 mm in size is contained in one package, with a volume of 50 g or 75 g, which is packed in a pack.

Finely ground rhizomes, resembling a powder with a particle diameter of 2 mm, are packaged in filter bags of 3 g in the amount of 20 pieces in one package.

Pharmacodynamics

The plant belongs to a group of medicines that affect the digestive system and metabolic processes. Due to its natural composition, in particular biologically active substances, the medicines have an astringent, antibacterial, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Pharmacodynamics Kalgan provides an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and their narrowing. As a result, the liquid part of the blood is retained in the lumen of the vessel and does not go into the tissue. Thus, swelling of the surrounding tissues, the intensity of hyperemia and the severity of the pain syndrome are reduced.

With the help of Kalgan, the chances of coping with bleeding gums and bad breath are increased. Regular rinsing and lotions provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hemostatic effects.

Pharmacodynamics of Kalgan allows using the medicine for inflammatory diseases of the larynx, in particular, tonsillitis. With the help of gargles, an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect is provided.

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Pharmacokinetics

Galangal is widely used in pathologies of the stomach and other organs of the digestive tract. Its beneficial effect is due to the presence of a tannin in the composition of the drug - catechin, which affects the muscular layer of the stomach, relieving spasms and restoring physiological motility.

The pharmacokinetics of Kalgan is also carried out due to glycosides, flavonoids, resins, quinic and ellagic acids and essential oils. As for flobafen, it has an antibacterial effect, which is used in all areas of medicine.

The whole complex of therapeutic effects of Kalgan is observed in action due to the presence of micro- and macroelements (zinc, copper, selenium), crystalline ether, tormentillin and saponins, which are derivatives of α-amyrin and tormenthol.

The rhizomes of cinquefoil are known for their vasoconstrictive, membrane-stabilizing effect, and also for their action in normalizing the digestive process.

Dosing and administration

Depending on the form of release and the composition of the drug, the method of application and dosage also vary. First, it is necessary to consider the use of coarsely chopped rhizomes, which are stored in one package. They should be dosed independently using a measuring spoon.

To prepare the tincture, pour 15 g of crushed rhizomes with a glass of hot boiled water and cover tightly with a lid. Then, for half an hour, it is necessary to insist on a water bath, then filter and remove the infused rhizomes.

The resulting decoction should be brought to a volume of 200 ml using boiled water. It should be used half an hour before meals, 15 ml for adults up to 5 times a day for a month.

The method of application and dosage of finely chopped rhizomes with a diameter of 2 mm is much simpler, since the medicine is already packaged in 3 g bags. So, 2 filter bags should be lowered into a mug with boiling water (100 ml), covered with a lid and infused for about half an hour. It should be taken in the same way as large rhizomes.

As for children, it is rational to use a decoction of the drug for gargling for inflammation of the larynx and tonsils.

Use Kalgan during pregnancy

Pregnancy is considered a special period in a woman’s life, when she needs enormous strength and health to bear the fetus and give birth to it.

Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, an integral condition is control over the medications used and your health in general. For this purpose, the woman regularly undergoes examinations, one of which is ultrasound. It is necessary to monitor the formation and development of the fetus.

Thus, the use of Kalgan during pregnancy is not permitted due to the insufficient number of clinical studies and information on the effect of Kalgan on the fetus and the course of pregnancy.

Despite the fact that the medicine is a natural remedy, its use is still prohibited in order to avoid the negative impact of the rhizome components on the fetus.

The same applies to the lactation period, when the baby is breastfed. During this period, substances that penetrate into the mother's milk due to taking medications may enter the baby's body.

It has not been proven that galangal does not enter breast milk, so you should avoid using it while breastfeeding.

Contraindications

A drug, regardless of its origin (natural or pharmacological), can cause a response in the body, manifesting itself in various clinical symptoms.

Contraindications to the use of Kalgan are presented by the characteristics of each person's body. Information about the body's response from the immune system to certain substances can be transmitted genetically.

Hypersensitivity to the components of galangal may manifest itself as a local or general allergic reaction. In case of taking the medicine internally, the probability of developing urticaria or Quincke's edema increases. The most dangerous is considered to be swelling of the upper respiratory tract, which leads to asphyxia.

In case of using a medicinal product for gargling or lotions, local reactions are most often observed. They manifest themselves in the form of hyperemia of the mucous membrane, its swelling and a burning sensation.

Contraindications to the use of Kalgan also include constipation, since the medicinal components of the rhizome help reduce the activity of intestinal peristaltic waves.

As for childhood, it is not recommended for children to use the drug for oral administration. Only periodic gargling is possible in order to reduce inflammation and kill microbes.

Side effects Kalgan

In most cases, side effects of drugs begin to manifest themselves as a result of non-compliance with recommendations for their use (dosage, frequency of use, the presence of concomitant pathology or combined use with other drugs).

Side effects of Kalgan may manifest themselves in the form of a hypersensitivity reaction. It is caused by the individual reaction of the body to taking the drug, transmitted genetically.

In case of using the medicinal product for rinsing in the form of a solution, the probability of irritation of the mucous membrane increases. Among the symptoms it is worth noting redness, slight swelling and even rashes.

Side effects of Kalgan when using the drug orally can cause nausea, vomiting and pain in the stomach and abdomen.

In addition, allergic reactions to the use of the drug may manifest as itching, burning, tingling, swelling and hyperemia of the mucous membrane or skin.

If clinical symptoms of side effects appear, it is necessary to stop taking the drug and subsequently stop using it altogether or significantly reduce the dosage.

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Overdose

Clinical symptoms of overdose are possible if the recommended dosages, frequency of use and duration of the therapeutic course are not followed.

An overdose of the drug may occur after the first use, if the dose was significantly exceeded, or after several uses, when a cumulative effect is observed.

When taking a large dose of Kalgan, a sharp pain syndrome in the stomach or abdomen may appear. In addition, the general condition of the person worsens - dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting are noted.

In some cases, cases of overdose with disruption of bowel function have been reported. In this case, a slowdown in peristaltic waves was observed, resulting in constipation.

There is no antidote for the drug, but if an overdose occurs, it is necessary to stop taking the drug and try to remove its remains from the body as quickly as possible. For this purpose, it is advisable to perform gastric lavage and forced diuresis in a hospital setting to reduce the time the drug remains in the body.

Interactions with other drugs

Before using several medications at the same time, it is necessary to consider their combined interactions with each other and the therapeutic effects they can have on the body.

The interaction of Kalgan with other drugs has not been fully studied, but it is worth noting that the strength of the therapeutic effect of the drug can be affected by food intake. In this regard, it is recommended to observe an interval of at least 30-40 minutes between meals and taking the medication.

Since the drug affects the functioning of the stomach and other organs of the digestive tract, it is necessary to avoid taking it together with drugs with a similar mechanism of action.

Interaction of Kalgan with other drugs, the main pharmacological action of which is the hemostatic effect, it is worth considering their combined effect in order to avoid excessive activation of the coagulation system.

The drug is ideal as an auxiliary component in the treatment of cystitis, bleeding gums, tonsillitis, uterine bleeding and gastrointestinal pathology.

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Storage conditions

In order to preserve the necessary medicinal effects of the drug, the peculiarities of its content should be taken into account. Thus, each drug implies compliance with the conditions of its storage, which include maintaining the optimal temperature, humidity and lighting level.

Storage conditions for Kalgan imply maintaining the temperature in the room where the medicine is supposed to be stored, no higher than 30 degrees. In addition, it is worth considering that direct sunlight on the drug is unacceptable.

If the storage conditions of Kalgan are not observed, the drug may lose its medicinal properties and have an adverse effect on the body. After preparing a decoction from the rhizomes, it should be stored in the refrigerator.

In addition, it is necessary to ensure that children do not have access to the medicine. If they take a large amount of the decoction internally, poisoning or overdose is possible. If crushed rhizomes are found, children can taste them, which also threatens their health.

Shelf life

The manufacturer of the medicine must necessarily indicate the dates of production of the drug and the last use. They are usually indicated on the outer packaging to facilitate access. Therefore, the expiration date should be checked.

During this period, the drug retains its medicinal properties, after which the use of the drug is prohibited.

The shelf life of Kalgan is 4 years, provided that the rhizomes were not used to prepare the decoction. Once they have been brewed, the maximum period of their use is no more than 2 days. In addition, it is necessary to remember that in the prepared form the medicine must be stored in the refrigerator.

If there is no refrigerator, the preparation can be stored in the form of a decoction at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees. It is not recommended to use a cold decoction.