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Maalox
Maalox refers to the pharmacological group of agents used to reduce the acidity of gastric juice and the absorption (adsorption) of various substances in the gastrointestinal tract.
Indications Maalox
Antatsidno-adsorbent effect determines the main indications for the use of Maalox, which include:
- acute and chronic inflammation of the stomach mucosa against a background of increased acidity ( gastritis, peptic ulcer );
- acute and chronic inflammation of the duodenal mucosa ( duodenitis );
- acute and chronic inflammation of the pancreas ( pancreatitis );
- heartburn associated with repeated reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus ( reflux esophagitis );
- pilorospazm and pyloroduodenal stenosis, accompanied by increased acidity of gastric juice.
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics Maaloksa determined by the action of substances that are part of its composition - aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (in equal amounts). Upon ingestion into the stomach, these substances react chemically with free hydrochloric acid of gastric juice and neutralize it with the formation of salts - aluminum and magnesium chlorides - and water.
Thanks to Maalox, the content of hydroxide ions (pH) in gastric juice increases, and this effect is maintained for several hours, blocking the effect of acid on the gastric mucosa. But the natural process of digestion is not violated, and no additional production of hydrochloric acid occurs.
Aluminum and magnesium oxides also bind the bile acids that enter the stomach, preventing destruction of the mucous membrane. In addition, after a certain time, magnesium chloride, trapped in the intestine, begins to act as a laxative - by increasing the pressure in the lumen of the intestine and increasing its contractions. However, the laxative effect is insignificant, since aluminum weakens the activity of magnesium.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics Maaloks is characterized by the absence of systemic effects when the drug is used in recommended doses, since aluminum chloride and magnesium chloride in the stomach are almost not absorbed and do not enter the bloodstream.
Excretion of the end products from the body comes through the intestine (with feces). At the same time, the concentration of phosphates in the blood decreases, as these substances bind the phosphates in the stomach and intestines and also remove them from the body.
Use Maalox during pregnancy
The use of Maalox during pregnancy due to lack of clinical data has not been adequately studied, although there has been no significant teratogenic effect of Maalox during pregnancy. Therefore, the use of Maalox during pregnancy is permissible only when its expected benefit to the mother exceeds the potential threat to the fetus. It is completely unacceptable to prescribe large doses of this drug or its long-term use.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications to the use of Maalox are noted: increased individual sensitivity to the drug, pronounced renal pathology, Alzheimer's disease, low serum phosphate (hypophosphatemia), constipation and intestinal obstruction, children under 12 years old, lactation in women.
Side effects Maalox
Possible side effects of Maalox are expressed in the form of: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, as well as violations of taste sensations.
In the presence of renal insufficiency, magnesium chloride can get into the blood, which leads to a feeling of thirst, a decrease in the level of AD and depression of the central nervous system (in the form of a decrease in the expression of reflexes and dementia).
Side effects of Maalox in cases of its long-term use in significant doses are associated with impaired kidney function, increased calcium in urine and aluminum in blood plasma, a deficiency in the body of phosphorus and calcium, and osteoporosis.
Dosing and administration
Maalox preparation in tableted form is prescribed for 1-2 tablets (chewing) - 1.5 hours after ingestion or when heartburn occurs. In the case of gastric ulcer, pills are taken half an hour before meals. After achieving a therapeutic effect, Maalox Suspension may be taken usually one hour after a meal - one tablespoon (or the contents of one sachet).
Interactions with other drugs
Interactions Maaloks with other drugs consist in reducing the therapeutic effects of antibiotics of the tetracycline group, antibacterial drugs group of quinolones (derivatives of fluoroquinolone), salicylates and glucocorticoids.
The simultaneous use of Maalox can also reduce the absorption and effects of certain anticoagulants, antihistamines and adrenolytic drugs (beta-blockers) and hypnotics.