Tablets against swelling and heaviness of the abdomen

In the treatment of meteorism - excessive gas formation in the intestine, leading to bloating and a sense of discomfort - use various means, including pills for bloating and heaviness of the stomach, which differ in their composition and principle of action.

Indications of the tablets against bloating and heaviness of the abdomen

Indications for the use of tablets containing adsorbents include digestive disorders accompanied by dyspepsia, flatulence and diarrhea, as well as conditions associated with food poisoning or drug intoxication.

Names of the most popular tablets for cleaning the gastrointestinal tract: Activated carbon (Carbolen), Polyphepan (Polyphene, Lignosorb, Filtrumsti), White coal (Whitesorb).

Treatment of gravity in the stomach involves a reduction in the formation of intestinal gases, for which Espumizan (Simethicone, Simikol, Diflatil and other trade names) is used - capsules or tablets against bloating and heaviness of the stomach based on the surface active polymer.

The names of tablets, which are most often prescribed for abnormalities of the digestive system, associated with inadequate production of enzymes: Pancreatin and its synonyms produced by different manufacturers - Pancitrat, Pancreasim, Creon, Gastenorm, Mezim-forte, Festal, Mikrazim, Prolipaza, etc. Data medicines improve digestive processes due to the content of pancreatic enzymes.

In gastroenterology, they are prescribed for pancreatitis, inflammatory diseases of the digestive system and gastrointestinal disorders of various etiology, including with meteorism associated with cholecystitis, and deterioration of the intestinal microflora after antibiotic treatment.

You can also name the pill for bloating and constipation, it is Lactofiltrum, Lineks (analogue Bifiform), Gasospazam (Movespazm), etc.

As for the cost of these drugs, inexpensive pills for bloating include Activated carbon, Pancreatin, Movespasms.

[1], [2]

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacological action of the most common sorbent, such as activated carbon, is based on the porous structure of this substance, which absorbs and binds foreign particles (including toxins) that are in the stomach and small intestine.

Enterosorbiruyuschee White coal (which refers to dietary supplements, and not to pharmacological preparations) combines in its composition silica (silicon dioxide) and MCC. Silicon dioxide has long been used as an additive of E551, which prevents the formation of lumps in food, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a hydrophilic food supplement E460. So there is no coal in the composition of this additive, and what is called aerosil in advertising is silicon dioxide, only very crushed. By the way, it is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many industries. It is a good sorbent, and, if it gets into the gastrointestinal tract, it binds foreign and toxic particles in biological fluids (by attracting molecules with polar functional groups), which are then removed from the body.

In the descriptions of White Coal tablets there is no information on microcellulose, which in virtually every tablet is almost the same (208 mg) as silica (210 mg). MCC is a hydrophilic fibrous substance (obtained from cotton fluff) that does not undergo digestion and, when it enters the stomach, absorbs water and swells (while absorbing everything there is in the gastrointestinal tract). Also, it is not explained how both components interact with each other.

But the intestinal adsorbent Polyphepan contains finely divided organic non-carbohydrate fibers of wood - hydrolytic lignin, which does not dissolve in water and does not decompose under the action of intestinal enzymes. Lignin acts similarly to activated carbon.

In addition to hydrolytic lignin, the tablets against swelling and constipation of Lactofiltrum contain an osmotic laxative in the form of a synthetic stereoisomer of lactose (milk sugar), lactulose. The relaxing effect of lactulose is due to the fact that in the intestine it is not absorbed, due to which there is an increase in the osmotic pressure at which water passes into the lumen of the colon, increasing the volume of feces and diluting them. In addition, the intestinal microbiota is normalized, since obligate microorganisms, absorbing lactulose, contribute to the creation of an acidic environment - unfavorable for the decay and growth of opportunistic bacteria.

Used in diarrhea and dysbiosis of the intestine, Linex (in capsules) refers to eubiotics and has in its composition lyophilizylates of live lacto- and bifidobacteria that make up the intestinal microflora. Useful microorganisms in the intestine begin to function, contributing not only to its full-fledged work, but also to the suppression of the activity of pathogenic microbes.

Therapeutic effects capsules Espumizan provided simethicone -kremniyorganicheskim polymer with high surface activity. By reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles, simethicone promotes their rupture and free exit of intestinal gases without bloating.

The pharmacodynamics of the combined preparation Gaspospase is based on the same simethicone, as well as on the antispasmodic dicyclovirin hydrochloride, which removes muscular spasms of the intestine by blocking M-cholinergic receptors.

Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim, etc.) replenishes the body with pancreatic enzymes - pancreatin, lipase, amylase and protease, which leads to a significant improvement in digestive functions and a more complete assimilation of the body's essential nutrients.

[3], [4], [5],

Pharmacokinetics

Active substances of tablets Activated carbon, Espumizan, White coal, Polyphepanum and Lactofiltrum are not split and do not enter the blood, but are excreted from the body with feces.

How the Linex drug behaves in the body, the manufacturers did not investigate, because (as noted in the official instruction) the effect of lactic acid bacteria is manifested only in the digestive tract.

Dicyclosterin hydrochloride, included in the preparation of Gaspospase, is absorbed into the digestive tract and binds to plasma proteins by almost 98%. The peak of the plasma concentration of dicyclovir is observed 1-1.5 hours after administration. Dycycolverine is excreted by the kidneys, some part is excreted by the intestine. Half-life is about 5 hours.

Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim) dissolves in the stomach and begins to act already in the duodenum, and then, not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream - in the lumen of the small intestine. Intestine (with feces) pancreatin is excreted from the body.

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

Dosing and administration

Activated carbon is recommended to take 2-3 tablets (chewing and drinking with water) up to three times during the day;

Polyphepan - 3-4 tablets three times a day (one hour before a meal, squeezed with enough liquid);

White coal - 2 grams three times a day (one hour before meals), the maximum duration of admission is five days;

Espumizan - at least three times a day for one capsule (after eating);

Lactofiltrum - one hour before meals three times a day for 2 tablets;

Linex - in the same dosage, but only during meals;

Gazospazam - one tablet up to 4 times a day (before or after meals);

Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim) - 1-2 tablets two or three times a day (before meals); It is also possible to take a single dose to relieve the feeling of heaviness in the stomach provoked by overeating.

Overdose of the above means leads to an increase in their side effects; The preparation Gas-spasm at increasing the therapeutic dose can cause nervous overexcitation with a rise in temperature.

[12], [13]

Use of the tablets against bloating and heaviness of the abdomen during pregnancy

During pregnancy, there may be a short-term use of tablets Activated carbon and Espumizan.

Tablets from bloating and constipation Gaspazam appoint or take alone to pregnant and lactating women is prohibited. Under the ban is also the drug Polyphepanum and dietary supplements White coal.

Reliable data on safety for pregnant women of other drugs (from included in this review) are absent.

Read also - Flatulence during pregnancy

Contraindications

Each of these drugs has certain contraindications to the use.

If the ulcer of the stomach and duodenum or in case of gastric bleeding can not take activated charcoal, White coal and Polyphepanum. White coal is also forbidden to use with reduced intestinal motility and children under 14 years old, and Polyphepan - with gastritis with a low acidity of gastric juice.

Espumizan, as well as Gazospazam and Lactofiltrum is contraindicated in intestinal obstruction and exacerbation of any gastroenterological diseases.

In addition, pills for bloating and constipation Gaspospase should not be administered with severe renal failure or nephritis, inflammatory processes in the intestine, prostate adenoma, thyroid pathologies and glaucoma. This drug is prohibited for children under 12 years.

Patients with acute inflammation of the pancreas and exacerbation of the chronic form of pancreatitis are contraindicated Pancreatin, Creon, Mezim-forte and Mikrazim.

[10], [11]

Side effects of the tablets against bloating and heaviness of the abdomen

The most frequent or probable side effects are:

Activated carbon, White coal, Polyphepanum - constipation, diarrhea, vitamin deficiency, stomach pain, general weakness, exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;

Linex and Espumizan - skin rashes of an allergic nature;

Lactofiltrum - diarrhea, increased gas production, skin allergy;

Gaspazam - nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation or diarrhea, impaired appetite; headache and abdominal pain; increased pulse, general weakness; disturbances of urination, sleep and coordination of movements.

Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim) - dyspeptic symptoms, hives, hyperuricemia or hyperuricuria.

Interactions with other drugs

All tablets containing adsorbent substances reduce or completely block the action of other drugs, provided they are used simultaneously. For this reason, it is necessary to make a sufficient time interval between the different medicinal preparations.

Tablets against bloating and constipation Gas-spasm should not be taken in one course of treatment with antiarrhythmic and antihistamine drugs, as well as with neuroleptics and antidepressants.

You can not take Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim), together with the means against heartburn of a group of calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide (such as Rennie or Maalox).

[14]

Storage conditions

Optimum storage conditions for these products: away from moisture, at temperatures up to + 25-28 ° C.

[15], [16], [17], [18]

Shelf life

Tablets against bloating and heaviness of the stomach Activated carbon, Lactofiltrum and Polyphepan can be stored for up to 5 years. Shelf life Espromizana, Pancreatin, etc. Is 3 years.

[19], [20], [21], [22]