Gastritis is a pathological change in the epithelium of the stomach caused by excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid or insufficient secretion of mucus and bicarbonates. There is pain in the epigastric region( upper abdomen), which is aggravated by fasting and taking acidic or spicy dishes, nausea, fast fatigue, decreased appetite. With gastritis, the use of Maalox is often recommended.
Maalox is a medicinal antacid drug, produced in tablets and as a suspension. Assign it with gastritis, ulcers, gastroduodenitis, diseases of the middle GI tract. The pharmacological action is aimed at reducing the increased hydrochloric acidity of the stomach. The composition includes: Algeldratum - an aldehydrate or aluminum hydroxide. Magnesii hydroxydum is magnesium hydroxide.
The action of Maalox in gastritis
The main effect of the drug is aimed at increasing the pH of the stomach. Normally, the acid-base balance of the stomach is shifted to an acidic medium, which is the result of the secretion of hydrochloric acid. The protection of epithelial cells under such conditions is ensured by the secretion of the mucous glands. Gastritis develops if the acid activity exceeds the activity of protective factors. Maalox, due to the content of weak bases in it, neutralizes strong hydrochloric acid. The pH of the stomach is increased and reduced by the action of damaging factors on the epithelium. In addition, magnesium, which is part of the drug, interacts with mucosal cells, enveloping them and protecting them from other irritants. Aluminum, like trivalent metal, is able to bind to toxic substances that enter the stomach with food, and remove them from the body. A side effect of applying Maalox in gastritis can be considered a decrease in the activity of digestive enzymes. Enzymes contained in gastric juice - pepsin and gastricin are effective only at pH 1.5-2.5, when the drug increases acid-base equilibrium - reduce their activity.
Maalox is prescribed for people suffering from chronic or acute gastritis, gastroduodenitis, and those who experience discomfort in the stomach after consuming spicy, sour or hot food, coffee or alcohol.
Application and dosage of Maalox with gastritis
When exacerbation of a chronic form of gastritis, Maalox is drunk a couple of hours after a meal, it is recommended to take before bedtime. Single dose: 15 ml of suspension or, if the drug in tablets - 1-2 pcs. The tablets are released in the form of dragees, which are chewed and kept in the mouth until dissolved. Before taking the suspension, the bottle should be shaken. The daily maximum allowable dose for gastritis is six times taken - 6-12 tablets or 6 packets of suspension. The course of treatment does not exceed 3 months. In acute form of gastritis Maalox taken for half an hour before meals and after the occurrence of unpleasant severe sensations in the stomach. Pharmacological form of the drug does not affect its clinical effect.
Taking Maalox is not recommended for people with hypersensitivity to ingredients, pregnant and breast-feeding women, people with kidney and urinary system diseases, children under 15 years of age, as well as those who suffer from intolerance to glucose, fructose, galactose, enzyme deficiencyisomaltase and sucrose. During the course of treatment of gastritis Maalox, it is necessary to monitor the phosphate content in food, to avoid hypophosphatemia and hypercalciuria.
Before using the Maalox antacid, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is mandatory.