Is gastal possible for breastfeeding women? Is Gastal suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children: how harmless is the usual medicine for heartburn? Interaction of Gastal with other drugs

The drug "Gastal" (we will consider the indications for the use of this medicine a little lower) is a drug that belongs to the group of antacids. In other words, after taking these tablets, the increased acidity of the stomach juice and such phenomena as heartburn, heaviness and pain in the abdomen, increased gas formation, reflux, etc. are eliminated. It should be especially noted that this remedy belongs to the class of symptomatic drugs that do not affect the cause diseases, but only suppress their obvious and painful signs.

Release form

Why is the drug "Gastal" prescribed? We will consider the indications for the use of this product, its dosage and principle of action a little further. Now I would like to describe the appearance of this medicine. It is available only in the form of tablets intended for slow resorption. As you know, their production is organized by the Croatian pharmaceutical company Pliva Hrvatska d.o.o. It should be especially noted that this drug has several different flavors (mint, cherry, etc.). But at the same time, all versions of the tablets are painted pure white. Their surface is smooth, chamfered. The drug "Gastal" with flavoring additives is produced in bright cardboard packages of 48 and 24 pieces. As for the medicine without flavors, it goes on sale in 12, 60 and 30 tablets.

The drug "Gastal": composition of the drug

Absolutely all types of Gastal tablets have substances such as aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate gel and magnesium hydroxide as active ingredients. This product has mint and cherry flavors, and also without any flavorings, and contains various auxiliary additives. However, we will list only those components that can provoke the development of allergic reactions:

• mint and cherry flavored - starch, lactose, aspartame, mannitol, cherry or mint flavoring;
• Flavorless tablets - lactose, saccharin, mannitol, corn starch, sorbitol, peppermint flavor and sodium cyclamate.

pharmachologic effect

The drug "Gastal" is a drug from the group of antacids. These tablets are combined, as they contain two components - magnesium and aluminum compounds. After taking the drug orally, the latter enter into a chemical reaction and neutralize hydrochloric acid. As a result of this, the general acidity of gastric juice is normalized, which leads to improved digestion, as well as the removal of symptoms of dyspepsia (that is, elimination of heartburn, belching, pain and heaviness in the stomach, etc.). The drug "Gastal" acts quite quickly and at the same time retains its therapeutic effect for a long time.

Properties of the drug

In addition to neutralizing acid (hydrochloric acid), this remedy inhibits the activity of the enzyme pepsin, and also reduces the intensity of the effects of bile and lysolecithin. These facts promote good digestion. It is also worth noting that after taking Gastal, mechanisms are activated in the human body that provide protection and restoration of the normal structure of the gastric mucosa. In medical practice, this effect is called a cytoprotective effect. It lies in the fact that the taken tablets begin to stimulate the production of sodium bicarbonate and mucus (or mucin), which covers the surface of the main digestive organ and prevents further damage to its walls.

Therapeutic effect

Quite often, the drug "Gastal" is prescribed to patients as a complex therapy for ulcers and erosions of the gastrointestinal tract. The regenerative effect of this product is due to its epidermal growth factor. It accumulates on damaged areas of the mucosa and accelerates the healing process of ulcers. It should also be noted that such tablets do not affect other systems and organs and are not absorbed into the blood. Aluminum hydroxide, which is part of this drug, reacts with hydrochloric acid, resulting in the formation of salt. Subsequently, it enters the intestines, interacts with carbonates and phosphates, and then forms aluminum compounds (insoluble), which are excreted along with feces.

The drug "Gastal": indications for use

The drug "Gastal" is prescribed to patients in the presence of the following deviations:

• for diseases associated with high acidity (erosions, gastritis, peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach);
• for heartburn, which was caused by taking medications, coffee, alcohol, smoking, as well as eating unhealthy and fatty foods;
• with erosion of the mucous membrane of the stomach, upper intestines and esophagus (reflux esophagitis);
• for dyspepsia of a putrefactive or fermentative nature;
• for stomach ulcers of any origin;
• in case of acute pancreatitis or exacerbation of chronic;
• with hiatal hernia.

Directions for use and dosage

How to take Gastal? Such tablets are intended for resorption only. They should never be chewed or swallowed whole. To do this, the medicine must be placed behind the cheek or placed under the tongue. For adults and adolescents over thirteen years of age, Gastal is usually prescribed in the amount of 1-2 pieces an hour after each meal. It is also worth noting that one tablet can be taken additionally before bed. In total, you are allowed to use from four to six pieces per day. The maximum daily dose is eight tablets. The duration of therapy with this drug is determined by the rate of elimination of all symptoms. In other words, after the patient’s condition normalizes, taking the pills should be stopped. The permissible duration of the course is two weeks. If you need to use the drug for longer than 14 days, you should definitely consult a doctor.

How to take medicine for children?

The drug "Gastal" (indications for the use of this drug were described a little higher) should be given to children from six years of age. In this case, the dosage should be half the adult norm. That is, the baby needs to take ½ tablet after each meal. As for people with low weight or impaired renal function, it is advisable for them to use the drug “Gastal” in much smaller doses.

Contraindications to the use of the drug

This medicine has both relative and absolute contraindications. If the latter are present, it is strictly forbidden to take the drug. In the first case, the medication can be used, but only with special caution.

Side effects

In very rare cases, taking the drug "Gastal" leads to the development of side effects. But if used incorrectly, the patient may experience the following deviations:

• diarrhea;
• vomiting;
• constipation;
• nausea;
• change in taste sensations;
• general allergic reactions.

Composition of mint or cherry lozenges:

• active ingredients: gel aluminum hydroxide - magnesium carbonate - 450 mg, magnesium hydroxide - 300 mg;
• Excipients: lactose monohydrate -112 mg; pregelatinized starch -32 mg; mannitol -112 mg; croscarmellose sodium -50 mg; colloidal silicon dioxide -2 mg; Magnesium stearate -6 mg; -2 mg; mint flavor (for mint tablets) - 6 mg; cherry flavor (for cherry tablets) - 4 mg.

Release form

Tablets intended for resorption (tasteless, mint or cherry) are white or close to white in color, round, smooth.

Regular tablets come in 6 pieces in a blister; 5, 2 or 10 such blisters in a cardboard box.

Blisters (also 6 tablets each) of cherry and mint Gastal are contained in a cardboard box in quantities of 4 and 8 pieces.

pharmachologic effect

Hastal has antacid effect .

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Gastal belongs to a group of drugs called buffered antacids . It increases the pH of gastric juice and eliminates discomfort caused by increased acidity (stomach pain, heartburn).

Antacid effect The drug is realized due to the neutralization of hydrochloric acid of the stomach, long-term and rapid effects. One tablet of Gastal is capable of neutralizing hydrochloric acid in an amount of 21.5 mmol.

Aluminum Hydroxide Magnesium Carbonate Gel - a buffer antacid substance, lowers the acidity of gastric juice to a level (pH 3-5) and normalizes the digestion process. inactivates pepsin contained in gastric juice.

Magnesium hydroxide - non-buffered antacid, not absorbed in the intestine. Quickly neutralizes acidity and has a laxative effect. Complex magnesium hydroxide And aluminum hydroxide ensures activation of the antacid effect and reduces the risk of side effects characteristic of each component separately (for example, after using aluminum compounds or after using magnesium compounds).

The antacid effect appears almost immediately after taking the Gastal tablet and lasts about two hours. The drug inactivates lysolecithin, pepsin And bile acids .

Aluminum hydroxide enhances regenerative and protective processes in the gastric mucosa. After interacting with hydrochloric acid stomach in an alkaline environment interacts with carbonates And phosphates . In the form of insoluble salts, it is excreted in the feces. Magnesium hydroxide after chemical transformations, it is also excreted in feces in the form of insoluble salts.

Indications for use of Gastal

Patients often ask the question, what does Gastal help with? In everyday language, pain and discomfort in the stomach are all things that Gastal tablets help with.

Clinical indications for the use of Gastal are:

• phenomena such as epigastric pain, discomfort, sour belching after drinking alcohol, coffee, errors in diet, nicotine, as well as those occurring after taking a number of medications;
• diseases characterized by increased acid formation: reflux esophagitis .

Contraindications

General contraindications for all forms of Gastal release:

• to connections magnesium, aluminum or other components of the drug;
• severe forms of renal failure;
• children under 6 years of age;
• hypophosphatemia ;
• diseases associated with metabolic disorders lactose .

The drug should be taken with caution in case of chronic kidney failure, adults and children over 12 years old weighing less than 50 kilograms, children from 6 to 12 years old.

Side effects

• From the stomach and intestines: nausea , vomit , change in color of stool.
• From the skin: sensitization reactions (, itching , And ).

• With long-term use of the drug in high doses, a decrease in concentration is possible phosphorus in the body, strengthening processes decalcification in bone tissue osteomalacia, hyperaluminemia, hypermagnesemia.
• In persons with kidney disease, plasma concentrations may increase aluminum And magnesium . This can lead to the development of and.
• Aluminum hydroxide dangerous for patients suffering porphyria and those passing by.

Instructions for use of Gastal

The instructions for use of Gastal prescribe how to take the drug in tablets with cherry and mint flavors and in regular tablets. Pregnancy and lactation are not strict contraindications for taking the drug.

Adults and children over 12 years of age weighing more than 50 kilograms are prescribed to dissolve 1 or 2 tablets 4-5 times a day, an hour after meals and before bedtime, the maximum daily dose is 8 tablets. The course of treatment should not be longer than 2 weeks.

With long-term use of large doses of Gastal, there may be hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypercalciuria, muscle weakness, fatigue, , osteomalacia, hyperaluminemia, hypermagnesemia, , nephrocalcinosis.

Signs of an overdose include exhaustion, facial flushing, and behavioral changes. It is also possible to develop m metabolic alkalosis, changes in mental activity, muscle pain, nervousness, fatigue, changes in taste sensitivity.

Treatment: discontinuation of the drug, gastric lavage, administration, in severe cases - rehydration, forced diuresis . In case of overdose in persons suffering from renal failure, it is necessary to carry out peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis .

Interaction

There is a weakening of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract of drugs taken simultaneously with Gastal. Therefore, it is necessary to take a break between taking different medications.

Two hours before or two hours after taking Gastal you should take: H2-antihistamines, ethambutol, , anti-tuberculosis drugs, , cyclones, diflunisal, diphosphonates, fluoroquinolones, glucocorticoid drugs, kayexalate, lincosamides, lansoprazole, phenothiazines, antipsychotics, phosphorus, penicillamine, .

Gastal activates effects nalidixic acid And levodopa and slows down the action tetracyclines , drugs gland, , cardiac glycosides.

When using Gastal simultaneously with salicylates excretion of the latter by the kidneys increases.

The drug should not be used simultaneously with quinoline .

When used with quinidine its elimination is impaired, especially in persons with renal failure, and quinidine toxicity may develop.

Simultaneous use of Gastal and citrates leads to an increase in the level aluminum in blood.

The drug reduces adsorption.

Pirenzepine prolongs and enhances the action of Gastal.

Terms of sale

In most countries, the drug can be purchased without a prescription.

Storage conditions

Keep away from children. Store at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees.

Best before date

special instructions

Aluminum hydroxide may cause , A magnesium hydroxide - intestinal hypokinesia. The use of Gastal in large doses can cause or intensify intestinal obstruction , especially in patients with renal failure or in the elderly.

It is necessary to consult a doctor if, after treatment, weight loss, persistent abdominal discomfort and difficulty swallowing, or indigestion become noticeable.

Connections aluminum are poorly absorbed in the intestine, but excessive or long-term use of the drug may lead to a decrease in concentration phosphates in the body, which is accompanied by an acceleration of processes resorption bones and the appearance hypercalciuria with increased risk osteomalacia .

Long-term use of Gastal in persons with renal failure leads to increased plasma concentrations aluminum And magnesium – this may be the reason for the development, , microcytic anemia .

The drug contains lactose , therefore, persons with congenital problems of sensitivity to galactose or a violation of its absorption, it is prohibited to take Gastal.

Analogs

Gastal (INN – hydrotalcite + magnesium hydroxide ) is positioned among the general population (especially in advertising) as a remedy for heartburn. There are other heartburn pills: Remmaks-KV . The price of analogues is comparable to the price of Gastal.

Analogues of the drug in other forms of release: (suspension), Akrepat Fort e (suspension).

For children

Gastal during pregnancy

The question is often asked, is it possible to use Gastal during pregnancy? During pregnancy, the instructions do not prohibit taking the drug, but this should be done with caution, after consulting a doctor.

It should be noted that the drug can affect intestinal motility: magnesium hydroxide may cause, and connections aluminum promotes development, which is often observed during pregnancy.

During treatment with Gastal, breastfeeding should be suspended.

With long-term use in high doses of drugs containing aluminum and magnesium, the development of hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, hypermagnesemia, hyperaluminemia, encephalopathy, nephrocalcinosis and impaired renal function is possible. Increased side effects from the gastrointestinal tract (constipation, diarrhea) are possible. In patients with concomitant renal failure - thirst, decreased blood pressure, hyporeflexia. If these symptoms appear, symptomatic treatment should be carried out.

Interaction of Gastal with other drugs

The interval between taking Gastal and other medications should be 1-2 hours.

Gastal enhances the activity of levodopa and nalidixic acid; reduces and slows down the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, ciproflocacin and ofloxacin, salicylates, isoniazid, naproxen, iron preparations, cardiac glycosides, indomethacin, aminazine, phenytoin, H2-blockers, beta-blockers, diflunisal, fat-soluble vitamins, indirect anticoagulants, barbiturates .

M-anticholinergic blockers, by slowing down gastric emptying, enhance and prolong the effect of gastal.

over-the-counter remedy.

Manufacturers: Pliva Krakow, Pharmaceutical Plant A.O., Poland, Pliva Hrvatska d.o.o., Croatia.

Instructions from the manufacturer (pdf):

• “Instructions for medical use of the drug Gastal (tablets)”
• "Instructions for medical use of the drug Gastal (lozenges, mint and cherry)"

Active substances: aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate gel 450 mg, magnesium hydroxide 300 mg.

Excipients: mannitol (E421) - 120 mg; sorbitol (E420) - 50 mg; lactose monohydrate - 30 mg; corn starch - 75.8 mg; sodium cyclamate - 7 mg; sodium saccharinate - 0.2 mg; talc - 28 mg; magnesium stearate - 6 mg; peppermint flavoring - 3 mg.

Indications for use Gastal

• dyspepsia, such as discomfort or pain in the epigastrium, heartburn, sour belching after errors in the diet, excessive consumption of ethanol, coffee, nicotine;
• dyspepsia, such as discomfort or pain in the epigastrium, heartburn, sour belching (and their prevention), resulting from the use of certain medications (NSAIDs, corticosteroids);
• conditions accompanied by increased acid formation: gastric ulcer, gastritis, reflux esophagitis; hiatal hernia

Contraindications to the use of Gastal

• hypersensitivity to aluminum salts, magnesium or other components of the drug;
• severe renal failure;
• children under 6 years of age;
• Alzheimer's disease;
• hypophosphatemia;
• lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Carefully:

• chronic renal failure;
• adults and children over 12 years of age weighing less than 50 kg;
• children's age from 6 to 12 years;
• elderly age.

Inside, gradually dissolving in the mouth.

Adults and children over 12 years of age weighing at least 50 kg:
1-2 tablets 4-6 times a day, approximately 1 hour after meals and before bedtime, but not more than 8 tablets per day.
Duration of treatment is no more than 2 weeks. Similar doses are recommended for the treatment of heartburn regardless of food intake.

Adults and children over 12 years of age weighing less than 50 kg, children aged 6 to 12 years:
The dose is half the recommended dose for adults.
Duration of treatment is no more than 2 weeks.

For patients with chronic renal failure no dose adjustment is required.

Use of Gastal during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The drug Gastal does not have a systemic effect and is not excreted in breast milk. When used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is necessary to evaluate the balance of benefit to the mother and risk to the fetus and infant. Prescribing the drug during pregnancy and lactation is possible only under the supervision of a doctor.

pharmachologic effect

The drug Gastal is a combined antacid drug, a buffer antacid that reduces the increased acidity of gastric juice and does not have a stimulating effect on the secretion of gastric juice.

Aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate gel and magnesium hydroxide provide immediate (immediately after administration) and long-term (about 2 hours) neutralization of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice, maintaining acidity in the stomach at a physiological level (pH 3-5). One Gastal® tablet neutralizes 21.5 mmol of hydrochloric acid.

Gastal suppresses the effect of pepsin, lysolecithin, and bile acids, eliminates dyspeptic symptoms.

Strengthens protective and regenerative processes in the gastric mucosa. Aluminum ions have a cytoprotective effect by increasing the secretion of mucin and sodium bicarbonate, activating PG E2 and NO, accumulating epidermal growth factor at the site of mucosal damage, and increasing the concentration of phospholipids in the stomach wall. The mechanism of this action is not fully understood.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug Gastal does not have a systemic effect in patients with normal renal function. After interacting with hydrochloric acid of gastric juice, aluminum hydroxide reacts with phosphates and carbonates in the alkaline environment of the intestines and is excreted by the intestines in the form of insoluble salts. Magnesium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid in gastric juice to form magnesium chloride, which has an osmotic mild laxative effect that neutralizes the fixing effect of aluminum hydroxide in the small intestine. Magnesium ions are excreted by the intestines in the form of insoluble carbonate.

Side effects of Gastal

special instructions

Reduced doses and a shortened treatment period are indicated for adults with reduced weight (less than 50 kg) and children.

Continuous use for more than 2 weeks is possible only after consulting a doctor.

Impact on the ability to drive a car or perform work that requires increased speed of physical and mental reactions. The use of the drug Gastal® does not affect the ability to drive vehicles or control other mechanisms.

Overdose

Symptoms with long-term use of high doses of drugs containing aluminum and magnesium, the development of hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, hypermagnesemia, hyperaluminemia, encephalopathy, nephrocalcinosis and impaired renal function is possible. In patients with renal failure, thirst, decreased blood pressure, and hyporeflexia are possible.

Treatment: symptomatic therapy.

Drug interactions

The drug Gastal, when used simultaneously, enhances the activity of levodopa and nalidixic acid, reduces and slows down the absorption of quinolones, isoniazid, naproxen, iron preparations, indomethacin, aminazine, β-blockers, diflunisal, histamine H2 receptor blockers, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), indirect anticoagulants, barbiturates and cardiac glycosides.

M-anticholinergic agents, by slowing down gastric motility, increase the duration of action of the drug Gastal.

When interacting with metal ions included in antacids, tetracyclines form insoluble chelate complexes; as a result of this interaction, the absorption of tetracyclines is reduced by more than 90%. The simultaneous use of these drugs is not possible. If combined use is necessary, tetracycline should be taken at least 2 hours before taking the antacid.

In the presence of aluminum and magnesium hydroxides contained in the antacid, the absorption of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin is reduced by 50-90%.

In the presence of antacids, the bioavailability of captopril is significantly reduced, and the combined use of antacids and metoprolol leads to a decrease in the concentration of metoprolol in the blood plasma.

Concomitant use of high doses of antacids can reduce the absorption of ranitidine by 10-33%.

The use of antacids does not affect the bioavailability of amoxicillin, cephalexin and the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, but can significantly reduce the absorption of doxycycline from the gastrointestinal tract.

An increase in urine pH during antacid therapy can increase the tubular reabsorption of basic (alkaline) drugs and reduce the reabsorption of acidic compounds.

Antacids can reduce and slow down the absorption of salicylates, incl. acetylsalicylic acid, and also, by increasing the pH of urine, promote faster excretion of salicylates in the urine from the body, with a concomitant decrease in their concentration in the blood serum by 30-70%.

Absorption of cardiac glycosides, incl. Digoxin and digitoxin, when used simultaneously with antacids, does not decrease significantly.

In order to prevent possible interaction of the drug Gastal with other drugs, it is recommended to take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after their use

Storage conditions

At a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Keep out of the reach of children.

Shelf life - 3 years.

Gastal is a buffer antacid. This drug is used to reduce stomach acidity and relieve heartburn, pain and other unpleasant sensations caused by increased production of gastric juice. Due to its anticidal properties, the drug neutralizes excess hydrochloric acid in a fairly short time. This effect is ensured by a specific combination of two active components:

• aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate dry gel Aluminum Hydroxide-Magnesium Carbonate Co-Dried Gel;
• magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2.

The drug is produced by the Croatian pharmaceutical company Pliva, as well as the Polish Teva. Below are the instructions for using the drug, what exactly it is used for, as well as the estimated cost and glossary of analogues.

Detailed instructions for using the medicine Gastal

How to use? Adult patients, as well as children over 12 years of age, can take 1-2 tablets 4 to 6 times a day (depending on the severity of the condition). The daily dose should not exceed 8 pills. The tablet is taken after meals (about an hour later). The maximum duration of therapy is 14 days.

According to the instructions for Gastal, in case of heartburn, taking the drug does not have to be associated with eating food.

The medicine is prescribed only from 6 years of age. Children from 6 to 12 are prescribed 1 tablet 1 hour after meals and in the evening before bed. 4 tablets per day is the maximum dose for patients in this age range.

Gastal® cannot be swallowed whole, it must be dissolved in the mouth (not necessarily under the tongue).

Side effects. The digestive system may be affected by nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. There may be a color change in the stool.

Possible skin problems. Increased sensitivity of the skin may occur (nettle rash, skin dermatitis, burning and tingling of the skin, angioedema, various anaphylactic reactions).

If you take the drug in the right amount, the potential for side effects is minimal.

Overdose, as well as long-term treatment with Gestal, are fraught with phosphorus deficiency. A decrease in this element under the influence of an aluminum-containing product, even in traditional dosages, can also occur in people with a lack of phosphorus in the diet, hypercalciuria and osteomalacia. Those suffering from kidney failure are also likely to experience elevated plasma concentrations of aluminum and magnesium. It is even possible to develop diseases such as encephalopathy (organic brain damage), dementia (decay of mental functions with dementia), microcytic anemia (when red blood cells acquire a diameter of less than 7 microns).

An excess of aluminum hydroxide (a component of the drug) can cause significant harm in the presence of porphyrin disease in patients amenable to hemodialysis.

Interactions. Gastal, like most anticidal drugs, interacts with oral medications, which manifests itself as follows: the absorption of these drugs by the gastrointestinal tract deteriorates. To avoid such a reaction, it is recommended not to use these drugs at the same time.
It is necessary to maintain a 2-hour period before or after taking an antacid when using the following drugs:

• H2-antihistamines such as Zantac and famotidine;
• Ethambutol (Ecox, Combutol, Inbutol, Pdr);
• Atenolol (Atenova, Atenol, Tenolol, Atenolol-Astrapharm);
• Chloroquine (Delagil);
• Diflunisal (Dolobid);
• Digoxin (Lanoxil);
• Fexofenadine (Fexofast, Alexofast, Altiva, Alfast, Tigofast);
• Indomethacin (Metindol);
• Kayexalate (Resonium-A);
• Penicillamine (Cuprenyl);
• Thyroxine (Euthirox, Bagotirox, Tivoral);
• Lanzoprazole (Prevacid) and some others.

Cautions. The use of the drug can provoke constipation (under the influence of aluminum hydroxide), as well as intestinal hypokinesia (under the influence of magnesium hydroxide). An overdose also threatens intestinal obstruction (its complication) and can cause intestinal obstruction. At increased risk are elderly patients and people with kidney failure. If you notice sudden weight loss, difficulty swallowing, abdominal discomfort, or difficulty digesting food, consult your doctor immediately. If you have kidney failure, you should not take the drug without prior approval from a specialist.

Overdose. Exceeding the recommended dose may result in nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea. Long-term overdose can cause hypophosphatemia (low phosphate in the blood), hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood), cause muscle weakness, and reduce tendon reflexes. Such patients note rapid fatigue, apathetic mood, arrhythmia, the appearance of osteoporosis, osteomalacia (softening of bone tissue), nephrocalcinosis (diffuse deposition of calcium salts in the kidneys), and encephalopathy. In such cases, doctors prescribe gastric lavage.

What does Gastal help with?

So, what is the remedy prescribed for? Gastal helps against heartburn, as well as against gastrointestinal diseases with high acidity (with or without heartburn), such as ulcers, gastritis, reflux esophagitis and diaphragmatic hernia. These were the indications for use; there are also some contraindications.

The drug is prohibited for patients with hypersensitivity to magnesium or aluminum salts or other active components included in the product. This two-component remedy is not recommended in cases of acute or chronic renal failure, Alzheimer's disease, chronic constipation and diarrhea, hypophosphatemia. You should also refrain from using it in situations where you have abdominal pain of unknown origin.

Gastal during pregnancy and feeding a baby - is it possible?

There are no studies confirming the teratogenic effect of the drug on animals. Today, medical practice indicates that the use of Gastal during pregnancy is not associated with the appearance of defects in fetal development, as well as fetotoxic effects. Although it is worth noting that such conclusions were made on a meager analysis of the therapy of pregnant women using Gestal.

Pregnant patients are prohibited from using the medicine without a doctor's prescription. It is imperative to take into account the benefits of the drug for the mother’s condition and the potential risk for the developing fetus (and correlate these two indicators).

During lactation, use of the drug should be discontinued.

Gastal price and where to buy

Having analyzed the data from Ukrainian pharmacies, we can say that the price of Gastal “doesn’t bite.” Almost any patient can afford it. The pills are sold in different quantities, if you don't need a lot of pills, you can choose a smaller pack and save some money.

What analogues of Gastal can be selected?

On the shelves of regular “brick and mortar” pharmacies and in online “cyberpharmacy” catalogs you can purchase the following Gastal analogues:

• Agiflux from Agio Pharmaceuticals;
• Altacid from Bosnalek;
• Stomalox chewable from Arpimed;
• Almagel from Balkanfarm Dupnitsa;
• Riopan from Takeda;
• Gelusil®-Lac from Hemofarm;
• Rutacid (Rutacid) from KRKA (Kirka);
• Talcid® Kautabletten from Bayer.

You can find descriptions of many of the above products on the Promedic website.

The dissertation candidate found that products based on magnesium hydroxoaluminate are not inferior to Gastal in terms of acid-neutralizing properties, but are significantly superior to it in the time period of pH retention. In addition, it is superior to Rennie and Maalox in terms of buffering period.

In this context, it is worth noting that according to FindPatent, magnesium hydroxyaluminate Mg6Al2(OH)18 (4-4.5)H2O 10-99.99 wt.% and coprecipitated aluminum hydroxide 0.01-90.0 wt.% were patented by Galimov G.G. and Petrovichev M.A.