Maalox (Maalox) suspension in sachets. Instructions for use, price, reviews

Maalox is a drug, intended for the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The suspension is sold in sachets and has an acceptable cost.

Indications for use

The drug is widely used for various disorders associated with the work of the digestive system.

Indications for use:

• the presence of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum (aggravated course of the disease);
• gastroduodenitis (acute or chronic form of pathology);
• dyspeptic disorders - heartburn, discomfort and pain in the epigastric region, belching due to the abuse of medications, smoking, alcohol, unhealthy diet;
• reflux esophagitis disease;
• the presence of a hernia in the region of the esophageal tract of the diaphragm.

The drug should be taken only if indicated and after examinations and confirmation of the diagnosis.

Compound

The medication contains 2 active components - aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.

Additional composition:

• concentrated hydrochloric acid;
• tribasic carboxylic acid;
• oil made from peppermint leaves;
• hexahedral alcohol (mannitol);
• methylparaben;
• propylparaben (E216);
• saccharin;
• liquid sorbitol (E420);
• perhydrol (30%);
• filtered water.

The product is contained in plastic bottles and packaged in cardboard boxes.

In what form is it produced

The drug is produced in the form of a suspension for oral administration and chewable tablets (with and without sugar). The solution is white or almost white with a mint odor. Round tablets, white with a yellowish tinge. The cost of the product may vary depending on the region of sale and the dispensed dosage form. You can find out the exact price and purchase the medicine at any pharmacy located in your place of residence.

Sales area	Dosage form / dosage	Price
Moscow, Moscow region	Suspension, 15 ml	RUB 25-1470
St. Petersburg	Suspension, 250 ml	RUB 115-760
Saint Petersburg (suburbs)	Pills	RUB 180-505
Leningrad region	Tablets (sugar free)	RUB 105-540
Novgorod region	Mini suspension, 4.3 ml	RUB 130-335

Pharmacodynamics

The medicine belongs to the group of antacids. Its action is aimed at suppressing the excessive production of hydrochloric acid, which is formed along with gastric juice. In this case, the tool prevents its secondary increase. The drug also helps to reduce the activity of pepsin and has an enveloping and adsorbing effect. This reduces the risks that cause damage to the lining of the esophagus and stomach.

Pharmacokinetics

The main components have a local effect and are practically not absorbed when using the recommended dosages. In this connection, the suspension has no systemic reactions.

Application

Maalox (suspension in sachets has identical indications as tablets) is intended for oral use. Before using it, the sachet must be thoroughly kneaded with your fingers. In this case, the medicine is taken in pure form without adding water. Before using the solution in bubbles, it is recommended to shake it first.

For children under 18

The medicine can be prescribed in children and adolescents from 15 years of age. Dosing rules (in sachets): 1 sachet 1-2 hours after eating. The maximum daily dose is 6 sachets. Dosing regimen (in bubbles): 15 ml from 3 to 4 times a day. Take 1-2 hours after eating. The duration of therapy is no more than 2-3 months.

For adults

The medication can be prescribed in adulthood. In this case, the dosage depends on the dosage form and the specific violation. Dosage (in sachets): 1 sachet 1-2 hours after eating. It is recommended to consume up to 6 sachets per day.

Features of the reception (in sachets):

• Reflux esophagitis disease: use the solution half an hour to an hour after eating.
• Ulcerative lesion of the stomach: the remedy must be taken half an hour before meals.
• Changes in the dietary menu: 1 sachet once.

Dosing regimen for the product in bubbles: 1 tbsp. (15 ml) no more than 3-4 times a day. The maximum daily allowance should not be more than 6 tbsp.

Application features (in vials):

• Reflux esophagitis: the suspension is consumed a few minutes after eating.
• Discomfort caused by improper nutrition: 15 times a day.

The duration of treatment in both cases can vary from 2 to 3 months.

For pregnant

During pregnancy, the drug should be taken with extreme caution and only under medical supervision. In this case, the dosages are set individually.

For the elderly

The medicine can be used by elderly people. The dosage is standard (according to the general scheme) or according to the doctor's recommendations.

The duration of therapy is from 2 to 3 months.

Contraindications

The remedy has some limitations that can interfere with its action and the achievement of a therapeutic effect.

Contraindications:

• intolerance to the components;
• allergy to fructose;
• low blood phosphate;
• kidney failure (severe);
• children under 15 years of age;
• deficiency of sucrase / isomaltase, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.

With extreme caution and only under the supervision of a physician, the medicine can be used in the following cases:

• kidney failure;
• Alzheimer's syndrome;
• during hemodialysis;
• porphyrin disease;
• period of pregnancy.

If there are contraindications, it is recommended to consult with a specialist about replacing the product.

Overdose

Maalox (suspension in sachets has fewer restrictions compared to tablets) must be taken according to the established dosing rules. If single or daily dosages are exceeded, various negative reactions may develop.

Overdose signs:

• pain in the abdomen;
• diarrheal syndrome;
• vomit;
• obstructive bowel disorders (in patients at risk);
• intestinal obstruction (in patients at risk).

If these signs occur, you should consult a specialist for advice and the appointment of symptomatic therapy. The magnesium and aluminum components are excreted in the urine. Also, drugs and procedures are prescribed that allow you to restore the normal level of fluid in the body. In addition, forced diuresis is performed. Patients with kidney failure are prescribed hemodialysis.

Side effects

Adverse reactions are rare. The risks of their development depend on the physiological characteristics of the patient and the effect of the components on the body.

Side effects:

• Immune disorders: drug intolerance reactions, anaphylactic manifestations.
• Allergies: rashes, itching, hives. In some cases, the occurrence of angioedema was noted.
• Gastrointestinal upset: constipation or diarrhea.
• Disruptions in metabolic processes: an increase in the concentration of ammonia and magnesium in the blood, a decrease in the level of phosphates (with prolonged use of the suspension). Against this background, the processes of destruction of bone tissue can also develop, calcium salts in the urine can be detected, and softening of bones occurs.

With the formation of these symptoms, as well as unrecorded signs, you should stop further taking the medication and consult a specialist.

Special recommendations

When using higher dosages (especially in the elderly and patients with renal insufficiency), various reactions from the gastrointestinal tract can be observed - obstructive disorders, intestinal obstruction.

When using the drug in increased dosages or long courses, reactions associated with a deficiency of phosphates in the blood may occur - softening of bone tissue. In this case, therapy must be carried out only under the supervision of a physician.

Constant monitoring is required while taking the medication in patients with renal insufficiency, since long-term use of the medication in this group of patients can lead to the development of disorders such as encephalopathy, dementia, anemic disorders, softening of the bones.

It is necessary to strictly adhere to the rules of daily dosing and not to exceed the duration of the course, especially in patients with renal insufficiency. This requires systematic monitoring of the level of the main components in the blood. With an increase in the level of aluminum and magnesium in the blood, treatment should be discontinued. Before using the medicine during the period of gestation, during breastfeeding, as well as in childhood, you must first consult a doctor.

The main components with a low level of phosphates in consumed products can lead to a decrease in the concentration of phosphorus in the body, therefore, during the period of using the medication, it is recommended to eat foods, rich in phosphorus. The suspension is capable of transmitting X-rays through itself. The drug does not have a negative effect on the visual functions and the human psyche, therefore it is allowed to drive a car or carry out other work that requires the speed of psychomotor reactions.

Drug interactions

Maalox is not recommended to be taken simultaneously with other suspensions similar in indications and action, since 1 sachet contains the necessary single dosage of active ingredients. The combined administration of the drug with quinidine can lead to the development of symptoms of an overdose of the substance.

The degree of absorption may decrease with the simultaneous use of the suspension and the following drugs:

• antagonists of H2-histamine receptors;
• chloroquine;
• metaprolol;
• cefdinir;
• propranolol;
• atenolol;
• digoxin;
• anti-tuberculosis drugs (ethambutol, isoniazid);
• iron salts;
• fluoroquinolones;
• diphosphonates;
• sodium fluoride;
• diflunisal;
• metabolites of arachidonic acid;
• steroid drugs;
• indomethacin;
• antibiotics from the lincosamide group;
• ketoconazole;
• some antipsychotics (in particular, phenothiazine derivatives);
• rosuvastatin;
• penicillamine;
• levothyroxine.

In order to avoid the development of this reaction with these drugs, it is recommended to make an interval between their intake of 2-4 hours. Great care must be taken when using the suspension and kayexalate in combination, since such a combination can lead to the development of various disorders in patients with kidney failure. With the simultaneous use of the drug with citrates, an increase in the level of the components of the main drug is possible, especially in patients with kidney failure.

Storage conditions and periods

• The medicine must be stored in a clean and dark place at temperatures up to 25 ⁰C. Do not freeze.
• The shelf life is 36 months from the date of issue.
• Do not use after the expiration date indicated on the packaging.
• After opening the bubble, the suspension can be used for six months.

Conditions of dispensing from pharmacies

The way of implementation is without a prescription.

Analogs

Maalox (suspension in sachets is better tolerated by patients than other dosage forms), in rare cases, it can cause allergies. If such reactions occur, the drug should be replaced with a remedy similar in indication and action.

The choice of an analogue should only be dealt with by the attending physician.

Gastracid

This analogue is produced in Russia in the form of chewable tablets, oral suspension or gel. The following substances act as active ingredients: basic magnesium metal hydroxide and algeldrate. The drug belongs to the group of combined antacids and has an absorbing, enveloping, carminative and choleretic effect.

Recommendations for use:

• various forms of gastritis;
• ulcers in the region of the stomach and duodenum, which have a different nature of origin.
• duodenitis (acute course of the disease);
• reflux esophagitis disease;
• signs of gastralgia;
• the presence of erosion;
• hernia of the esophagus;
• chronic pancreatitis (relapses);
• dipeptic disorders (as part of a combination treatment);
• discomfort in the epigastric region.

Dosage regimen (for oral solution): 5-10 ml after meals and before going to bed. If necessary, the dosage can be increased to 15 ml.

The duration of the course is 2-3 months.

Contraindications:

• Alzheimer's syndrome;
• intolerance to the components;
• phosphate deficiency;
• pregnancy;
• chronic renal failure.

With extreme caution and only under the supervision of a specialist, the medication can be used during breastfeeding, as well as in children under 12 years of age. Sale mode - over the counter. The cost of a medicine in Moscow and regional pharmacies in Russia is 120-200 rubles.

Almagel

Maalox (suspension in sachets is recommended for use in children or the elderly) can be replaced by a popular and completely identical product with the trade name Almagel. This generic is produced in Bulgaria in the form of chewable tablets or oral suspension. Active ingredients are magnesium hydroxide and algeldrat. The medicine is a representative of antacids and has a local adsorbing, enveloping, choleretic and carminative effect.

Scope of use:

• gastritis (acute or chronic);
• the presence of stomach ulcers (relapses);
• enteritis, colitis, duodenitis (acute course);
• gastroeophageal reflux;
• erosive lesion of the gastrointestinal mucosa;
• the presence of a hernia in the region of the esophagus of the diaphragm;
• epigastric pain and heartburn caused by poor diet;
• pancreatitis (acute course or recurrence of a chronic form).

Dosing regimen: 5-10 ml from 3 to 4 times a day. The suspension is consumed 1 hour after eating and before going to bed. The duration of therapy is 2-3 months.

Restrictions:

• allergy to the drug;
• lack of phosphates;
• period of pregnancy;
• renal failure (severe form of the disease);
• children under 10 years of age;
• hereditary fructose intolerance.

The dispensing system is over-the-counter. The price of the drug in commercial and state pharmacies in Russia varies between 120-500 rubles.

Ajiflux

This generic is an Indian pharmaceutical development and is available as an oral suspension or chewable tablets. The main components are magnesium hydroxide and algeldrate. The drug group is antacids. The drug has a pronounced absorbing, adsorbing, choleretic and carminative effect and is widely used in gastroenterology.

Indications:

• gastritis;
• duodenitis (acute course of pathology);
• the formation of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum;
• erosive damage to the mucous membranes located in the upper gastrointestinal tract;
• dyspepsia (fermentative and putrefactive forms);
• gastroeophageal reflux;
• gastralgic disorders, including heartburn;
• chronic form of pancreatitis;
• damage to the esophagus by hernia;
• pancreatitis (acute type of disorder).

Dosing rules: 5-10 ml of the product 1-2 hours after eating and before bedtime. The duration of treatment is from 2 to 3 months or as recommended by a doctor, but not more than 3 months.

Contraindications:

• chronic renal failure;
• intolerance to the components;
• lack of phosphates in the body;
• Alzheimer's syndrome;
• period of pregnancy.

With extreme caution, the medicine can be prescribed in children under 12 years of age, as well as during breastfeeding. Terms of sale - over the counter. The cost of tablets / suspensions in regional and regional pharmacies in Russia is 170-200 rubles.

Before using Maalox or its substitutes, it is recommended that you first consult with your doctor and read the instructions for using the suspensions. Additionally, you should study the reviews of those who have already taken the drug in sachets or vials.

Video about the drug Maalox

Description and instructions for Maalox tablets: