Almagel for pregnant women instructions for use. Almagel as a remedy for heartburn during pregnancy. Indications for use

Conspiracies

While carrying a child, a woman experiences rather unusual sensations. Often it is at this moment that heartburn appears. This condition manifests itself in the second trimester of pregnancy and causes significant discomfort.

Causes of heartburn during pregnancy

Many people believe that the appearance of hair on the child’s head contributes to the appearance of an unpleasant attack of burning in the stomach in a pregnant woman. However, experts think completely differently. Gastroenterologists claim that the acid contained in the gastric juice after eating food enters the esophagus and causes an unpleasant burning sensation.

This happens for various reasons. In particular, during the rapid growth of the child in the womb, the uterus enlarges and moves upward, which puts pressure on the stomach. At the same time, the size of the stomach becomes much smaller and during food consumption a small part of the acid is thrown into the esophagus. Heartburn also appears when progesterone levels increase during pregnancy.

Ways to eliminate heartburn during pregnancy

To avoid heartburn, you need to consume food in minimal portions, but quite often. Do not create a feeling of oversaturation in the stomach. After consuming food, a horizontal position should not be taken immediately to prevent it from entering the esophagus from the gastric region. It is best to sit or walk for some time.

Heartburn can be prevented by eliminating too spicy, fried and sour foods from your usual diet. If heartburn begins to appear very often, then you need to start taking medications that neutralize hydrochloric acid. In particular, Almagel helps very well during pregnancy.

Doctors prescribe this remedy to relieve heartburn. It should be taken into account that the duration of taking the drug should not exceed 3 days. However, there are certain side effects that can harm the body. After taking the medication, relief comes very quickly.

Composition and release form of the drug "Almagel"

If you experience heartburn during pregnancy, Almagel helps to quickly eliminate discomfort and improve your well-being. It is available in various forms, however, despite the relative safety of this drug, its use during pregnancy should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.

The main dosage forms are tablets and suspension. The active substances included in the product include aluminum hydroxide and magnesium, which are used in various antacid preparations. In the form of a suspension, 3 types of such medicines are produced, which are identical in the active substance, but differ in their additives. In particular, the following funds are allocated:

  • "Almagel A";
  • classic "Almagel";

Due to the fact that these active ingredients have alkaline properties, they help to quickly neutralize the aggressive effects of hydrochloric acid. They help reduce the acidity level in the stomach and in the process turn into salt and water. In addition, during pregnancy, “Almagel”, when it enters the stomach, envelops its walls and creates an impenetrable barrier on the surface. Before using the medicine, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Is Almagel safe during pregnancy?

This is an ambiguous moment. When answering the question of whether it is possible to drink Almagel during pregnancy, it is worth noting that this medicine is taken only according to doctor’s indications after undergoing an examination. This medication must be taken very carefully, as it contains components that can complicate pregnancy.

The main component of the drug can provoke the occurrence or worsening of constipation, which threatens deterioration of well-being, and in the later stages - premature birth. It is impossible to answer unequivocally whether Almagel can be taken during pregnancy, since there are certain contraindications. When constipation occurs, a crowded intestine can put pressure on the uterus and block the arteries that carry blood and oxygen from the mother to the fetus.

If the dosage and timing of use are strictly observed, this drug does not have a negative effect on the child. For heartburn and belching, suspensions are prescribed, and for severe pain in the stomach, it is recommended to take the drug "Almagel A", characterized by the presence of anesthetic components. This medicine will additionally help relieve pain from gastritis or stomach ulcers. The drug, presented in tablet form, is not used for treatment of pregnant women.

Method of use of the drug

During pregnancy, "Almagel" can be prescribed not only for heartburn, but also to eliminate acute signs of toxicosis, in particular, such as attacks of vomiting. However, you should not use this medicine yourself.

During pregnancy, the drug is prescribed purely individually, with the dosage depending on the duration of pregnancy, the intensity of heartburn attacks and the frequency of its occurrence. However, doctors do not advise taking the medicine for more than 3 days in a row, as constipation may occur.

Almagel during pregnancy in the early and later stages is recommended to use 1-2 tsp. about half an hour before meals. You should also take into account that you should not drink liquid for an hour after taking the medication. It will be better if immediately after taking the drug a pregnant woman lies down for 15-25 minutes. This will allow the medicine to be evenly distributed throughout the gastric mucosa.

Therapeutic effect

Doctors say that you can sometimes drink Almagel during pregnancy, especially since this drug has a pronounced therapeutic effect, namely:

  • neutralizes high acidity;
  • has a soft enveloping effect;
  • prevents exacerbation of gastritis and ulcers.

Aluminum ions are not absorbed into the bloodstream at all, so the drug does not have systemic side effects on the body of the pregnant woman and the fetus.

Indications for use

There are certain indications for taking the drug, which include:

  • gastritis;
  • colitis, duodenitis, enteritis;
  • peptic ulcer;
  • pancreatitis;
  • heartburn.

It is also used as a prophylactic agent to reduce the irritating effects of medications that affect the gastric mucosa.

It is better not to take “Almagel” during early pregnancy, since in the first 2 weeks all the organs and systems of the child are formed. This period is the most critical, which is why any external influence can have a bad effect on the child’s health.

Contraindications and side effects

There are few contraindications for taking this medication. The main ones include individual intolerance and excessive sensitivity to individual components of the drug, as well as kidney disease.

Among the main side effects are disturbances in the functioning of the stomach and intestines, as well as the excretory system. In particular, this manifests itself in the form of constipation or diarrhea. A similar phenomenon is often observed with prolonged use of the drug. In addition, in some cases, attacks of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps may occur. After stopping the medication, all these signs go away on their own.

What can replace "Almagel"

Many women say that they drank Almagel during pregnancy, as this remedy helps get rid of severe attacks of heartburn and improve their well-being. However, in some cases, side effects may occur and there are certain contraindications to taking the drug.

If there are contraindications, the doctor may prescribe analogs that are permitted during pregnancy. Such analogues include "Maalox" and "Gastal". In addition to antacids made on the basis of aluminum and magnesium, pregnant women are also prescribed other medications, the effect of which is due to the presence of sodium and calcium. The drug is selected purely individually, depending on the available indications.

Antacids and various types of suspensions are characterized by increased effectiveness, since they consist of smaller particles and cover a significant surface of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.

During pregnancy, a woman may experience various ailments. It is especially difficult for her to endure stomach pain, heartburn and flatulence. And these symptoms are quite common in pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters. The difficulty is that most medications are contraindicated to take at this time. And there are not very many medications that relieve such symptoms.

Inflammatory bowel diseases;

Reflux esophagitis;

Cholecystitis and pancreatitis;

Bloating;

Heartburn and abdominal pain due to errors in diet;

Sometimes it is prescribed for flatulence and to relieve some symptoms of toxicosis and gestosis.

Are there any contraindications and side effects?

Almagel is not always the drug of choice during pregnancy. It should not be used for kidney diseases or in cases where a woman is intolerant to the components of the drug. In addition, in some cases, the medicine can cause constipation, which is no less painful and dangerous for pregnant women than heartburn.

Sometimes nausea and vomiting may also occur, so the drug is rarely used to relieve symptoms of toxicosis. But most often complications appear if a woman takes Almagel too often. In this case, a lack of phosphorus may develop in her blood. An overdose is also dangerous for a baby: excess magnesium causes hypermagnesemia, which can lead to his death. But a single dose of the drug and even using it for 2-3 days does not harm either mother or child at all. However, after giving birth you should stop using this medicine, as it can pass into breast milk, which is harmful to the baby.

How to use Almagel during pregnancy?

The instructions do not recommend using the medicine for women who have been pregnant for more than three days. Only in this case the drug will not harm either the mother or the child. But usually after the first dose there is relief. The liquid gel substance is distributed over the walls of the stomach, protecting them for a long time from adverse effects. Therefore, most often the drug is used once, to relieve symptoms. It is recommended to drink 1-2 teaspoons of Almagel during pregnancy half an hour before meals. Shake the bottle well before use. And in order for the drug to be better distributed throughout all the walls of the stomach, it is better to lie down after taking it. Because of this, it is not recommended to drink anything within an hour. During pregnancy, it is better not to take Almagel more than three times a day. This is quite enough to alleviate a woman’s condition, because the protective effect of the medicine lasts about 5 hours.

Almagel during pregnancy is prescribed by doctors when severe heartburn occurs. Thanks to its antacid effects, as well as enveloping properties, this product allows you to stop the excess release of hydrochloric acid and its further reflux into the esophagus. Prescribed by doctors to get rid of such annoying symptoms as belching and heartburn in the second half of pregnancy, which most women experience.

Eliminates bloating Helps Available
the doctor is heavy with water
Difficulty with the doctor: drinking


This product helps cope with various unpleasant sensations and nagging pain in the stomach area. The main active ingredient of this product is benzocaine, which perfectly helps with bloating and flatulence during pregnancy.

Also during pregnancy, Almagel is prescribed during an exacerbation of gastritis or peptic ulcer in a expectant mother. In addition, this drug helps fight toxicosis and flatulence, both in the early stages of gestation, as well as in later stages. Only the attending physician can prescribe the medicine and dosage.

Eliminates bloating

Advantages and disadvantages of the drug

Like any medicine, the gel has its advantages and disadvantages. During pregnancy, Almagel can be taken both in the form of tablets and also in the form of a gel.

Advantages:Flaws:
1.Quickly and efficiently helps get rid of heartburn at any stage of pregnancy. It is allowed to be taken during pregnancy and does not cause harm.1. Prohibited for use without a doctor’s permission. A separate type of Almagel Neo is prohibited for pregnant women.
2. Helps the expectant mother with exacerbation of gastritis or ulcers, being a safe, excellent option when dealing with such a problem while expecting a baby.2. Prohibited for use if you are intolerant to individual components of the product. In particular, this includes aluminum and magnesium. In addition, you should not take Almagel during pregnancy if you have kidney failure.
3. Helps with duodenitis, as well as with overeating, bloating, or serious stress.3. You can take the medicine during pregnancy only if you are not allergic to certain components.
4. Can be taken not as a course, but only when heartburn occurs. It helps even after a one-time dose.4. For some women in labor, the process of taking the medicine caused complaints of stomach upset, as well as intestinal tract.
5. There are several variations that are suitable for getting rid of various uncomfortable sensations in the body of pregnant women.5. Constipation, vomiting and nausea may occur, but only in case of an overdose or improper use of the medicine. It is worth reducing the dosage.
6. Helps alleviate the situation at a severe stage of toxicosis, and also relieves flatulence.6. If the dose of the drug specified by the doctor is exceeded, drowsiness occurs.
7. Available in any pharmacy, has an affordable price.7. Due to the presence of an anesthetic drug, after long-term use, a change in taste perception is possible.

Effects of the drug in the early stages

Almagel is approved by doctors for use in the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy, but only after examination and study of the causes of the problem. This product does not have a negative effect on the fetus, therefore, it is actively used to get rid of heartburn and during pregnancy.

The action of Almagel in the early stages depends on its use.

  1. You should not endure severe heartburn and bloating at the beginning of pregnancy; you harm not only yourself, but also the baby. You need to get rid of this uncomfortable feeling safely and efficiently.
  2. It is better to use the product in the form of a cream; it is evenly distributed throughout the stomach, thereby prolonging the effect.
  3. The effect of the drug usually occurs within five minutes after use.
  4. You should not take the medicine in the early stages if you have any kidney disease.
  5. You don’t have to worry about the safety of your baby; this product has been used both in the early and late stages of pregnancy for many years, and its quality has been confirmed by millions of women who have given birth.
  6. The components of this product do not penetrate into the blood, which confirms the effectiveness of its use.
  7. The medicine will be a salvation if the expectant mother had a problem with gastritis or ulcers before pregnancy, and during pregnancy this problem worsened, but it cannot be treated with usual means during this period. The medicine will relieve symptoms and will also be safe for both mother and baby.
  8. Be sure to consult a doctor before taking it, who will indicate the required dosage in the early stages of pregnancy and will help you safely get rid of heartburn.

Helps cope with flatulence

How to take this remedy

Almagel's instructions during pregnancy are determined exclusively by a doctor. Taking into account the complexity of your situation and the level of exacerbation, the doctor will determine the required dose and timing of treatment. The drug must be taken orally, after shaking the bottle of gel.

Take 1-2 teaspoons before meals or just before bed, as is convenient for the woman in labor. After taking the medicine, you should not drink any liquid for one hour.

To enhance the enveloping ability of the drug, as well as speed up the effect, it is better to lie down immediately after taking the medicine. After the birth of the baby, taking the product is prohibited, especially during breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that the effect of the drug on mother's milk has not yet been studied.

Possible risks and contraindications

Despite the fact that the drug is considered safe during pregnancy, it still has its contraindications. Contraindications to taking Almagel during pregnancy are allergies or sensitivity to individual components of the medication.

Also, you should not take this remedy if you have even a slight problem with your kidneys. The gel can aggravate the situation and not work in favor of the pregnant woman.

Contraindicated for all girls in the Almagel Neo position. In addition, some side effects are possible, such as drowsiness, fatigue, lethargy or vomiting. Such symptoms occur only in case of an overdose of the drug. That is why it is important to follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Almagel is known to those who experience heartburn and stomach pain, suffer from gastritis or peptic ulcers. The suspension is prescribed for problems with the gastrointestinal tract and during pregnancy, but one must take into account the fact that it has restrictions for use and contraindications. What does a woman need to know about the drug?

Is it possible to take Almagel during pregnancy?

Almagel has enveloping and acidity-reducing properties. The main active ingredient of the drug is algeldrate. It neutralizes hydrochloric acid formed in the stomach and maintains the optimal pH level for several hours. During pregnancy, the suspension helps get rid of heartburn, which most expectant mothers know about.

Types of the drug

Almagel is produced in the form of tablets and suspensions of three types. Each dosage form contains distinctive elements that give it additional properties. In view of these features, different types of Almagel are used to treat the same diseases, but with different prevailing symptoms:

  • Almagel A (yellow) contains the anesthetic benzocaine, so it is recommended for severe pain;
  • Almagel Neo (orange) contains simethicone, which eliminates increased gas formation and flatulence;
  • classic Almagel in a green box is taken for moderate gas formation and mild pain;
  • tablets (Almagel T) are close in composition to the green suspension, but they are an exception medicine: if for some reason it is impossible to take the suspension, the drug is prescribed in this form.

In order to conveniently distinguish between different types of suspensions, the manufacturer made the packaging for each of them in a different color.

Safety of Almagel for pregnant women according to the instructions

Almagel is not a completely harmless remedy for the health of a woman expecting a child. In experimental studies, no harmful effects of the drug on the fetus were found, but there is no confirmed data on its safety. According to the instructions, the medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy, but, nevertheless, according to the decision of doctors, it is prescribed when the benefit to the pregnant woman outweighs the existing risk to the fetus.

The drug has two spellings: Almagel and Almagel. This happened in connection with the translation of the original name “Almagel” into Cyrillic. The Latin “l” has a soft pronunciation, but it is difficult to convey the exact phonetics with our letters. It is interesting that the translation indicated on the Russified packaging left the first “l” in the name hard and softened the second - the word “gel” with a soft ending is more familiar to our ears.

When and for what period is Almagel prescribed during pregnancy?

  • exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
  • exacerbation of gastritis;
  • duodenitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the duodenum);
  • enteritis (inflammatory and dystrophic changes in the small intestine);
  • colitis (inflammation of the large intestine);
  • reflux esophagitis (inflammation of the lower part of the esophagus);
  • abdominal pain caused by poor eating habits.

In the first and third trimesters, the reason for prescribing the drug may be severe heartburn, which is often a companion to early toxicosis or a consequence of pressure from the uterus on the digestive organs. If the burning sensation is not too strong, then it is better to do without drug intervention.

The second trimester is usually considered the “golden” time: the uterus is not yet large enough to put much pressure on the lower part of the stomach, and toxicosis has already subsided. But this period can also be overshadowed by a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract - a burning sensation in the esophagus and flatulence are possible. If giving up fried, spicy, smoked, and sour foods does not help, Almagel can solve the problem, but you need to take it according to the regimen recommended by your doctor.

A common belief is that heartburn during pregnancy is caused by hair growth on the baby's head. It is a myth. An unpleasant symptom occurs when gastric juice is thrown into the esophagus after eating. The reason for this process may be a jump in fetal growth and an increase in the level of the hormone progesterone. In the first case, the uterus, increasing in size, puts pressure on the stomach from below. And excess progesterone weakens the circular muscle located between the main organ of digestion and the esophagus, which normally does not allow contents from the stomach to flow back into the esophagus.

Contraindications and side effects of the drug

Almagel can improve the condition of an expectant mother suffering from heartburn attacks. However, under certain circumstances its use is contraindicated.

Contraindications for different types of Almagel during pregnancy - table

Form of the drug Contraindications
Almagel (green)
  • kidney diseases;
  • Alzheimer's disease;
  • congenital fructose intolerance.
Almagel Neo (orange)
Almagel A (yellow)
  • kidney diseases;
  • Alzheimer's disease.
Almagel T (tablets)
  • Hypersensitivity to individual components;
  • kidney diseases;
  • Alzheimer's disease;
  • decrease in the concentration of phosphates in the blood serum;
  • chronic diarrhea or constipation;
  • abdominal pain of unknown origin.

Side effects that occur after taking the drug include:

  • nausea,
  • vomiting
  • constipation,
  • stomach pain,
  • drowsiness.

These symptoms are easily removed by reducing the dose of the suspension. More serious consequences include a decrease in phosphorus levels in the blood. This can lead to encephalopathy, the symptoms of which are changes in the emotional background up to a depressive state, memory impairment, social maladjustment, physical and mental exhaustion.

Studies that could confirm the safety or risks of Almagel for the fetus have not been conducted, therefore the drug is not included in the FDA database. This means that it can only be taken during pregnancy when the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the baby.

The FDA (or Food and Drug Administration) is an American organization that regulates the quality of food and drugs. One of its goals is to evaluate the safety of drug use for fetal conditions.

How long and in what quantity is it permissible to take Almagel?

The course of treatment with Almagel during pregnancy is usually limited to three days. The suspension, which must first be shaken, is taken up to 4 times a day. In order for the medicine to have the desired effect, it should be used half an hour before meals, in no case with water. If heartburn is caused by the characteristics of the body, and is not a consequence of an exacerbation of chronic diseases, this duration of treatment with the drug is quite enough to eliminate unpleasant symptoms without side effects.

In cases where heartburn appears sporadically throughout pregnancy, 2–4 courses of taking Almagel are sufficient. If unpleasant symptoms accompany a woman constantly, treatment may be longer. In this case, it is necessary to take into account all the risks.

You cannot make a decision about taking Almagel on your own. This should be done by a doctor, at the same time recommending the optimal dose and duration of treatment.

What can replace Almagel if necessary?

To protect the health of mother and baby if a long course of treatment is necessary, Almagel can be replaced with other drugs.

  • Maalox - has a composition almost identical to Almagel, but it is recommended to use it after meals.
  • Phosphalugel - is prescribed if a longer treatment is needed than is possible with Almagel, since when used there is no threat of leaching of calcium and phosphorus.
  • Rennie - recommended for digestive disorders in expectant mothers (including dyspepsia).
  • Gastal - during pregnancy, taken only under medical supervision. This medicine is free from such side effects as constipation.
  • Gaviscon is not absorbed into the blood, so it is allowed during pregnancy.

Heartburn medications that can be used during pregnancy - table

Name Active substance Release form Contraindications Features of use during pregnancy
Maalox
  • magnesium hydroxide,
  • aluminum hydroxide
  • suspension,
  • pills
  • hypersensitivity to individual components;
  • renal failure;
  • fructose intolerance;
  • hypophosphatemia;
  • glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, sucrase/isomaltase deficiency (for tablets only).
It is prescribed if the benefit to the woman outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. It is recommended to avoid long-term treatment and high doses, and take only under medical supervision.
Phosphalugel aluminum phosphate gel 20%gel in sachets for single use
  • hypersensitivity to individual components;
  • decompensated renal failure
As a precaution, the drug should not be taken for a long time. The period and dosage are determined by the doctor. Use with caution if you are prone to constipation.
Rennie
  • calcium carbonate,
  • magnesium carbonate
pills
  • hypersensitivity to individual components;
  • renal failure
  • hypercalcemia;
  • hypophosphatemia;
  • nephrocalcinosis;
  • sucrase/isomaltase deficiency, fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption.
According to the instructions, the doses recommended by the doctor do not pose a danger to the fetus.
Gastal
  • aluminum hydroxide magnesium carbonate gel,
  • magnesium hydroxide
pills
  • hypersensitivity to individual components;
  • severe renal failure;
  • hypophosphatemia;
  • lactose intolerance;
  • Alzheimer's disease.
Use with caution.
Gaviscon
  • sodium alginate,
  • sodium bicarbonate,
  • calcium carbonate
  • suspension,
  • pills
Hypersensitivity to individual components.Prescription is possible, since accumulated experience indicates the absence of undesirable effects of the drug on fetal development and the course of pregnancy.

Doctors say that it cannot be tolerated, which raises another question: what remedy to use to eliminate such unpleasant manifestations. There are quite a lot of compounds on the modern market that can cope with this problem, but Almagel takes one of the places of honor. Is it possible to take this for different periods and how to do it correctly - read on.

Composition and pharmacological properties

"Almagel" can mainly be found on sale in the form suspensions, placed in bottles of 170 and 200 ml. For every 5 ml of product there are 0.3 g of aluminum hydroxide and 0.1 g of aluminum hydroxide, which are the main active ingredients of the drug.

In addition to them, the composition also contains D-sorbitol, and one of the varieties of the drug called “Almagel-A” additionally contains 0.1 g of anesthesin (per 5 ml). In addition to the classic version of the drug and the mentioned form “Almagel-A”, you can find “Almagel Neo” and even tablet versions in pharmacies, but the main difference between them is not in the main active ingredients, but in the type and quantity of excipients.

All of them are compounds, and their action (especially aimed at eliminating) is based on the regular neutralization of incoming gastric juice, which causes an extremely unpleasant burning sensation. The medicine not only reduces the proportion of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice, but also provides local anesthesia, simultaneously provoking a slight laxative effect and driving away bile well.

The task of aluminum hydroxide is to inhibit the secretion of pepsin, and in combination with hydrochloric acid it forms aluminum chloride, neutralizing acidity.

Magnesium hydroxide promotes the appearance of magnesium chloride in the body, preventing the possibility of formation due to the action of aluminum chloride.
Benzocaine (present in the Almagel-A variety) has an anesthetic effect when present, and sorbitol, which also acts as an additional component, improves bile secretion and can slightly relax the stomach, complementing the effect of magnesium hydroxide.

Important! The effect of the drug is not accompanied by the formation of carbon dioxide, due to which there is no increased production of hydrochloric acid and flatulence. "Almagel" does not lead to an increase in pH in the stomach, keeping acidity within 4.0-3.5.

A positive aspect of using the drug is that the gel-like structure allows it to well envelop the gastric mucosa, which in turn causes a uniform effect of the drug on the entire surface of the mucosa. Noticeable relief after one single dose can be observed within 10 minutes after administration.

Why is it prescribed to pregnant women?

When a woman’s body experiences increased stress associated with the development of new life in it. Therefore, manifestations such as belching, heartburn, constant gas formation in the stomach and even intestinal gases occur quite often in pregnant women.
“Almagel” helps to cope with any of the listed problems, however, it is better to give preference to the classic form or the “A” form. These drugs do not affect pregnancy, while tablet or liquid forms of Almagel Neo are not prescribed at the very beginning or end of pregnancy, since appropriate studies have not been conducted.

The drug can be prescribed to pregnant women and during therapy during exacerbation of gastritis, peptic ulcers and to eliminate the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, which causes malaise.

Is it possible or not (by trimester)

At each stage of pregnancy, a wide variety of processes occur in a woman’s body, and what is completely safe in the early stages can lead to unpleasant consequences in the third trimester. That is why it is so important to know about the possibility and features of using a particular composition in each specific period of pregnancy. Let's consider the action of "Almagel" by trimester.

First

Since in the first three months of intrauterine development the formation of its main organs and systems occurs, it is better stop taking any medications so as not to disrupt these processes in any way.

However, if pregnancy proceeds without any complications, then, after consulting with a doctor, a woman can take Almagel once to eliminate discomfort, especially since the drug is prescribed not only in the presence of heartburn, but also in case of unpleasant manifestations of early toxicosis. By neutralizing the secreted acid, the medicine maintains a neutral environment for a sufficiently long time, thereby reducing discomfort (in particular, a burning sensation in the esophagus and nausea).

In the first weeks after conception, Almagel also helps to cope with flatulence, although we should not forget that in some cases the medicinal composition itself may well cause attacks of vomiting and nausea. Therefore, in the presence of severe toxicosis, when a pregnant woman is additionally tormented by manifestations of gastritis or heartburn, it is recommended to use the medicine in tablet form.

Important! At the very beginning of pregnancy, many women are prescribed vitamin complexes, often including folic acid. In this case, at least two hours must pass between its intake and the use of Almagel, otherwise the beneficial microelements will not be able to be fully absorbed.

Second

After examination and an accurate diagnosis, Almagel is mainly prescribed to pregnant women starting from the second trimester, but even in this case the duration of its use should not exceed three days(it’s always worth remembering the fixing property).

In general, the second trimester is rightfully considered the “golden mean” when bearing a child, because early toxicosis and other unpleasant symptoms of early pregnancy are already behind us, and the size of the uterus is not yet so large as to put pressure on the stomach and cause a burning sensation in the esophagus. However, it cannot be said that all pregnant women can avoid such phenomena, which, together with flatulence, cause a lot of inconvenience.

Women who cannot deny themselves fried, smoked, hot and sour foods, which lead to heartburn, are at risk.

Third

If you decide to use Almagel during pregnancy, then you must carefully study the instructions for use of the medicinal composition.

It is easy to notice that among contraindications its use includes the lactation period and children under 12 years of age, which means that in the third trimester, especially just before, it is better not to take this drug. As a last resort, you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of using it to determine whether you really need it.

How to use

Like any other medicine, Almagel has its own recommended dosage regimen. However, in the case of pregnant women, first of all, it is necessary to remember that it can be taken only with severe symptoms and before meals(in 30 minutes). After taking the medicine (within an hour), you should not take it with any other liquid. In addition, if you want to enhance the effect of the medicinal composition, then immediately after using the drug, try to limit your physical activity, or better yet, lie down.
Usually, the Almagel suspension is taken 1-3 scoops 3-4 times a day, but as for pregnant women, a single dose of the drug for them should not exceed 1 scoop. In the presence of gastrointestinal diseases and their exacerbation, you can use the composition in short courses, but no more than three spoons per day.

The maximum effect of the medicine occurs 15-20 minutes after administration, and in the absence of other problems, the duration of its effect on the body will be about 2-3 hours. Also, pregnant women should not forget about the limited period of use of the drug - no more than 3-5 days.

Important! Before each use of the suspension, the bottle with it must be shaken.

Risks and side effects

Any drug composition can cause side effects from its use, so it is not surprising that as a result of regular use of Almagel, especially if the established therapeutic dose is violated, pregnant women may experience pain in the neck, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, there is a change in taste preferences, emotional background, and even the presence of an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth.
Many pregnant women are prone to constipation because the enlarged uterus begins to put pressure on the lower parts of the large intestine, thereby making it difficult to empty it. Long-term use of the described composition can significantly complicate the situation.

Moreover, the requirement for a limited period of use of Almagel is also explained by the presence of magnesium in the drug, which, although it is not absorbed into the blood after a single use, long-term and uncontrolled use of drugs with its presence can have a negative effect on the formation of the fetus. In high concentrations, magnesium leads to problems with the circulatory system and the central nervous system of the unborn child.

Contraindications

“Almagel” in the classic version and variety “A” are not recommended for pregnant women with individual intolerance to the constituent elements of the drug (especially fructose, which is present in sorbitol), renal failure, especially in the acute phase (there is a risk of hypermagnesemia and aluminum intoxication), mental disorders. Under any conditions, it is better for pregnant women not to take Almagel Neo.

Simply put, if you decide to use one or another composition, be sure to discuss this possibility with your doctor so that no complications arise in the future, even if we are talking about such a harmless “Almagel” at first glance.