Gastal as a chemical drug
The drug Gastal is a buffer antacid. Its main purpose is to reduce the acidity of gastric juice to a normal level. Hydrochloric acid is neutralized quite quickly for a long time, and accordingly, the discomfort that it provoked (heartburn, abdominal pain) disappears.
Antacids are medications that are intended for the treatment of acid-dependent gastrointestinal pathologies. They neutralize hydrochloric acid, an important component of gastric juice. As a result, irritation of the digestive mucosa stops. Buffer antacids do not dissolve in water, are practically not absorbed into the blood, but absorb hydrochloric acid, converting it into another substance (insoluble salts).
The active ingredients of Gastal are two components:
- Aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate gel (in the amount of 450 mg per tablet). It absorbs hydrochloric acid, while simultaneously activating the protective and regenerative process on the surface of the stomach. Through associated compounds with phosphates and carbonates, insoluble salts are formed; subsequently, they are simply removed from the body naturally.
- Magnesium hydroxide (300 mg). It has a neutralizing effect on hydrochloric acid, and also on bile. At the same time, a mild laxative effect appears. Due to chemical reactions, the substance, similar to aluminum, turns into insoluble salts.
Due to the fact that the active substances act in a complex, the risk of unwanted reactions observed with each component separately is reduced (constipation after consuming aluminum compounds, diarrhea after magnesium).
The drug has two active ingredients - aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate gel and magnesium hydroxide.
The antacid also contains auxiliary components: namely mannitol and lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and sorbitol, talc, etc.
The drug acts almost immediately (within a few minutes), the effect lasts for about two hours. The product is excreted in the form of insoluble salts in the stool.
The antacid is available in the form of tablets intended for resorption. They are quite large, round, whitish in color, and have a smooth surface. There is an option without flavoring, as well as with cherry or mint flavor.
Gastal tablets are quite large, round, white.
Video: principle of action of antacids, including Gastal
Use in pregnant women
Despite the lack of influence on the unborn child, Gastal can only be used after a doctor’s prescription. The drug is not absorbed into the bloodstream, but affects the absorption of various substances in the intestine. The most important of these are vitamins - they have a direct effect on the growth and development of the fetus.
Therefore, this drug is not used for more than two weeks - during this time the necessary therapeutic effect is achieved and side effects are minimally expressed. Then they switch to a special diet, which, if followed, can eliminate the recurrence of heartburn symptoms.
Possibility of using Gastal for different periods
According to the instructions, Gastal is not prohibited from being used during the gestational period.
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 physician.
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The drug has a local effect, practically not being absorbed into the general bloodstream. As a result, the active components simply do not have time to penetrate to the fetus. The woman herself does not need to endure severe discomfort, which often causes heartburn. This condition is fraught with insomnia, deterioration of appetite and mood, which will not have the best effect on the course of pregnancy. In addition, the periodic release of acid irritates the digestive tract, which can provoke inflammation.
A pregnant woman does not need to endure severe heartburn, as it can lead to negative consequences.
Meanwhile, some gynecologists classify Gastal as a dangerous drug due to the content of aluminum salts in it. If you take an antacid in large doses or for too long, then some part of the chemical element will still penetrate to the baby. In this case, the following complications cannot be excluded:
- Calcium leaching. This has a detrimental effect on the formation of the skeleton of the unborn child and the condition of the mother’s bones and teeth.
- Slowing fetal growth.
- Decreased immunity.
- Disruption of the process of iron absorption. As a result, anemia may develop.
- If the concentration of aluminum is too high, a miscarriage in the first trimester or premature birth in the future is likely.
It should be noted that doctors have not recorded cases of fetotoxic reactions associated directly with the use of Gastal by the expectant mother. Meanwhile, it is difficult to closely monitor the course of pregnancy while taking this drug. It is impossible to completely exclude its influence on the condition of the fetus. In this regard, you should take an antacid only when it is really necessary and solely on the recommendation of your doctor.
Self-medication during gestation is strictly prohibited.
Gastal during pregnancy: use, side effects
03/27/2013 | Author: admin | No comments » Read 15,734 times
Due to the fact that the uterus of a pregnant woman increases in size day by day and puts pressure on the stomach, heartburn appears. The sensations associated with it are not only unpleasant, but sometimes unbearable. And enduring heartburn is not an option. The doctor is told that this is dangerous. Therefore, you need to look for alternative solutions or use medications.
One of the medicines used to combat heartburn is Gastal . This is a combination drug that contains magnesium oxide, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate. In addition to heartburn, Gastal is used for ulcers, food poisoning, chronic and acute gastritis. It is taken an hour after meals and about an hour after taking other medications, as it slows down the absorption of some of the components.
Use of Gastal during pregnancy
But is it possible to use Gastal during pregnancy? Opinions differ on this issue. Based on what is prescribed in the instructions for the drug, it is prescribed exclusively on the recommendation of a doctor and only in exceptional cases. It follows from this that Gastal is undesirable during pregnancy , but there are exceptions to all rules. But only a doctor can install them.
There is another opinion. The fact is that one of the components included in the drug is aluminum. It is dangerous for the following reasons:
- Accumulates in the blood and weakens the body's protective functions;
- Slows down the development of the fetus, which can lead to pathology;
- Promotes the formation of salt in urine;
- Interferes with the normal absorption of iron, which is essential for a pregnant woman;
- Flushes calcium from the body;
- May lead to premature birth or miscarriage in early pregnancy.
The list is completely disappointing, so you need to look for alternative methods of dealing with heartburn. For example, eat right, use folk remedies that can be used during pregnancy, and also look for alternative medications.
Gastal during pregnancy: precautions
When taking Gastal, other side effects may also occur. Among them are hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, hypermagnesemia, renal dysfunction, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, allergic manifestations, changes in taste perception, decreased reflexes. The list is not reassuring, but it clearly confirms that this drug is not as safe as many people think. The number of side effects and their direction serve as a clear warning against resorting to self-treatment with Gastal during pregnancy .
Absolute contraindications include severe disturbances in the functioning of the renal system.
A pregnant woman needs to remember, first of all, not about her own well-being, but about how everything she takes affects the baby. But since feeling unwell is also dangerous, it is necessary to act prudently and take steps to protect yourself and the child.
- disorders of digestive processes.
What to do?
But what to do when you suffer from heartburn? First of all, don't panic. A pregnant woman should try to always be in a good mood and think about her unborn child. This is a priority for her, and all other problems can be solved.
For example, it is not necessary to use medications to eliminate the symptoms of heartburn.
Many obstetricians and gynecologists strongly recommend that expectant mothers replenish their refrigerator supplies with several bottles of Borjomi still mineral water. This is the very first and harmless means of combating heartburn for a pregnant woman.
In addition, there are quite a lot of folk remedies that are no less effective and completely harmless in eliminating heartburn:
- you can eat a few handfuls of regular fried seeds. But you shouldn’t get carried away with them, because they are quite high in calories and their excessive consumption will not be beneficial.
- a glass of fresh, fortified and aromatic jelly, drunk immediately before a meal, effectively eliminates the symptoms of heartburn. Thanks to its enveloping effect, it will quickly, reliably and completely harmlessly eliminate heartburn.
- A glass of freshly brewed chamomile tea also works well, as it will help soothe the walls of the stomach and eliminate the discomfort of heartburn.
- You can also drink a glass of warm milk with honey at night. This will not only eliminate heartburn, but also help you sleep soundly and see your future baby in your dreams.
— many pregnant women simply take a crust of black bread and chew it.
There are many more folk remedies that can be used to quickly and safely eliminate heartburn. It cannot be said that this particular remedy is a 100% panacea for heartburn. Each person has their own body characteristics. Therefore, if one remedy does not help, try another, a third... The main thing is to believe in a positive result!
As for medications that pregnant women can take for heartburn, only Rennie is on the list of approved ones. The only thing is that Rennie is not allowed in the first weeks of pregnancy and in the last month of pregnancy. And, of course, check the dosage with your doctor. Obstetrician-gynecologist Svetlana Lutsenko
Attention! The Site Administration does not provide any medical services. All materials are for informational purposes only. The same applies to the advisory section. No online consultation will ever replace face-to-face medical care, which is provided only in specialized medical institutions. Self-medication can cause irreparable harm! For any diseases or ailments, please contact your doctor!
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Indications for use during pregnancy
According to the instructions, the use of Gastal is relevant in the following cases:
- Symptoms of dyspepsia (a disorder of normal digestion): heartburn, sour belching, feeling of discomfort in the stomach. They occur after eating (or only certain foods) or after taking certain medications.
- Conditions of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by increased acid formation: gastritis, gastric ulcer, reflux esophagitis (this is an inflammation of the esophageal mucosa due to the regular release of acid from the stomach).
It should be noted that pregnant women especially often suffer from heartburn (about 2/3 of expectant mothers face a similar problem). Its symptoms are a burning sensation in the throat and below, a feeling of a “lump”, an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth that does not go away for a long time. Discomfort can last from a couple of minutes to half an hour. However, all this is a normal physiological phenomenon that does not need to be alarmed. It is associated with the following factors:
- From the very first days of pregnancy, the hormone progesterone is intensively produced. It affects muscle tone, and in particular, relaxes the lower valve of the esophagus. As a result, acid from the stomach is partially thrown into the esophagus, and digestion slows down. Heartburn in the first trimester bothers a woman, usually immediately after eating, and sometimes occurs on an empty stomach. The attacks worsen when lying down.
- In the second trimester, the uterus grows and raises the internal organs. Since the esophageal sphincter is relaxed (the action of progesterone), food along with gastric juice in large quantities is thrown upward - heartburn only intensifies (especially during sudden movements, bending, or overeating).
- In the third trimester, the problem remains relevant, but closer to childbirth, the level of progesterone decreases, the fetal head moves downward. Accordingly, the pressure on the stomach decreases, and heartburn attacks gradually become less aggressive. After childbirth, the disease completely disappears.
Heartburn begins in a pregnant woman in the early stages and gradually subsides shortly before childbirth.
The degree of manifestation of heartburn largely depends on the nutritional culture of the expectant mother. If a woman often overeats and does not refuse unhealthy foods (fried, smoked), then severe discomfort can last for several hours.
In the meantime, you always need to be vigilant. After all, heartburn when carrying a child can also be a sign of a serious disorder in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis and ulcers, pancreatitis and cholelithiasis). Usually, other characteristic phenomena also occur: severe pain in the epigastric region, periodic nausea and vomiting. Of course, a woman always knows about the chronic diseases she has, but their primary occurrence during gestation cannot be ruled out.
Video: why pregnant women experience heartburn
Heartburn during pregnancy
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How often does it happen? Quite often, pregnant women face problems such as heartburn and stomach discomfort. In a normal situation, it is enough to simply take an antacid drug. But pregnant women should pay special attention to the choice of medications. Many qualified doctors prescribe Gastal for heartburn. During pregnancy, this drug can also be used. Will taking this remedy bring any unpleasant consequences? Let's try to figure it out.
Contraindications and adverse reactions
Gastal, like almost any medicine, has its contraindications:
- hypersensitivity of a woman’s body to aluminum or magnesium compounds, auxiliary components of tablets (for example, lactose intolerance);
- hypophosphatemia;
- severe renal failure;
- Alzheimer's disease.
This antacid should be used with caution by people who weigh less than 50 kg.
As for possible adverse reactions, if the correct dosage is observed, they usually do not occur. In some cases, the following manifestations are likely:
- nausea and vomiting;
- constipation or, conversely, diarrhea;
- allergic skin reaction;
- taste changes.
When should you not take Gastal?
All medications have contraindications for use - Gastal was no exception.
For all types of tablets, contraindications are:
- individual intolerance to the components of the drug (for example, aluminum or magnesium salts);
- renal failure (severe);
- children's age (up to 6 years).
For neutral, tasteless tablets, additional reasons for prohibiting use include certain diseases:
- intolerance to milk sugar (lactose);
- hypophosphatemia;
- deficiency of lactase (an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar);
- glucose-galactose malabsorption.
For patients suffering from chronic renal failure, the appointment of Gastal is possible subject to constant monitoring of the patient's condition.
Interaction with other medications
When Gastal is used simultaneously with certain chemicals, it can influence their action. So, for a pregnant woman it will be important that an antacid reduces the absorption of certain substances:
- folic acid;
- iron supplements;
- fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K);
- indirect anticoagulants;
- some antibiotics (for example, tetracyclines - by 90%, while Gastal does not affect the bioavailability of amoxicillin in any way).
To prevent these phenomena, Gastal must be taken separately from other medications: 1 hour or 2 hours after their use.
Features of taking Gastal when carrying a child
The dosage of Gastal for pregnant women, in principle, corresponds to that indicated in the instructions:
- If the body weight of the expectant mother is over 50 kg, then she can take 1-2 tablets 4-6 times daily (depending on the severity of symptoms). However, the maximum dosage is no more than 8 tablets.
- With a body weight of up to 50 kg, a woman can take only 1 tablet 4 times a day.
Gastal should be slowly dissolved approximately an hour after the next meal. It is important that the tablets are not swallowed whole or chewed.
The therapeutic course of treatment is a standard two weeks, after which it is necessary to take a break for some time.
Gastal by trimesters
The instructions for the drug say that its use is very undesirable during pregnancy, and its use is possible only in case of urgent need.
1st trimester
The use of Gastal is prohibited due to its negative effect on the fetus.
2nd trimester
The doctor is obliged to find an alternative to the dangerous Gastal.
3rd trimester
The appointment is very undesirable, but in exceptional cases it can be carried out under the responsibility of the attending physician and the patient.
Source: spuzom.com
Gastal analogues allowed during the gestational period
Antacid Gastal has a number of analogues, many of which can be taken by the expectant mother.
Table: Gastal analogues that the expectant mother can use
| Name | Active ingredients | Release form | Contraindications | Reception features |
| Maalox | Pills:
Suspension (one sachet contains 15 ml):
| Suspension and tablets. |
| The tablets are dissolved or chewed. 1 or 2 tablets should be taken 3-4 times every 1-2 hours. Drink Maalox after meals, plus before bed. Before use, the suspension should be mixed directly in the bag, kneading it well (the contents are not dissolved in water). One sachet (15 ml) is drunk 2 hours after meals, and also before bedtime. The daily dosage of sachets should not exceed more than 6 pieces. |
| Rennie |
| Chewable tablets There are options with menthol (cooling taste), mint or lemon flavor. |
| The tablets are chewed or kept in the mouth until completely dissolved. If heartburn occurs, take 1-2 tablets. Repeated use is possible no earlier than 2 hours later. The maximum daily dose is 11 tablets. |
| Gaviscon | Pills:
In Gaviscon Double Action the dose of the main substances is twice as high:
Suspension (contents per 10 ml):
| Chewable tablets (mint or lemon), suspension. |
| The tablets are taken orally, chewing well, after meals or before bedtime in a single amount of 2 to 4 pieces. When taking Gaviscon Double Action, the maximum dose per day is 16 tablets. The suspension is taken in an amount of 10–20 ml after meals and before bedtime. The maximum daily dose is 80 ml. |
| Almagel | In 5ml:
| Suspension |
| The suspension is consumed 30 minutes before meals 3-4 times a day, 1-3 spoons. Additionally, it is advisable to take the product before bed. During pregnancy, Almagel is allowed to be used for no more than 3 days. |
| Omeprazole (the drug belongs to the proton pump inhibitors - they do not neutralize hydrochloric acid, but reduce the secretion of gastric juice itself, used during pregnancy only in particularly difficult cases) | In microgranules: omeprazole - 20 mg In lyophilisate: in one bottle - 40 mg omeprazole | Ball-shaped microgranules, lyophilisate for solution preparation (intravenous administration) | Hypersensitivity to omeprazole | The daily dose of the drug is 10–20 mg. It is advisable to take microgranules before meals (preferably in the morning), without violating the integrity of their shell. Lyophilisate is administered one capsule per day |
| Pantoprazole (also a proton pump inhibitor, prescribed to reduce gastric acid production in pregnant women with stomach ulcers) | Pantoprazole – 20 mg | Pills |
| Prescribed from 20 to 40 mg per day, depending on the degree of the disease. During pregnancy, it is used only according to strict indications. |
Photo gallery: Gastal analogs that a pregnant woman can drink for heartburn
The Almagel suspension also contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide
The active components of Gaviscon are sodium alginate and calcium carbonate.
Maalox has a similar composition to Gastal and is available in the form of tablets and suspensions
Rennie does not contain aluminum, but does contain calcium carbonate.
Gastal: it’s not possible without an appointment, or it’s not possible at all?
One of the effective drugs for heartburn is Gastal. It is very convenient - the release form is tablets, has a wide range of pleasant tastes and can be taken in any conditions - even in public transport during rush hour, even on an airplane, even at work, even at home.
But for pregnant women, the use of this medicine is very undesirable. And some doctors are inclined to completely prohibit expectant mothers from using Gastal.
Prescription of the drug is possible only in exceptional cases of urgent need. Some attending physicians allow their patients to take a single dose of the drug if there is simply no other remedy at hand. But most doctors express an extremely negative opinion about the use of Gastal. One of the components of the drug eliminates the possibility of prescribing the drug to pregnant women.
Gastal contains aluminum - every expectant mother should know this.
