Antacids are indispensable for heartburn, especially if it is caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If this condition is observed in a child, then it is worth choosing the safest and most proven remedy. This is Fosfalugel for children, the instruction assumes use even in newborns.
Material Content:
The composition of the antacid drug
Antacid action is provided by 20% aluminum phosphate in the composition. One bag contains 16 g of gel for oral use, 10.4 g is the active substance, the rest is auxiliary components (sorbitol, agar-agar, pectin, potassium sorbate, calcium sulfate, purified water). Also in the composition is a flavoring that gives the medicine an orange flavor. Due to this, the emulsion is easy to drink.
Pharmacological properties and indications for use
The main effect of 0.2 aluminum phosphate is that the substance neutralizes hydrochloric acid, thereby lowering the acidity of gastric juice. Thanks to this, Phosphalugel helps to cope with acid-dependent diseases.
It is effective in such diseases:
- gastritis with high acidity;
- esophagitis, including reflux esophagitis;
- peptic ulcer.
Also, the drug has an enveloping and absorbing effect. It is effective in case of poisoning, as it envelops and protects the gastric mucosa, removes toxins from the body.
Due to its absorbent properties, the drug is suitable for the treatment of not only manifestations of intoxication, but also intestinal infections.Active substances remove accumulated pathogenic microorganisms.
Note. Phosphalugel with rotovirus is used exclusively as part of complex therapy under the supervision of a physician.
The drug can also be used for disorders of the digestive tract, which are accompanied by difficulty in digestion, and, accordingly, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting, and upset stool. The tool is effective in case of dyspepsia caused by errors in nutrition, bad habits. It fights heartburn, belching sour, flatulence, bloating and pain.
At what age can a child be given?
The advantage of Phosphalugel is that it belongs to non-absorbable antacids. The active substance of the drug is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, does not bind food enzymes, does not affect the water-electrolyte balance and does not violate the phosphorus-calcium metabolism. These features of antacid make it safe for children. But from what age can the medicine be used?
Due to its harmlessness, Phosphalugel can be used from birth. But it is worth remembering that the course of treatment is no more than 2 weeks.
Instructions and dosage for children
According to the instructions for use, the treatment regimen depends on the type of disease.
Depending on why the unpleasant symptoms occurred, the medicine is drunk as follows:
- esophagitis, reflux disease - after eating, as well as before bedtime;
- functional disorders - in the morning on an empty stomach and at night;
- gastritis - before eating;
- peptic ulcer - 1-2 hours after eating.
The medicine is taken in its pure form, it does not need to be diluted with water or another liquid. If the baby refuses to drink the gel, then you can dilute it in 50 ml of water.
Dosage depends on the age of the child. For babies up to 6 months, 1/4 sachet is enough (this is 1 tsp.). If the child is older than six months of age, then the dose is increased by 2 times. It is 1/2 sachet or 2 tsp. The medication should be associated with feeding, but the frequency of use of antacid is not more than 4 times a day. Children over 6 years old are allowed to give 1-2 sachets 2-3 times a day.
Note. Phosphalugel with vomiting in a child can be taken in a double dose, but such a decision must be approved by a doctor.
The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the pediatrician. In some cases, a single dose is sufficient. If after a week of treatment the symptoms do not subside, then you should contact the hospital.
Drug interaction
Since the drug has antacid properties, it affects the effectiveness of other drugs taken. Drugs that are absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract should be taken 2 hours before or after taking antacid. If treatment is carried out with funds from the group of fluoroquinolones, then the break should be 4 hours.
Phosphalugel to the greatest extent reduces the effectiveness of such drugs:
- tetracyclines;
- quinolones;
- glycosides;
- iron preparations;
- salicylates;
- H2 histamine receptor blockers;
- barbiturates;
- indirect anticoagulants and others.
If you have to combine antacid with other medicines, you should first consult with your doctor about the consequences of such an interaction.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
This antacid drug is quite safe, it has practically no contraindications for use. The only limitations are individual intolerance and renal failure. Also, do not start taking medication for chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Side effects for the drug are also rare. The medicine is well tolerated even by the smallest patients. Rarely, constipation occurs, but it is easy to remove with laxatives or antacid withdrawal. Sorbitol in the composition can lead to the development of diarrhea.
An allergic reaction to the drug, nausea and vomiting are even less common. Treatment in this case is not required. Unpleasant symptoms disappear by themselves after stopping the antacid.
Note.The likelihood of allergies increases with an increased sensitivity of the baby to the components in the composition.
As for excess doses, an overdose is accompanied by an increase in adverse reactions. High probability of constipation in the baby, since aluminum phosphate inhibits intestinal motility. In some cases, even intestinal obstruction is possible. In order not to endanger the baby, do not exceed the doses indicated in the instructions.
Phosphalugel should be used only after examination by a pediatrician. You can not give medicine to the baby if the cause of the symptoms has not been clarified.
