Gelusil: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Stomach is an important part of the digestive process, it secretes gastric juice to digest food. However, when the stomach secretes too much acid, it causes uncomfortable symptoms, even pathology. At that time, the patient needs to use drugs that neutralize stomach acid such as Gelusil. So what is Gelusil?

1. What is Gelusil?

What is Gelusil? Gelusil is a product used to treat the symptoms of stomach acid production such as stomach pain, heartburn and indigestion. In addition, Gelusil is also used to relieve symptoms such as belching, flatulence, reduce the feeling of stomach/intestinal tightness. Simethicone is the active ingredient in Gelusil, which helps to break up air bubbles in the digestive tract. At the same time, other ingredients such as aluminum and magnesium will provide a quick neutralizing effect, reducing acid in the stomach.
Patients should note that liquid antacids will work faster and better than tablets or capsules. Gelusil only works to neutralize excess acid in the stomach and does not work to prevent the stomach from producing acid. Therefore, Gelusil can be used alone or in combination with drugs that inhibit stomach acid production (including H2-antihistamines such as cimetidine/ranitidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole). Some products have the same brand name as Gelusil but have different ingredients and uses.

2. Instructions for using Gelusil

Gelusil is taken by mouth, usually after meals and at bedtime. Patients should follow all instructions on the Gelusil product packaging or as directed by their doctor. If you are taking Gelusil chewable tablets, chew well before swallowing, then drink plenty of water (about 240 ml).
If you are using the liquid form of Gelusil, please shake the bottle well before each dose and use the measuring device that comes with the bottle to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon to measure Gelusil as it may not be the correct dose.
Patients can refrigerate the Gelusil solution to improve the taste, but absolutely do not freeze. The liquid form of Gelusil works best when taken without other solutions.
Gelusil may react with other drugs (including digoxin, iron, pazopanib, tetracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics) and prevent their complete absorption. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your patient's medication schedule to prevent this problem.
If symptoms of excess stomach acid persist or worsen after 1 week of taking Gelusil or if you think you have a serious problem, seek medical attention immediately. instantly.

3. Gelusil side effects

Gelusil may cause nausea, constipation, diarrhea or headache. If these signs persist or become severe while taking Gelusil, the user should notify the doctor as soon as possible.
The magnesium ingredient in Gelusil can cause diarrhea. In contrast, the aluminum contained in Gelusil can cause constipation. To minimize constipation, patients should drink plenty of water and exercise. According to statistics, the risk of diarrhea caused by Gelusil will be higher than that of constipation.
Gelusil antacids contain aluminum that can bind to phosphates - an important body chemical found in the intestinal tract. This can cause low phosphate levels, especially if the patient is taking Gelusil in large doses and for a long time. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of hypophosphatemia, such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness.
Some unwanted but serious side effects of Gelusil can occur and call your doctor right away including: dizziness, fainting.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects of Gelusil occur:
Black or tarry stools; Slow/shallow breathing; slow/irregular heartbeat; Mental/mood changes (eg, confusion); Deep sleep; Pain when urinating; Stomachache; The vomit looks like coffee grounds.

4. Notes when using Gelusil

Before taking Gelusil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to aluminum hydroxide, magnesium, simethicone or any other allergies. If a patient has any of the following health problems, consult a doctor or pharmacist before using Gelusil: regular alcohol use, severe dehydration, kidney problems (including kidney stones).
Gelusil contains aspartame. If the patient has phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition, the consumption of aspartame (or phenylalanine) should be limited. Then consult your doctor or pharmacist about using Gelusil safely. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor or pharmacist about whether to use Gelusil.
During pregnancy, Gelusil should be used only when clearly needed after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor. Gelusil can pass into breast milk, so nursing mothers should consult a doctor before use.

5. Gelusil drug interactions

If the patient is taking Gelusil under the direction of a doctor, the doctor or pharmacist is aware of possible drug interactions and will instruct the patient to monitor them. Therefore, the patient should not arbitrarily start, stop or change the dose of any medicine taken with Gelusil before being prescribed by the doctor.
Before using Gelusil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if the patient is taking any of the following herbal products, prescription and over-the-counter medicines: phosphate supplements (potassium phosphate), sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of many other medicines, so be sure to check with your pharmacist before taking an antacid (such as Gelusil) with any other medicine. This document does not contain all possible interactions of the drug Gelusil. Therefore, before using Gelusil, patients should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all the products they are using.
Lifestyle changes such as taking measures to reduce stress, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and changing your diet (avoiding caffeine, avoiding fatty foods and certain spices) can increase effectiveness. results of the drug Gelusil. If you are taking Gelusil on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose of Gelusil, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose.
Gelusil should be stored away from light and moisture. Liquid Gelusil medicinal products can be stored in the refrigerator to improve taste, however do not freeze the medicine, do not store the medicine in the bathroom and keep the product away from children and pets. Do not flush Gelusil down the toilet or down the drain unless it has expired or is no longer in use.
Gelusil is a product used to treat the symptoms of an overproduction of stomach acid. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment, patients need to take medicine according to prescription or follow the instructions of a doctor or pharmacist.

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Reference source: webmd.com