Antacil contains Hydroxyl, Magnesium, Trisilicate, and Kaolin, which are effective in neutralizing acid and forming a protective layer over gastric and duodenal ulcers. The medication also helps alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, indigestion caused by excess stomach acid.
1. What does Antacil treat?
Use of Antacil is commonly prescribed for acid neutralization and ulcer protection in the treatment of peptic ulcers. It also helps alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, or indigestion caused by excess stomach acid.
Ingredients in Antacil:
- Dry aluminum hydroxide gel in Antacil (an inorganic salt in the antacid group): When this compound is absorbed by the body and reacts with excess hydrochloric acid, it can help alleviate symptoms associated with gastric ulcers, such as heartburn, acid reflux, protecting the ulcer site...
- Magnesium trisilicate: Neutralizes stomach acids. This ingredient also increases osmotic pressure in the intestines and stimulates the release of cholecystokinin, which helps inhibit water and electrolyte absorption. Therefore, it can also be used as a laxative.
- Kaolin: This component enhances adhesion to the stomach lining, forming a protective coating over ulcers and improving acid neutralization in the stomach.
2. Dosage and usage instructions for Antacil in disease treatment
Antacil is used as prescribed by a doctor. The medication should be chewed in tablet form before swallowing with a small amount of water. It is taken 1 to 2 hours after meals and before bedtime.
For adults, the recommended dosage is 1 to 2 tablets per dose, taken 3 to 4 times a day, after meals 1 to 2 hours, and as directed by a doctor. This dosage is for reference only and should not be applied to all individuals. Depending on the specific case, physical condition, and severity of the illness, the doctor will adjust the dosage appropriately to ensure effective treatment.
Moreover, before using Antacil, carefully read the instructions, and if you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor for clarification and appropriate guidance.
If an overdose occurs while using Antacil and leads to an emergency, call emergency services or go to the nearest local medical facility for immediate assistance. Moreover, patients should also record or bring a list of all medications they have used, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, to help the doctor identify the cause and manage the situation correctly.
If a patient forgets to take a dose according to dosage instructions, they should take it as soon as they remember. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and proceed with the next dose at the prescribed time.
3. Unwanted side effects of using Antacil
Antacil is not indicated for use in patients with kidney failure. In some cases, the use of this medication may cause unwanted side effects, such as:
- Constipation or diarrhea due to the drug's effects on intestinal motility and the production of Aluminum and Magnesium ions.
- Increased acid secretion in the gastric fluids.
However, these side effects only occur during the period of drug use. Therefore, if you experience any unwanted side effects while using the medication, you should discontinue use to minimize adverse reactions and inform your doctor. If the condition becomes urgent, the patient should be taken to the nearest medical facility for timely management.
4. Precautions when using Antacil
Antacil may contain antacid components that cause acid rebound symptoms (increased acid secretion or gastric fluid production). However, this effect is clinically minimal. Likely due to buffering systems in the antacid formulation.
In cases of hypophosphatemia resulting from prolonged use of aluminum hydroxide, symptoms of hypophosphatemia may occur in patients with normal phosphate blood levels due to insufficient phosphate absorption. In more severe cases, hypophosphatemia may lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, depression, muscle weakness, or osteoporosis.
For patients with impaired kidney function, the daily dosage of Antacil should be cautiously monitored. Reduced excretion of magnesium ions can lead to hypermagnesemia, which is toxic to the body. About 5 to 20% of magnesium salts can be absorbed when taken orally.
In cases of gastrointestinal bleeding, caution is needed when using aluminum hydroxide, particularly for upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Prolonged use of aluminum hydroxide in patients with kidney disease may cause or exacerbate osteoporosis.
Most antacid medications do not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, pregnant women should consult their doctor before using antacid-containing medications. While the adverse effects of aluminum, calcium, and magnesium on breastfeeding women are unproven, these compounds may be excreted in breast milk.
Additionally, antacids can increase gastric pH, altering the disintegration, dissolution, or ionization of certain drugs, and may be related to changing gastric emptying times. Moreover, they can reduce the absorption of weakly acidic drugs, thereby decreasing their efficacy. Conversely, Antacil can increase the absorption of weakly basic drugs, which may lead to toxicity or adverse reactions.
The antacid in Antacil may absorb or bind to other medications on its surface, potentially reducing their bioavailability. Furthermore, antacids can increase urine pH, affecting the excretion rates of drugs and inhibiting the excretion of weakly basic drugs.
Antacil may interact with foods such as alcohol, squash, or spicy and irritating foods, exacerbating symptoms in patients. Therefore, individuals undergoing treatment for gastric ulcers should avoid these types of food during therapy.
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