Drugs Used in Peptic Ulcers
Robin Brain
August 30, 2008
Megaldrate (Ulgel 400 mg)
It is a complex form of magnesium and aluminium and acts quickly and for longer time. It is commonly used in combination with simethicone which is defoaming agent.
Magnesium Hydroxide
This watery suspension is called milk of magnesia. Magnesium hydroxide is more effective than aluminium hydroxide. Its full dose causes diarrhoea. Small amounts which are absorbed cannot be removed efficiently in persons with impaired kidney function. Therefore, small doses are used. Because of opposite effects of aluminium and magnesium salts on bowel movements, these two are usually combined.
Calcium Carbonate
Although it is a strong and quick acting antacid, it liberates carbon dioxide gas causing a marked discomfort and stomach distension. The rebound acid production (acid rebound) is highest with it. It may cause constipation. Milk alkali syndrome occurred in those persons who took calcium carbonate and a lot of milk. The symptoms of this are headache, vomiting, weakness, abnormal calcium deposits and kidney stones. Therefore, nowadays it is not preferred.
Antacid Combinations
A number of antacid preparations have two or more antacids.
Liquid Digene is a combination of magnesium hydroxide 185 mg, aluminium hydroxide 830 mg, carboxymethylcellulose 100 mg and methyl polysilosane 25 mg in 10ml.
Liquid Gelusil is a combination of magnesium trisilicate 6.25 mg, aluminium hydroxide gel 312 mg in 5 mt.
Polycrol Forte Gel is a combination of magnesium hydroxide 100 mg, aluminium hydroxide 250 mg and dimethicone 125 mg in liquid form.
They are considered better than single drug formulation because of their following merits:
Quick onset (magnesium salt) and longer duration (aluminium salt) of action.
Avoidance of constipation (aluminium) or diarrhoea (magnesium).
Stomach emptying is undisturbed (aluminium salts delay while magnesium salts hasten).
Reduction of dose of individual drug reduces systemic affects.
In many preparations methyl polysiloxane (MPS) is added which helps to collapse froth and improve dispersion of antacids in the stomach cavity.
Antacids are available as OTC drugs for relief from pain and heartburn. They are rarely used for healing of ulcers; they would be needed in very large dosages which would be inconvenient to take and would also upset the bowel movement and cause acid rebound. Liquids are better than tablets. If taken, tablets must be chewed and gulped down with water. Availability of better drugs has also reduced their utility.
It is a complex form of magnesium and aluminium and acts quickly and for longer time. It is commonly used in combination with simethicone which is defoaming agent.
Magnesium Hydroxide
This watery suspension is called milk of magnesia. Magnesium hydroxide is more effective than aluminium hydroxide. Its full dose causes diarrhoea. Small amounts which are absorbed cannot be removed efficiently in persons with impaired kidney function. Therefore, small doses are used. Because of opposite effects of aluminium and magnesium salts on bowel movements, these two are usually combined.
Calcium Carbonate
Although it is a strong and quick acting antacid, it liberates carbon dioxide gas causing a marked discomfort and stomach distension. The rebound acid production (acid rebound) is highest with it. It may cause constipation. Milk alkali syndrome occurred in those persons who took calcium carbonate and a lot of milk. The symptoms of this are headache, vomiting, weakness, abnormal calcium deposits and kidney stones. Therefore, nowadays it is not preferred.
Antacid Combinations
A number of antacid preparations have two or more antacids.
Liquid Digene is a combination of magnesium hydroxide 185 mg, aluminium hydroxide 830 mg, carboxymethylcellulose 100 mg and methyl polysilosane 25 mg in 10ml.
Liquid Gelusil is a combination of magnesium trisilicate 6.25 mg, aluminium hydroxide gel 312 mg in 5 mt.
Polycrol Forte Gel is a combination of magnesium hydroxide 100 mg, aluminium hydroxide 250 mg and dimethicone 125 mg in liquid form.
They are considered better than single drug formulation because of their following merits:
Quick onset (magnesium salt) and longer duration (aluminium salt) of action.
Avoidance of constipation (aluminium) or diarrhoea (magnesium).
Stomach emptying is undisturbed (aluminium salts delay while magnesium salts hasten).
Reduction of dose of individual drug reduces systemic affects.
In many preparations methyl polysiloxane (MPS) is added which helps to collapse froth and improve dispersion of antacids in the stomach cavity.
Antacids are available as OTC drugs for relief from pain and heartburn. They are rarely used for healing of ulcers; they would be needed in very large dosages which would be inconvenient to take and would also upset the bowel movement and cause acid rebound. Liquids are better than tablets. If taken, tablets must be chewed and gulped down with water. Availability of better drugs has also reduced their utility.
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