Almagel A

Almagel A Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Benzocaine, an ester local anaesthetic, blocks the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses by decreasing the neuronal membrane’s permeability to Na ions, which results in inhibition of depolarisation with resultant blockade of conduction.

Benzocaine is indicated for use as a topical anesthetic. It has a duration of action of approximately 10 minutes and a wide therapeutic window. Patients should be counselled regarding the risks of methemoglobinemia.

Magnesium hydroxide increases peristaltic activity causing osmotic retention of fluids, thus resulting in bowel evacuation. It also reduces stomach acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid to form Mg chloride.

As an antacid, magnesium hydroxide suspension neutralizes gastric acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form magnesium chloride and water. It is practically insoluble in water and does not have any effect until it reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. There, it decreases the direct acid irritant effect and increases the pH in the stomach leading to inactivation of pepsin. Magnesium hydroxide enhances the integrity of the mucosal barrier of the stomach as well as improving the tone of both the gastric and esophageal sphincters.

As a laxative, the magnesium hydroxide works by increasing the osmotic effect in the intestinal tract and drawing water in. This creates distension of the colon which results in an increase in peristaltic movement and bowel evacuation.

Almagel A
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Almagel A
Generic	Algeldrate + Benzocaine + Magnesium Hydroxide
Type
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country	Russia
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

For the temporary relief of pain due to minor injury or irritation of the mouth and gums like Toothache, Sore gums, Canker sores, Braces, Minor dental procedures, Dentures

Acid regurgitation, Constipation, Gastric ulcer, Gastrointestinal hyperacidity, Heartburn, Indigestion, Non ulcer dyspepsia, Osmotic laxative

Almagel A is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Sore Throat Pain, Dental Pain, Gangrene Stomatitis, Gingivitis, Hemorrhoids, Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Premature Ejaculation, Secondary Bacterial Infection caused by Tonsillectomy, Secondary Bacterial Infection caused by Tooth Extractions, Skin Irritation, Sore Throat, Stomatitis, Sunburn, Teething pain, Tonsillitis, Tooth Pain, Vomiting, Pruritic dermatosis, Ulceration of the mouth, Buccopharyngeal anesthesiaAcid indigestion, Colic, Constipation, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gastric Ulcer, Heartburn, Upset stomach, Antacid therapy, Gastric Acid Suppression

How Almagel A works

Benzocaine diffuses into nerve cells where it binds to sodium channels, preventing the channels from opening, and blocking the influx of sodium ions. Nerve cells unable to allow sodium into cells cannot depolarize and conduct nerve impulses.

The suspension of magnesium hydroxide is ingested and enters the stomach. According to the amount ingested, the magnesium hydroxide will either act as an antacid or a laxative.

Through the ingestion of 0.5-1.5 grams (in adults) the magnesium hydroxide will act by simple acid neutralization in the stomach. The hydroxide ions from the magnesium hydroxide suspension will combine with the acidic H+ ions of the hydrochloric acid made by the stomachs parietal cells. This neutralization reaction will result in the formation of magnesium chloride and water.

Through the ingestion of 2-5 grams (in adults) the magnesium hydroxide acts as a laxative in the colon. The majority of the suspension is not absorbed in the intestinal tract and will create an osmotic effect to draw water into the gut from surrounding tissues. With this increase of water in the intestines, the feces will soften and the intraluminal volume of the feces will increase. These effects still stimulate intestinal motility and induce the urge to defecate. Magnesium hydroxide will also release cholecystokinin (CKK) in the intestines which will accumulate water and electrolytes in the lumen and furthermore increase intestinal motility.

Dosage

Almagel A dosage

Apply to the affected area up to 4 times daily or as directed by a doctor/dentist. Children under 12 years of age should be supervised during the use of this product. Children under 2 years of age should be consulted to a doctor/dentist prior to the use of this product. An easy application might be done by fixing applicator on the tube’s nozzle. After application, supplied cap should be fixed on top of the applicator.

Gastrointestinal hyperacidity:

Adult: Up to 1 g daily, usually given in conjunction with an aluminium-containing antacid eg, aluminium hydroxide.

Osmotic laxative:

Adult: 2.4-4.8 g daily as a single dose or in divided doses.
Child: 6-11 yr: 1.2-2.4 g daily; 2-5 yr: 0.4-1.2 g daily. Doses may be given as a single dose or in divided doses.

Side Effects

Side effects are less common. The side effects include allergies, swelling in the mouth or throatetc.

GI irritation, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps; hypermagnesaemia (in patients with renal impairment). Paralytic ileus.

Toxicity

Patients experiencing an overdose may present with local anesthetic systemic toxicity syndrome, decreased cardiovascular function, decreased central nervous system function, cardiac arrest, bradycardia, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, and seizures. Patients should be treated with symptomatic and supportive measures which include airway maintenance, controlling seizures, and hemodynamic stabilization.

LD50=8500 mg/kg (rat, oral)

Common side effects include drowsiness or flushing (warmth, redness or tingly feeling).

Daily use of magnesium hydroxide can result in fluid and electrolyte disturbances.

Excessive use of the laxative effects of magnesium hydroxide may result in abdominal cramping, nausea and/or diarrhea.

In overdose, symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation and/or watery diarrhea may occur.

Magnesium hydroxide poisoning can result in hypermagnesemia which includes symptoms of: nausea, vomiting, flushing, thirst, hypotension, drowsiness, confusion, loss of tendon reflexes, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, coma and cardiac arrest.

Not to be used in individuals with any form of kidney disease or renal failure, a magnesium restricted diet or with any sudden changes in bowel movement lasting over two weeks. Also not to be used in those individuals with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis or myocardial damage, heart block, fecal impaction, rectal fissures, intestinal obstruction or perforation or renal disease. Not to be used in women who are about to deliver as magnesium crosses the placenta and is excreted in small amounts in breast milk.

Using magnesium hydroxide with aluminum hydroxide can decrease the absorption rate of these drugs.

Magnesium hydroxide can react with digoxin, dicoumerol and cimetidine.

Use of ibuprofen with magnesium hydroxide can increase the absorption of the ibuprofen.

Use of magnesium hydroxide with penicallamine, bisphosphates, ketoconazole, quinolones or tetracycline can decrease the absorption of these drugs.

Enteric-coated tablets can be prematurely released when taken with magnesium hydroxide.

It is important to routinely monitor levels of serum magnesium and potassium in patients using magnesium hydroxide. Serum magnesium levels are necessary to determine how much magnesium is being absorbed and how much is being excreted by the kidneys. Excessive diarrhea can occur from use of magnesium hydroxide and thus it is important to also monitor serum potassium levels to ensure hypokalemia does not occur.

Precaution

Patient with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease; smokers. Children, Pregnancy and lactation.

Colostomy, ileostomy; electrolyte imbalance. Monitor for toxicity in patients with impaired renal function. Pregnancy.

Interaction

May antagonise the therapeutic effect of sulfonamides. Anticholinesterases may inhibit the metabolism benzocaine.

Decreases absorption of tetracyclines and biphosphonates. Separate administration of these and other drugs by around 2 hr.

Volume of Distribution

The peak action and distribution of magnesium hydroxide are variable.

Elimination Route

About 15%-50% of magnesium hydroxide is absorbed very slowly through the small intestine.

Half Life

N/A

Clearance

Magnesium hydroxide is mainly excreted in the urine by the kidneys. Since the kidneys play a major role in its clearance, individuals with renal failure are at risk of hypermagnesemia with long term consumption as the appropriate amounts of magnesium may not be excreted.

Elimination Route

After oral administration, up to 50% of the magnesium hydroxide suspension may be absorbed as magnesium ions through the small intestines and then rapidly excreted in the urine through the kidneys. The unabsorbed drug is mainly excreted in the feces and saliva.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Pregnancy category- A.