Bismuth preparations

Bismuth preparations are widely used when necessary to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and inflammation. This drug is an amphoric white powder with a fine crystalline structure. It does not dissolve in water or alcohol, but it dissolves very easily in hydrochloric acid.

The main effect of bismuth preparations is anti-inflammatory and astringent. For this reason, the drug is administered exclusively inside, as an antacid and astringent in the case of gastrointestinal disorders and diseases, for example, such as peptic ulcer of the duodenum or stomach, with different forms of colitis, enteritis.

Dosage for adults is from 0.25 to 0.5 grams, children 0.1-0.3 grams. It is taken approximately 3 times a day, certainly half an hour before meals.

The main component of this drug is bismuth nitrate. As a rule, it is a part of such drugs as "Vikalin" or "Vikair". In addition to internal use, the medicine can be used for skin diseases that are inflammatory in nature, as a powder or ointments.

The above bismuth preparations take about one or two tablets after eating, squeezed with a small amount of warm water. As a rule, the course of treatment is from one to three months.

Bismuth in the medicine is in a special place. Not so long ago, these drugs were used as an antacid, which is shown with increased acidity and ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In the process of internal administration, bismuth preparations sufficiently quickly neutralize hydrochloric acid and exert a pronounced antacid therapeutic effect.

In the process of neutralizing hydrochloric acid, bismuth containing preparations can cause the release of carbon dioxide. It has a slight stimulating effect on some receptors of the gastric mucosa, thereby strengthening the secretion of gastrin, and secretion may also be slightly increased. In addition, when taking a large dose of medicine, the antacid can begin to be absorbed into the blood and thereby cause certain disturbances in acid-base balance. It is for this reason, at the present time, when there are safer bismuth preparations, the choice is to stop on them.

As for the treatment of problems associated with the formation of peptic ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract, the treatment can be complex. But the main and effective role in it is given precisely to the described drugs. Since their main action is astringent and soft enveloping.

Apply these drugs for many years. They are able to suppress the activity of pepsin, inhibit the diffusion of hydrogen ions, stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate and glycoproteins of the entire gastric mucosa. As for the effect on the ulcer itself, the drug covers the surface of it, and also increases the production of mucus. All bismuth-containing preparations have an active antibacterial effect. As a rule, monotherapy with these drugs leads to the complete destruction of inflammation. Even more effect is enhanced in combination with antibacterial drugs.

For drugs that have similar properties to bismuth-containing medicines, you can also include "Omeprazole". It suppresses the phases of gastric secretion for a long time. The effect of this medication begins approximately two hours after ingestion. In the process of treatment with the taking of the drug, one capsule per day, after 4 days, a constant concentration in the blood is achieved. After cancellation after about 5 days the secretion of acid hydrochloric acid is completely restored. For more effective treatment, antibiotics are usually added.