What are the uses and side effects of magnesium aluminum carbonate chewable tablets?

Under normal circumstances, the effects of hydrotalcite chewable tablets may include neutralizing gastric acid, relieving stomach pain, improving abdominal distension, protecting gastric mucosa, and treating bile reflux gastritis, etc. The possible side effects may include constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and changes in serum electrolytes, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Therapeutic Effects

1. Neutralizing Gastric Acid

Hydrotalcite chewable tablets are antacids with a layered network structure that can rapidly relieve mild discomfort symptoms caused by excessive gastric acid secretion, such as stomach burning sensation and heartburn, with a quick onset of action. Symptoms generally begin to alleviate shortly after administration.

2. Relieving Stomach Pain

Hydrotalcite chewable tablets reduce the irritation of gastric acid on the gastric mucosa and form a protective layer on the surface of the gastric mucosa, thereby reducing stimulation to pain receptors. They are effective in relieving mild stomach pain, such as dull pain caused by improper diet or gastric acid irritation.

3. Improving Abdominal Distension

Hydrotalcite chewable tablets can regulate gastric acid levels, help restore normal peristaltic function of the gastrointestinal tract, and reduce gastric motility insufficiency caused by gastric acid irritation, thereby alleviating abdominal distension.

4. Protecting Gastric Mucosa

Hydrotalcite chewable tablets can directly cover the surface of the gastric mucosa, forming a physical protective layer that prevents further damage from gastric acid, pepsin, and bile, while also promoting the repair and regeneration of gastric mucosa. For example, in cases of mucosal damage caused by superficial gastritis, they can protect the mucosa and promote its repair. Long-term use helps improve the health of the gastric mucosa.

5. Treating Bile Reflux Gastritis

Hydrotalcite chewable tablets have lipophilic and adsorptive properties, enabling them to adsorb bile in the stomach, preventing damage to the gastric mucosa from bile and reducing inflammatory responses. They can alleviate symptoms of bile reflux gastritis such as stomach pain, abdominal distension, heartburn, and bitter taste, while promoting the repair of gastric mucosa.

II. Side Effects

1. Constipation

Hydrotalcite chewable tablets may bind with water in the intestines, causing dry and hard stools, and may also affect normal intestinal peristalsis, leading to difficulty in defecation, which may be accompanied by discomfort such as abdominal distension and pain. Generally, this can be relieved by increasing dietary fiber intake and drinking more water.

2. Diarrhea

A small number of patients may be particularly sensitive to hydrotalcite chewable tablets, where the medication may stimulate the intestines, accelerate intestinal peristalsis, and impair digestion and absorption functions, leading to diarrhea, which may become watery in severe cases. Symptoms usually gradually subside after discontinuation of the medication.

3. Dry Mouth

The medication may affect the secretory function of salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva production and a sensation of dry mouth. Frequent water intake may be required to alleviate this, which could affect speaking and eating.

4. Loss of Appetite

Hydrotalcite chewable tablets may affect digestive function and taste perception in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to reduced interest in food and decreased appetite. Prolonged loss of appetite may result in weight loss and malnutrition.

5. Changes in Serum Electrolytes

Long-term and excessive use of hydrotalcite chewable tablets may affect the body's electrolyte balance. For example, accumulation of aluminum ions in the body may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of electrolytes such as calcium and phosphorus. Hypophosphatemia may occur, manifesting as fatigue, poor appetite, bone pain, etc. It may also affect calcium absorption, leading to decreased blood calcium levels and symptoms such as hand and foot cramps.

Hydrotalcite chewable tablets can be used in combination with other acid-suppressing agents and gastric motility-enhancing drugs, but specific treatment plans should be determined based on the patient's condition and medical advice. At the same time, concomitant use with drugs that may affect the efficacy of hydrotalcite or increase the risk of adverse reactions should be avoided.