| Alginic Acid Pharmacology |
| Alginic Acid |
| About Alginic Acid |
| Naturally occurring hydrophilic colloidal polysaccharide, Protective agent against GERDs. |
| Mechanism of Action of Alginic Acid |
| This naturally occurring hydrophilic colloidal polysaccharide obtained from Sargassum Seaweeds reacts with saliva and produces a foamy froth that layers on the liquid in the stomach. Alginic acid powder swells when wetted with water. This may prevent reflux of acid into the esophagus by keeping the gastric contents in place and reduce the likelihood of reflux irritating the lining of the esophagus. The sodium calcium alginate fibres in haemostatic wound dressings absorbed by body fluids, as the calcium in the fiber is exchanged for sodium from the body fluids mixed salts of sodium and calcium alginate, and processed into non-woven fabric that is used in wound dressings. It binds with heavy metals and radioactive substances to its own molecules. It cannot be broken down by bile or saliva to be absorbed and secreted from the body together with heavy metals and radioactive substances. |
| Pharmacokinets of Alginic Acid |
| When ingested, almost all of the alginic acid remains undigested and is excreted either unchanged or as an alginate. |
| Onset of Action for Alginic Acid |
| N/A |
| Duration of Action for Alginic Acid |
| 30 to 60 minutes |
| Half Life of Alginic Acid |
| N/A |
| Side Effects of Alginic Acid |
| 1. Abdominal distension 2. Flatulence 3. Chalky taste in your mouth 4. Constipation 5. Diarrhea 6. Nausea 7. Vomiting. |
| Contra-indications of Alginic Acid |
| 1. Hypersensitivity to the drug 2. Heart failure. 3. Renal failure. |
| Special Precautions while taking Alginic Acid |
| 1.Allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances 2.Alzheimer disease 3.Appendicitis 4.Diarrhoea 5.Stomach blockage 6.Kidney problems 7.Liver problems 8.Ileostomy 9.Congestive heart failure 10.Decreased urination 11.Fluid retention 12.Rectal bleeding of unknown cause 13.Recently had stomach bleeding 14.Patient on low salt diet |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Old Age Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Children Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Indications for Alginic Acid |
| 1. Heartburn (including heartburn of pregnancy) 2. Dyspepsia 3. Reflux oesophagitis 4. Hiatus hernia. 5. Protect inflamed areas near the entrance to the stomach (Sodium alginate) |
| Interactions for Alginic Acid |
| N/A |
| Typical Dosage for Alginic Acid |
| Take the drug as directed by the physician. |
| Schedule of Alginic Acid |
| N/A |
| Storage Requirements for Alginic Acid |
| Store below 25?C in a tightly closed container. |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Alginic Acid |
| Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Effects of Overdose of Alginic Acid |
| Give symptomatic and supportive treatment. |