Gefal

Gefalum

International Non-proprietary Name

Aluminum phosphate.

Aluminium phosphate.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Adsorbents, coating agents. Antacids.

Composition

Gel (suspension), containing 90 mg of phosphate aluminum per 1 mL.

Pharmacological action

Pharmacodynamics

Gefal — is a nonabsorbable antacid, based on phosphate aluminum gel. The preparation exhibits acid-neutralizing, adsorbing and coating action. It rapidly decreases intracavitary acidity of gastric juice to physiological pH values. It maintains normal stomach acidity level, not interfering with digestion for a prolonged period of time. Due to the complex surface of gel particles it can bind and eliminate toxic substances from the stomach. It forms protective film on the mucosa of gastro-intestinal tract, promotes restoration of mucosa cells and ulcer healing.

In clinical practice is used as ready to use white viscous suspension, with sweetish taste, with aromatic flavor odor.

Pharmacokinetics

Following oral administration aluminum phosphate practically does not enter systemic blood flow. It is eliminated with faeces.

Indications

Gefal is intended for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, erosive gastritis; as symptomatic agent during dyspepsia, eructation and heartburn, as well as for prevention of mucosa lesions during therapy with agents having ulcerogenic properties.

Administration and recommended dosages

Shake the contents of the vial before use. For adults: orally 1—3 tablespoons, for children 7 - 15 years — 1—3 teaspoons every 3—6 hours 40—60 minutes after food intake and at bedtime.

Special indications

Tetracycline antibiotics, iron preparations, cardiac glycosides and some other medicines should be used not earlier than 2 hours after Gefal intake. One teaspoon contains 0.3 g of sugar, tablespoon — 0.9 g of sugar.

Side effects

When administered in large doses  for a prolonged period of time the preparation can cause constipation.

Contraindications

Chronic renal failure is a contraindication for Gefal administration; hypersensitivity or intolerance to the preparation containing aluminum salts; marked constipation.

Precautions

The preparation should be administered with caution in kidneys disease, hepatic cirrhosis, marked heart failure; in edemas; after recent gastro-intestinal hemorrhage; during pregnancy and lactation. In elderly patients the increase of serum aluminum concentrations can occur.

Drug interactions

Decreases absorption of furosemide, tetracyclines, digoxin, isoniazid, indomethacin, ranitidine.

Overdosage

Symptoms: reduced bowel motility.

Treatment: administration of laxative agents.

Presentation

Gefal (oral suspension) is available in bottles of 230 g.