NATURPHARMA REFALGIN for gastroesophageal reflux x 20 tabl
Refalgin / Refalgin tablets are indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and its associated symptoms, including:
- Acid regurgitation
- Stomach acids
- Stomach pyrosis during pregnancy
- Indigestion associated with regurgitation of stomach contents
- A cough
- Husky voice
- Nasopharyngeal inflammations
The product can be used for a long time as prevention and prophylaxis during treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
7 reasons to take Refalgin / Refalgin for heartburn:
- Fast acting: onset of symptom control within 3 minutes of ingestion
- Long-acting: symptom control for more than 4 hours
- Powerful effect comparable to that of PPIs
- Mechanical effect: creates a natural barrier between the stomach and esophagus
- It can also be taken for a long time as adjunctive therapy in NSAID treatment
- It can be used in children
- Therapy based on the recommendations of the World Organization of Gastroenterology
Useful information:
Acid-related diseases
Increased gastric acidity is a condition that accompanies gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer-like dyspepsia, and peptic ulcer disease.
Ulcers
Duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer are known as peptic ulcer and are open lesions on the mucous membrane. The two main causes of ulcers are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Once formed, the ulcer becomes a prerequisite for increased damage to the mucosa, provoked by the high acidity and the enzyme pepsin contained in the gastric juice.
Therefore, one of the therapeutic approaches is to reduce the acidity of the environment, which leads to a reduction of the direct aggressive effect, and also to the indirect effect of reducing the activity of pepsin, which is active in a highly acidic environment (pH 1-2) .
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
The condition affects up to 30% of the population in European countries and is caused by gastric contents entering the esophagus. Unlike the gastric mucosa, the esophagus is not resistant to the highly acidic and aggressive environment characteristic of gastric juice, and this leads to its damage and the appearance of symptoms that reduce the quality of life of patients.
The most important element of the anti-reflux barrier is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) , which is an involuntary muscle structure that, when shortened, prevents the passage of stomach contents in the opposite direction (reflux) from the stomach to the esophagus. The cause of gastroesophageal reflux is transient relaxation of the DES, in which spontaneous, unprovoked by ingestion of food, the DES relaxes for a prolonged period of time.
Most preparations rely on one mechanism, namely the reduction of the acidity of the environment, which they achieve in three different ways:
- Neutralizing the acidity of the gastric juice with alkaline compounds ( this is how antacids work) . The effect is quick but short-lived and has no healing effect on the mucous membrane.
- Reducing the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl) by blocking the interaction of histamine with the histamine H2-receptors of the parietal cells in the stomach ( this is how H2-blockers such as ranitidine, famotidine, cimetidine, etc. work)
- Irreversible blocking of the enzyme system known as the proton pump of the stomach ( this is how proton pump inhibitors, PPIs work: omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, etc.)
To date, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used therapy in patients with GERD. However, it has been found that not all patients respond satisfactorily to this type of treatment and that nearly 35% of patients require additional intervention to control symptoms. In addition to the lack of sufficient effect, long-term administration of proton pump inhibitors can lead to unwanted effects due to altered bacterial flora as a result of altered stomach acidity.
With long-term use of PPIs, the following are described:
- change in the absorption of vitamins and minerals;
- metabolic effects on bone density;
- change in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of concomitant therapy in comorbid patients;
- risk of developing infections from community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia;
- Clostridium difficile;
- altered gut flora associated with upset, bloating and reduced absorption;
- spontaneous bacterial peritonitis;
- interstitial nephritis, etc.
Refalgin / Refalgin is a new approach in the treatment of diseases related to stomach acids
- For ulcers: builds a protective layer that protects the stomach lining
- In GERD – builds a natural mechanical barrier that blocks the entry of stomach contents into the esophagus
Composition (in 1 Refalgin tablet):
Alginic acid | 365 mg |
Sodium alginate | 300 mg |
Sodium bicarbonate | 150 mg |
Calcium carbonate | 150 mg |
Simethicone | 30 mg |
The components of Refalgin work together
Alginic acid and sodium alginate are natural products (polysaccharides) obtained from the cell walls of brown algae (Phaeophyceae). Algae are one of the oldest forms of life in the world, dating back to the Pre-Cambrian era and remaining unchanged since then. It is important to note that none of the types of algae that are used to produce alginate can be cultivated, but grow wild.
A characteristic property of alginate is that it turns into a gel in the acidic environment of gastric juice. The gel attaches to the stomach wall and thus creates an additional protective layer that protects the gastric mucosa.
Calcium carbonate
Calcium ions increase the strength and stability of the alginate gel.
Sodium bicarbonate
The sodium bicarbonate in the Refalgin tablet performs two functions. The first is to react with stomach acid and neutralize it. This neutralization reaction produces carbon dioxide, which is trapped by the alginate gel, turning the gel into a foam. Because it becomes lighter than the stomach contents, the foam rises to the surface forming a pH-neutral barrier. Studies show that the alginate barrier moves up the esophagus and serves as a physical barrier against reflux.
Simethicone
Simethicone forms a thin layer on the gastric mucosa by forming an additional protective film that isolates the mucosa from contact with "aggressive factors" such as stomach acid, certain types of food or drugs. In addition, it reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to combine into larger bubbles in the stomach, "bursting" them and releasing the gas that is trapped in the gastrointestinal tract.
Recommended dosage:
For adults: Take 1-2 Refalgin tablets half an hour after a meal with a little water.
Packaging: 20 tablets
Influence of food on the effect of Refalgin
In order to achieve an optimal effect, it is important when Refalgin / Refalgin will be taken. This is due to the fact that the formation of the alginate anti-reflux barrier can be influenced by food. Therefore, it is recommended to take the preparation 30 minutes after a meal, which is important, considering that reflux symptoms appear in the interval 30-90 minutes after a meal.
Interaction with other products
Some of the components of Refalgin / Refalgin tablets can influence the activity of other products taken orally, that is why it is recommended to take Refalgin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other products for oral use.
Tolerance
Refalgin / Refalgin tablets are well tolerated because the mechanism of action is mechanical and does not depend on systemic absorption.
MEDICAL DEVICE CE0373
Manufacturer: FARMA-DERMA Srl, Via dell'Artigiano 6-8, 40010 Sala Bolognese (BO), Italy
Distributor: Naturpharma Bulgaria EOOD, Sofia, 21 Yanko Sofiyski St., phone: 02/963 33 59, info@naturpharmabg.com
