Acitral is an ulcer medicine to reduce symptoms caused by excess stomach acid, such as heartburn, nausea, bloating, flatulence, and heartburn. Acitral can be used in the treatment of gastric acid disease (GERD), gastritis, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer.
Acitral contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Both active ingredients are antacids that can neutralize stomach acid. That is why, complaints due to increased stomach acid can be relieved with this medicine.
Acitral also contains simethicone which can relieve flatulence. Simethicone works by uniting the small gas bubbles that spread in the gastrointestinal tract into larger bubbles. That way, gas will be more easily released through burping or farting.
Acitral Product Variants
Acitral products consist of two variants, namely:
1. Acitral Chewable Tablets
Each Acitral tablet contains 200 mg of aluminum hydroxide, 200 mg of magnesium hydroxide, and 80 mg of simethicone. Acitral Chewable Tablets come in strips of 10 chewable tablets.
2. Acitral Suspension
One measuring spoon (5 ml) of Acitral Suspension contains 200 mg of aluminum hydroxide, 200 mg of magnesium hydroxide, and 20 mg of simethicone. Acitral Suspension is available in 120 ml bottles.
What is Acitral?
| Active ingredients | Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone |
| Group | Over the counter medicine |
| Category | Combination of antacid and antiflatulence (antibloating) |
| Benefits | Reduces symptoms of heartburn due to excess stomach acid, including gastritis, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged ≥6 years |
| Acitral for pregnant women | Category C: There is not enough evidence from studies on experimental animals or humans to explain the safety of aluminum hydroxide, as well as magnesium hydroxide and simethicone for pregnant women and fetuses.The antacids and simethicone in Acitral are generally safe to use as an initial treatment for heartburn during pregnancy. However, the use of this drug should be consulted by a doctor. |
| Acitral for breastfeeding mothers | All contents in the Acitral product variant are safe for consumption by nursing mothers as long as they are used in accordance with the rules of use. |
| Drug form | Chewable tablets and suspensions |
Warning before Consuming Acitral
Acitral should not be used every day for more than 2 weeks, except as directed by a doctor. Other important things you need to pay attention to before using Acitral, both on yourself and your child, are:
- Do not consume Acitral if you are allergic to its contents. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using Acitral.
- Avoid using Acitral if you are suffering from kidney failure because it can cause hypermagnesemia.
- Do not give Acitral to children under 6 years of age unless recommended by a doctor.
- Consult a doctor before using this product if you are suffering from kidney disease or are undergoing a low-magnesium or low-phosphorus diet.
- Be sure to consult a doctor before using Acitral if heartburn is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, or symptoms of intestinal obstruction.
- Consult a doctor about the consumption of Acitral if you are using other drugs, including supplements or certain herbal products. The purpose is to avoid drug interactions.
- Discuss with your doctor about the use of Acitral if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, especially if consumed in the long term.
- Immediately go to the doctor if there is a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects after consuming Acitral.
Dosage and Administration of Acitral
Acitral is useful for relieving the symptoms of ulcers, including in:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Gastritis
- Gastric ulcer
- Duodenal ulcer
The following is the dosage of Acitral based on the product variant:
Acitral Chewable Tablet
- Adults: 1–2 chewable tablets, 3–4 times a day.
Acitral Suspension
- Adults and children aged >12 years: 1–2 measuring spoons (5–10 ml), 3–4 times a day.
- Children aged 6–12 years: ½–1 measuring spoon (2½–5 ml), 3–4 times a day.
How to Consume Acitral Correctly
Use Acitral according to the instructions on the medicine packaging or follow the doctor’s advice . Do not consume Acitral more than the recommended dose without the instructions of a doctor.
Here is a guide to the correct use of Acitral:
- Consume Acitral 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal, and before going to bed.
- If you consume Acitral Chewable Tablets, make sure to chew the medicine until it is crumbly before swallowing.
- If you use Acitral Suspension, shake the bottle before the medicine is consumed. Use the measuring spoon included in the package so that the dosage is accurate.
- If you are taking other drugs, for example cimetidine or tetracycline, give a pause of at least 2 hours between the consumption of Acitral and the other drug.
- Medicines that contain antacids, such as Acitral, are generally not for long-term use without a doctor’s advice. You can consult a doctor if the complaint has not improved within 2 weeks of using Acitral.
- Store Acitral at room temperature, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
- Do not consume Acitral if it has passed the expiry date. Acitral Suspension should not be used more than 14 days after opening the package.
Acitral Interactions with Other Drugs
The content of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide in Acitral products can cause interactions if used with certain drugs. The effect that occurs can be:
- Increased absorption of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide in the body if used with vitamin C or citric acid
- Decreased absorption and effectiveness of antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, hydroxychloroquine, cefdinir, rifampicin, or tetracycline antibiotics
- Decreased effectiveness of chlorpromazine, ketoconazole, levothyroxine, or rosuvastatin
- Decreased absorption of iron supplements to overcome anemia
To avoid unwanted drug interactions, consult a doctor if you are going to consume Acitral together with other drugs.
Side Effects and Dangers of Acitral
Side effects that can arise after drinking Acitral are constipation or even diarrhea, as well as nausea and vomiting. These side effects usually disappear when the drug is stopped.
If the side effects do not improve or get worse, immediately see a doctor so that the cause can be ascertained and appropriate treatment can be given.
Long-term use of ulcer medicine containing aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone, such as Acitral, can lower phosphorus levels in the body. Contact a doctor if symptoms of phosphorus deficiency (hypophosphatemia) appear , such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, or muscle weakness.
Stop consuming Acitral and immediately go to the nearest IGD if the following serious drug allergic reactions or side effects appear:
- Severe dizziness as if fainting
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia)
- Pain when urinating
- Changes in mood and behavior, including disorientation
- Bone pain and muscle weakness
Reference
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Cleveland Clinic (2024). Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide; Simethicone Suspension.
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