Antacids for children: clinical and pharmaceutical analysis of the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine

Abstract

One of the main symptoms of acid-dependent conditions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic duodenal ulcer and functional dyspepsia is heartburn. This condition is characterized by an unpleasant, sometimes painful sensation of burning in the epigastric region and behind the sternum accompanied with a sour taste in the mouth. Heartburn affects the emotional state of a patient and leads to reduction of the quality of his/her life. The symptom of heartburn can bother not only adults but also children; moreover, the physiological inconsistency of the cardiac sphincter, etc., can be added to its provoking factors, in addition to errors in nutrition and the presence of the gastrointestinal tract diseases. The main drugs for stopping heartburn are antacids, as well as medicines containing alginic acid. Aim. To develop recommendations for introducing changes or additions to the peculiarities of using antacids in children (under 15 years of age) in the “Protocol of the pharmacist. Symptomatic treatment of heartburn”.Materials and methods. To achieve the goal the clinical and pharmaceutical analysis of antacid medicines registered and marketed in Ukraine was performed.Results. As a result of the study it has been found that there are 30 antacids and 6 medicines based on alginic acid registered at the Ukrainian market. All medicines belong to the category of over-the-counter drugs and can be used by patients or the patient’s representatives independently. The analysis of the composition of antacid medicines has been performed, and it has been determined that agents based on aluminum compounds prevail, combinations of calcium and magnesium carbonates are 19.4 %.When studying the indications for medical use it has been found that in the case of heartburn in children only 14 of 36 trade names can be used. In addition, depending on the age, their ranking can be presented by the following sequence: aluminum phosphate, hydrotalcite, combination of aluminum and magnesium hydroxides, alginates (a standard dose).Conclusions. It has been recommended to make clarifications in the “Protocol of the pharmacist (pharmaceutist). Symptomatic treatment of heartburn” regarding the possibility of using anti-acid drugs in children of different age.