Iberogast during early pregnancy - About heartburn

The herbal preparation "Iberogast" consists of 9 types of medicinal herbs that have a wide range of effects, in particular, relieve heartburn. The medicine is prescribed if necessary to relieve inflammation and spasms, tone the muscle tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, increase acidity, regulate the amount of beneficial enzymes and nutrients in the digestive system without changing intestinal motility.

“Iberogast” works well for burning sensations caused by low acidity.

Composition and form

The drug is available in the form of brown liquid drops. The liquid may be clear or slightly cloudy. The turbidity factor does not affect the pharmacological action. The product contains 9 herbal alcohol-containing extracts:

• fresh Iberian;
• angelica rhizomes, licorice;
• leaves of chamomile, lemon balm, mint, celandine;
• caraway fruits, milk thistle.

The auxiliary component in the composition is ethanol (31 vol.%).

Thanks to the optimal ratio of herbal components, the drug can have the following effects:

• tonic;
• antispasmodic;
• anesthetic;
• protective;
• anti-inflammatory;
• synergistic.

Can Iberogast be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

12.12.2018

Herbal medicines have a wide safety profile. Iberogast during pregnancy is prescribed by a doctor in the presence of certain medical indications, including dyspeptic syndrome. It is not recommended to use the drug on your own, as this increases the risk of complications.

Taking Iberogast while pregnant or breastfeeding

The drug contains herbal components, which include extracts of Iberian bitters, medicinal angelica, chamomile, common cumin, spotted milk thistle, medicinal lemon balm, peppermint, May celandine, and licorice. The extracting agent (auxiliary substance) is a 31% alcohol solution. Due to the absence of chemically synthesized components and plant origin of active ingredients, the medication is considered relatively safe for the body of a developing fetus or infant. The official instructions indicate that the use of Iberogast during breastfeeding and pregnancy is allowed after prescription by a gynecologist. The specialist determines the presence of medical indications and also assesses possible risks.

Indications for taking the drug during pregnancy and lactation

There are several medical indications for prescribing medication during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding or breastfeeding):

1. Dyspepsia, which has a functional origin and is accompanied by bloating, unstable stools, nausea with periodic vomiting.
2. Violation of intestinal motility (wave-like movements of the walls aimed at pushing the contents into the lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract).
3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a functional disorder.
4. Peptic ulcer with localization of changes in the mucous membrane in the stomach or duodenum (the drug is prescribed as part of complex therapy).
5. Stomach cramps of various origins (local increase in the tone of the smooth muscles of the walls of the hollow structures of the digestive system).
6. Flatulence (bloating) due to functional disorders, somatic or infectious diseases.
7. Heartburn, frequent belching.

Identification of medical indications for the use of a medicinal product should be carried out in conjunction with a doctor.

Absolute contraindications to the use of Iberogast in expectant and nursing mothers

There are several absolute contraindications, the presence of which excludes the prescription of the medication:

1. Individual intolerance to any of the components.
2. Calculous cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, accompanied by the formation of insoluble calculi (stones) in its cavity.
3. Children and adolescents under 18 years of age, since there is no reliable data on the safety of the medication.

The drug can be used with caution in case of concomitant pathology of the liver, brain, as well as after traumatic brain injury.

Schemes and dosages (if indicated)

The drug is made in the dosage form of a drop for oral use. They are a transparent liquid of dark brown color.

Over time, when storing the solution, a small amount of sediment may form. Drops should be taken before meals or during meals.

They are poured into a glass with a small amount of clean water at room temperature, which is then drunk. Before use, the bottle of solution must be shaken thoroughly.

Pregnant women

In the early stages of pregnancy, the use of any medications is not recommended. This period is critical, as the formation and primary maturation of all fetal body systems occurs.

In the later stages (second and third trimester), the average recommended dose of the drug is 20 drops 3 times a day at approximately equal intervals. Duration of use – 2-3 weeks.

Subsequently, the attending physician decides on the need for further use of the medication or its discontinuation.

Breastfeeding women

There is no data on the distribution of the active components of the drug in the body and their passage into breast milk. The medication is prescribed only by the attending physician according to strict indications. To eliminate the risk of a negative effect of the medicine on the baby’s body, the mother temporarily transfers him to feeding with an artificial adapted milk formula.

To maintain lactation, the breasts should be massaged and milk should be expressed. The dose of the medicine during lactation is 20 drops 3 times a day, the course of treatment is 3-4 weeks.

What are the dangers of taking Iberogast during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Despite the fact that the medicine is of plant origin and does not contain chemically synthesized compounds, its use during lactation or pregnancy is accompanied by risks. This is due to several factors:

1. An auxiliary component of the medicine is alcohol, which is a toxic compound.
2. There are no reliable data on the distribution of compounds from the plant components of the drug. It is possible that they enter breast milk, as well as into the developing fetus through the placenta.
3. A negative effect of the drug components on the fetus’s body during the formation of all organ systems cannot be ruled out.

How can Iberogast be replaced: safer drugs for expectant and nursing mothers

If there are medical indications, the medication can be replaced with analogues that have a similar therapeutic effect and do not have a negative effect. These include:

1. Smecta is an intestinal sorbent that is not absorbed into the blood, binds and removes toxins from a woman’s intestines.
2. Pancreatin is an enzyme agent that facilitates the process of digesting food in the intestines, thereby reducing the manifestations of dyspepsia.
3. Disflatil is a medicine for bloating; the active component has a therapeutic effect in the intestinal lumen and is not absorbed into the blood.

Before using any medication, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman should always consult a doctor. Self-administration of the medicine can lead to the development of complications and negative consequences for the child’s health.

Source: https://pankreatit03.ru/iberogast-pri-beremennosti.html

pharmachologic effect

The drug has a general healing effect on the digestive system.
The main feature of Iberogast is the provision of a healing effect on the upper gastrointestinal tract without affecting the intestines, which results in the absence of side effects. Thanks to its general tonic effect and antispasmodic effect, the drug relieves heartburn and other unpleasant manifestations of gastrointestinal pathologies.

Due to the selective normalization of smooth muscle tone in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, the stability of the digestive function is ensured, so stagnation, fermentation and rotting of undigested food do not occur. Not only heartburn is eliminated, but also belching, flatulence, and bloating. In areas with increased stimulation of muscle tissue, the drug has a calming effect, that is, it relieves spasms and relaxes muscles, which returns the organ to normal functioning.

"Iberogast" is capable of inhibiting certain strains of Helicobacter, which provoke ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The medicine affects the activity of nerve endings, namely the receptors of serotonin, opioids and muscarine, which allows the active components to regulate peristaltic waves and the sensitivity of the organs of the upper digestive tract. By increasing the concentration of specific proteins - mucin and prostaglandins - effective protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa is ensured.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies

Iberogast is available without a prescription.

Iberogast is a herbal medicine with a pronounced therapeutic effect for various gastrointestinal diseases, including pancreatitis. Its action is aimed at normalizing motor skills. It also has antispasmodic and tonic effects. It contains several herbs that have a complex effect on the symptoms of the disease.

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Indications

Drops are prescribed for pathologies accompanied by heartburn, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, spastic or burning pain of a diffuse or localized nature. We are talking about such violations as:

• general and specific gastrointestinal disorders;
• disruptions in the peristalsis of the digestive organs;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• functional gastric disorder;
• stomach cramps of various etiologies;
• ulcer, gastritis (as an adjuvant).

Iberogast for the treatment of heartburn

The action of Iberogast is of a regulatory nature, so it simultaneously tones and relaxes the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to this, the stomach relaxes, intra-abdominal pressure normalizes, the reflux of acidic undigested contents into the esophagus stops, and therefore heartburn stops.

Due to the increased secretion of mucin and prostaglandins that protect the mucous membrane, and a decrease in the production of irritating leukotrienes, the negative impact on the affected lining of the gastrointestinal tract is reduced, which helps to get rid of the unpleasant burning sensation.

People of all age groups can be treated with Iberogast.

The drug should be used in the following dosage:

• from 6 to 12 years - 15 drops;
• teenagers from 12 years old and adults - 20.

The liquid should be shaken before each dose.

You should drink the indicated doses three times a day after or during meals. You are allowed to take the drops with water.

Heartburn as the first sign of pregnancy

Some representatives of the fair sex experience heartburn as a sign of pregnancy before a missed period. What are the causes of this unpleasant symptom in pregnant women and how to get rid of it - we will look at this article.

Heartburn in pregnant women

Is heartburn the first symptom of pregnancy?

When heartburn occurs, gastric juice enters the esophagus, irritating the mucous membranes. The walls of the esophagus become inflamed, causing pain and nausea. When a woman is pregnant, the enlarged uterus presses on the stomach, causing gastric juice to enter the esophagus.

Heartburn and early toxicosis in pregnant women are caused by high levels of progesterone. Without the participation of this hormone, it is very difficult for a woman to bear a child, so an increase in progesterone during pregnancy is considered normal. Most representatives of the fair sex determine pregnancy by the absence of menstruation. But heartburn may well be the first sign of pregnancy.

Heartburn may be the first sign of pregnancy

Heartburn is considered the first sign of pregnancy, which can haunt a woman throughout the entire period of gestation.

In the first months of pregnancy, heartburn is caused by significant physical changes occurring in the pregnant woman's body. And after the sixth month, the expectant mother suffers from heartburn because a small life is growing in her womb.

A growing baby puts pressure on a woman’s internal organs, which causes gastric juice to reflux into the esophagus and, accordingly, heartburn.

Why does heartburn occur at the beginning of pregnancy?

Heartburn that occurs during early pregnancy may indicate significant changes in a woman’s hormonal levels. The level of progesterone increases in the body of the expectant mother, and without this hormone the fetus cannot develop properly. It is this hormone that is responsible for relaxing the uterus, preventing it from becoming toned.

Progesterone relaxes not only the uterus, but also all the internal organs of a pregnant woman. This means that the sphincter, located between the esophagus and the stomach, reduces tone. This results in stomach acid being backed up into the esophagus, a process that causes heartburn.

High progesterone levels also increase acidity in the fairer sex in an interesting position.

Heartburn

The contents of the stomach enter the esophagus, which causes heartburn during pregnancy.

How does heartburn occur during pregnancy?

Some representatives of the fair sex do not know anything about heartburn, so they need clarification. During pregnancy, the symptoms of heartburn are as follows:

• Frequent belching with sour contents.
• Feeling of discomfort in the esophagus or behind the sternum.
• A feeling of fullness present in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Nausea.
• Heavy salivation.

Since heartburn and other discomfort in a woman occur in the digestive tract, they intensify after eating. You may need to reconsider a woman's daily diet or reduce portion sizes. If this does not help, you should consult your doctor.

What should a woman do if she has heartburn?

Having made sure that heartburn could be a sign of pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to be careful. Treatment for heartburn differs from therapy used before conception. The medications that a woman receives during pregnancy will also be received by her baby. Therefore, medications that help relieve symptoms of heartburn should be prescribed by a doctor.

To relieve unpleasant symptoms, you can do the following:

• eat often, but in small portions;
• do not rush while eating, chewing each piece thoroughly;
• try to avoid getting air into the stomach;
• exclude from the diet foods that increase the acidity of gastric juice (fried, spicy, salty, etc.).

There is no need to suppress the signs of heartburn with medications. An obstetrician-gynecologist will recommend methods for getting rid of heartburn that are safe for the unborn baby and effective for the woman. It may be enough to review your diet and daily routine.

If you have heartburn, don’t immediately reach for medications – first, try to reconsider your diet.

After the baby is born, heartburn disappears. You need to be patient a little and try to follow the recommendations mentioned above. And then the discomfort will be minimized.

Source: https://zen.yandex.ru/media/id/5b569fc8f1314200a91e1d10/izjoga-kak-pervyi-priznak-beremennosti-5b7281bf8b9f0300a9136b67

Children

The plant components of Iberogast are absolutely harmless for children of any age. The drug quickly and gently eliminates any digestive problems in children from the neonatal period. Directions for use and dosage:

• babies up to 3 months - 6 drops;
• up to 3 years - 8 each;
• up to 6 years - 10.

In children, drops are eliminated:

• colic;
• indigestion;
• heartburn, belching;
• diarrhea and constipation;
• other manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders.

Overdose

There are no official data on cases of exceeding the dose and the occurrence of side effects. However, a reverse reaction may occur if the dosage is not observed (for example, if the entire bottle of medication is accidentally consumed) with aggravation of the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders in the form of:

• nausea;
• weaknesses;
• vomiting;
• stomach discomfort.

Possible manifestations on the skin include:

• allergic rash;
• itching;
• redness.

The effect of Iberogast on the inflamed pancreas

With pancreatitis, uneven changes in the lobules occur in the gland: one part is swollen, in the other the excretory duct is compressed, pathogenic microorganisms have already penetrated into some, and inflammation is in full swing. Blood circulation is always impaired. The worst option is possible in acute cases, when, due to stagnation of pancreatic juice, small blood clots appear in the vessels, enzymes digest the gland tissue, and necrosis (death) of the parenchyma occurs.

One of the “culprits” for impaired outflow is the sphincter of Oddi, which is located on the border with the initial part of the small intestine and simultaneously allows bile to pass from the biliary tract along with the secretion. If a stone has formed nearby, it blocks the transport connection, and the intestines do not receive the necessary enzymes and bile acids to digest the food bolus.

Patients experience attacks of girdle pain, diarrhea (characterized by greasy stool due to the release of undigested lipids), and important nutrients, vitamins, and electrolytes are lost. What can Iberogast do in such a situation, since it contains only plant extracts? Let's look at the components from the point of view of benefits for the pancreas and determine the advisability of their use for recovery.

The drug is produced in Germany in the form of drops, containing 31% ethyl alcohol. Let us immediately note that, although pharmacists equate the daily dose of alcohol to a glass of apple juice or kefir, it is completely unnecessary for the pancreas. In Iberogast, ethanol helps preserve the healing substances of plants and accelerates absorption in the stomach and intestines:

1. Chamomile - its essential oil relieves pain, inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, improves blood flow (removes microthrombi), relieves swelling and inflammation. It has a positive effect on the condition of all neighboring organs and has a moderate choleretic effect.
2. Iberis bitter - restores the tone of the muscles of the conduction tract, sphincter of Oddi, gall bladder, relieves stagnation, normalizes the outflow of secretions into the intestines. This helps normalize food digestion.
3. Peppermint - eliminates spasms that occur in the ducts, relieves unpleasant symptoms (nausea, vomiting, bloating).
4. Cumin fruits stimulate secretion, are known as a choleretic agent, and help with intestinal atony.
5. Melissa - supports the nervous regulation of gland function, relieves spasm of the conduction tract and intestines.
6. Milk thistle is a well-known hepatoprotector and supplier of vitamins, stimulates the formation of bile in liver cells, local immunity, and promotes the healing of any damage.
7. Celandine is an anti-inflammatory agent, due to its bactericidal effect on microorganisms it relieves swelling and infiltration.
8. Angelica and licorice roots are known for their ability to relieve spasms of the intestines and biliary tract, and for their intense anti-inflammatory properties.

So, what exactly are the properties that are beneficial for pancreatitis? All that help relieve swelling and restore the flow of juice, antimicrobial efforts partially replace antibiotics.

How to feel about the choleretic effect and stimulation of secretion? Contraindications to the use of Iberogast include calculous cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. It’s one thing to relieve a spasm of the biliary tract, but quite another to force bile to move through it at an increased speed. If there is even a small salt calculus, it can grow, crash into the wall and block the lumen. Then the clinic of an attack of biliary colic will be added to pancreatitis.

This means that before using Iberogast, the patient must be carefully examined to exclude a connection between the disease and stones in the gallbladder or ducts.

Another property of the drug requires caution - stimulation of secretory activity. When treating pancreatitis, the administration of enzymes depends on the form of the disease. Therefore, it is not always possible to drink Iberogast. It is strictly forbidden to use it as a substitute for herbal medicine. The drug has a much more powerful effect than brewed herbal mixtures.