Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide tablets
To return to the main entry click here.
What are aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide tablets?
ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE; MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE (Maalox®) is an antacid that neutralizes or reduces stomach acid. It helps relieve symptoms of excessive stomach acidity in patients with indigestion, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or stomach or duodenal ulcers. In large doses, it can act as a laxative. Generic antacid tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• colostomy
• constipation
• dehydration
• diarrhea
• edema or swelling of the legs and feet
• intestinal problems like colitis or diverticulitis
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• on a sodium (salt) restricted diet
• stomach bleeding or obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aluminum, magnesium or other antacids, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take magnesium hydroxide; aluminum hydroxide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Chew well, or crush the tablets before swallowing; follow with a glass of water. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your prescriber. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
Aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide is usually only taken when needed for stomach upset. It is usually not recommended for continued use. Missing a dose is usually not harmful. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide?
• acetaminophen
• alendronate
• antibiotics
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• captopril
• delavirdine
• etidronate
• gabapentin
• heart medicines, such as digoxin or digitoxin
• iron salts
• isoniazid
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• medicines for stomach ulcers and stomach problems
• methenamine
• misoprostol
• mycophenolate
• pancrelipase
• penicillamine
• phenytoin
• quinidine
• risedronate
• rosuvastatin
• sodium fluoride
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• sotalol
• sucralfate
• thyroid hormones (example: levothyroxine)
• tiludronate
• valproic acid
• vitamin D
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide does not relieve your stomach pains; if you get black tarry stools; notice any rectal bleeding; or feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice.
Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide for more than 2 weeks without consulting your prescriber or health care professional.
If you are taking other medications, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after dosing with aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide. If you are taking prescription medications check with a healthcare professional before taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible constipation.
What side effects may I notice from taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• confusion, decreased alertness
• drowsiness or dizziness
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• chalky taste
• diarrhea
• constipation
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F), do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
