(mag′nē·zē·əm ′trī′sil·ə′kāt)

(inorganic chemistry) Mg₂Si₃O₈·5H₂O A white, odorless, tasteless powder; insoluble in water and alcohol; used as an industrial odor absorbent and in medicine.

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Brand names: Gaviscon® Regular Strength Chew Tab

Español:
• Tabletas masticables de hidróxido de aluminio; trisilicato de magnesio

Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Trisilicate chewable tablets

What are aluminum hydroxide; magnesium trisilicate chewable tablets?

ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE; MAGNESIUM TRISILICATE (Gaviscon® Regular Strength tablets) is an antacid that neutralizes or reduces stomach acid. It helps relieve symptoms of excessive stomach acidity in patients with indigestion, heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Aluminum hydroxide; magnesium trisilicate also contains the ingredient alginic acid. Alginic acid forms a protective foam that sits on top of the stomach contents. This foam helps to prevent acid irritation to the esophagus (tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). Generic aluminum hydroxide; magnesium trisilicate tablets are not 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 aluminum hydroxide; magnesium trisilicate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Chew the tablets well so that foam forms in your mouth before swallowing. Do not suck on or crush the tablets; the protective foam will not form if you do this. After taking the medication, drink a full glass of water. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your physician. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

You should remain in an upright position (do not lie down for 1—2 hours) after taking this medicine. Remaining in an upright position will help the protective foam to float on the top of your stomach contents.

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 trisilicate is usually only taken when needed for stomach upset. It is not usually 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 trisilicate?

• 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
• other magnesium-containing antacids, laxatives or supplements
• 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 trisilicate?

Check with your prescriber or health care professional if aluminum hydroxide; magnesium trisilicate 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 trisilicate 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 this aluminum hydroxide; magnesium trisilicate. If you are taking prescription medications check with a healthcare professional before taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium trisilicate.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible constipation and prevent dehydration.

What side effects may I notice from taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium trisilicate?

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.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

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.