maalox

Magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, simethicone)

Preparations: Liquid Suspension (Regular Strength Mint and Cherry)

Things to be aware of:

• Available under a number of brand names, used to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of acid indigestion, heartburn, gas, and sour stomach.
• Provides fast, effective relief in two ways. An antacid neutralizes excess stomach acid and an anti-gas ingredient reduces gas pain and pressure.
• Do not take other medications within 1 to 2 hours or more of taking other medicine by mouth . To do so may keep the other medicine from working properly.
• Do not take it for more than 2 weeks unless otherwise directed by your doctor . Antacids should be used only for occasional relief.
• Extra strength is not recommended in children, but if used only use half the dose as for the regular strength.
• May cause loose bowel movements or constipation.
• Children-Antacids should not be given to young children (under 6 years of age) unless ordered by their doctor. Since children cannot usually describe their symptoms very well, a doctor should first check the child. The child may have a condition that needs other treatment. If so, antacids will not help and may even cause unwanted effects or make the condition worse. In addition, aluminum- or magnesium-containing medicines should not be given to premature or very young children because they may cause serious side effects, especially when given to children who have kidney disease or who are dehydrated.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children, store away from heat and direct light. Do not store the capsule, tablet, or lozenge form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not freeze.

Drug Interactions

If Maalox are taken with certain other medications, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Maalox with the following:

Cellulose sodium phosphate (Calcibind), Isoniazid (Rifamate), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Mecamylamine (Inversine), Methenamine (Mandelamine), Sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin (Kayexalate), Tetracycline antibiotics (Achromycin, Minocin)

Pediatric Dosing

Do not give to children under 6 years of age, unless directed by your doctor, though doses of 1-3 ml, at a maximum of four times a day are generally given.

Side Effects

Chalky taste, constipation (mild); diarrhea or laxative effect; increased thirst; speckling or whitish discoloration of stools; stomach cramps, please discuss any unusual side effects with your doctor like twitching, mood changes, loss of appetite or anything out of the ordinary, severe side effects are rare.