(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.
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