Maalox

Drug name: Maalox

Other names used:

• Gelusil®

Active Ingredients:

• aluminum hydroxide,
• magnesium hydroxide

Therapeutic actions: Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are commonly used as antacids in a variety of preparations. They alter the acidity of the stomach's juices, by binding to excess acid. This decreases the acidity of the contents of the stomach which may in turn help to relieve the symptoms of ulcers, heartburn or dyspepsia.

Simethicone is used to help relieve pain and bloating caused by trapped wind. It works by bringing together all the small bubbles of gas to form a large bubble, which is expelled either by belching or flatulance.

Indications: It helps relieve symptoms of excessive stomach acidity in patients with indigestion, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or stomach or duodenal ulcers. In large doses, it can act as a laxative.

Contraindications and cautions: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to aluminum hydroxide; or to magnesium; or if you have any other allergies.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: frequent alcohol use, severe loss of body water (dehydration/fluid restriction), kidney problems (including kidney stones).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

For this antacid, the following are the observed side effects:

Minor:

• diarrhea
• abdominal discomfort

Major:

• severe abdominal pain
• mood or mental changes
• severe weakness

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.

Interactions with this antacid may occur with the following:

• benzodiazepine (Valium, Xanax)
• captopril (Capoten)
• steroids (prednisone, Deltasone, Medrol)
• flecainide (Tambocor)
• ulcer medications (Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid)
• phenytoin type drugs (Dilantin, Mesantoin, Peganone, Cerebyx)
• iron (Feosol, ferrous sulfate, Nu-Iron)
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• levodopa (Dopar)
• penicillamine (Depen, Cuprimine)
• phenothiazines (Thorazine, Stelazine, Compazine)
• quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute)
• aspirin, salicylates
• diabetic medicines (Diabinese, Micronase, Glucotrol)
• tetracycline (Sumycin, Tetracyn)
• ticlopidine (Ticlid)
• valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene)

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.