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This medication is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. Aluminum and magnesium antacids work quickly to lower the acid in the stomach. Liquid antacids usually work faster/better than tablets or capsules.This medication works only on existing acid in the stomach. It does not prevent acid production. It may be used alone or with other medications that lower acid production (e.g., H2 blockers such as cimetidine/ranitidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole).
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Maalox #1
Uses
This medication is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. Aluminum and magnesium antacids work quickly to lower the acid in the stomach. Liquid antacids usually work faster/better than tablets or capsules.This medication works only on existing acid in the stomach. It does not prevent acid production. It may be used alone or with other medications that lower acid production (e.g., H2 blockers such as cimetidine/ranitidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole).
Notes
- Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (e.g., avoiding caffeine, fatty foods, certain spices) may increase the effectiveness of this medication.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Storage
- Refer to storage information printed on the package.
- If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.
- Protect from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all drug products away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth, usually after meals and at bedtime as needed.
- Follow all the directions on the product package or use as directed by your doctor.
- If you are uncertain about any of this information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.If you are taking the chewable tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing, then drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters).If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before pouring each dose.
- Refrigerating the suspension may improve the flavor.
- Do not freeze.
- The liquid form works best if taken without other fluids.
- You can mix your dose with a little water if needed.This product may react with other medications (e.g., digoxin, iron, tetracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), preventing them from being fully absorbed by your body.
- Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to schedule your medications to prevent this problem.If your acid problems persist or worsen after you have used this product for 1 week, or if you think you have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
- If you are using this medication regularly on a daily basis for more than 2 weeks, you may have a medical problem that needs different treatment.
- Ask your doctor whether this is the right medication for you.
Side Effects
- This medication can cause nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or headache.
- If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor.If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.The magnesium in this product can cause diarrhea.
- Using an antacid that contains only aluminum along with this product can help control diarrhea.
- The aluminum in this product can cause constipation.
- To minimize constipation, drink plenty of fluids and exercise.
- Diarrhea is more common with this product than constipation.Aluminum-containing antacids bind to phosphate, an important body chemical, in the gut.
- This can cause low phosphate levels, especially if you use this medication in large doses and for a long time.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of low phosphate: loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects or symptoms of a serious medical problem occur: black/tarry stools, slow/shallow breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), deep sleep, pain with urination, stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- 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.
Missed Dose
- If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- If you are taking this medication under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any of the following prescription and nonprescription/herbal products: drugs that can be affected by the amount of acid in your urine (e.g., amphetamines, quinidine, salicylates such as aspirin).Low-dose aspirin should be continued if it has been prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day).
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Antacids can interfere with the absorption of many other drugs.
- Be sure to check with your pharmacist before taking antacids with any other medication.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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