aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone antacids

Medically Reviewed on 10/24/2022

Brand Name: Mylanta, Mylanta Maximum Strength, Mylanta Ultimate Strength, Maalox, Maalox Advanced, Gelusil

Generic Name: aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone antacids

Drug Class: Antacids

What is aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide? What is it used for?

Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide act as antacids by neutralizing stomach acid which results in an increasing pH in the stomach. Simethicone is an anti-gas medication that works by lowering the surface tension of gas bubbles, which gives relief from gas.

What brand names are available for aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide?

Mylanta, Mylanta Maximum Strength, Mylanta Ultimate Strength, Maalox, Maalox Advanced, Gelusil

Is aluminum hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide?

No

What are the side effects of aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?

Side effects of aluminum and magnesium antacid include the following:

What is the dosage for aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?

  • Adults and children of 12 years and older: Take 2 to 4 teaspoons (10-20 ml) or 2 to 4 tablets by mouth every 4 to 6 hours one before or 3 hours after a meal. Do not take more than 12 tablets a day.
  • Children under 12 years of age: Consult a doctor.

Which drugs or supplements interact with aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?

Aluminum and magnesium antacids should be used with caution with medications like atazanavir (Reyataz), ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR), dapsone, dasatinib (Sprycel), and tetracycline because antacids can slow down the absorption of these medications.

Is aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies done on antacids to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.

It is not known whether antacids enter breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.

QUESTION

GERD is the back up of stomach acid into the esophagus. See Answer

What else should I know about aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?

What preparations of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are available?

Aluminum/magnesium antacids are available as an oral chewable tablet, liquid, or suspension.

  • Liquid
    • Mylanta and Maalox contain 200 mg aluminum hydroxide, 200 mg magnesium hydroxide, and 20 mg simethicone per 5 ml.
    • Mylanta Maximum Strength and Maalox Advanced contain 400 mg aluminum hydroxide, 400 mg magnesium hydroxide, and 40 mg simethicone per 5 ml.
    • Mylanta Ultimate Strength contains aluminum hydroxide 500 mg and magnesium hydroxide 500 mg per 5 ml.
    • Mylanta is available in 12-ounce liquid bottles. Maalox is available in 5, 12, and 26-ounce bottles.
  • Chewable Tablet
    • 200 mg aluminum hydroxide, 200 mg magnesium hydroxide, 25 mg simethicone
  • Suspension
    • 225 mg aluminum hydroxide, 200 mg magnesium hydroxide, and 25 mg simethicone per 5 ml.
How should I keep aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide stored?

Aluminum and magnesium antacids should be stored at room temperatures 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).

Summary

aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone antacids (Mylanta, Mylanta Maximum Strength, Mylanta Ultimate Strength, Maalox, Maalox Advanced, Gelusil) are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that provide relief from gas and bloating. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this product.

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Medically Reviewed on 10/24/2022
References
Maalox, Mylanta – Prescribing Information.

MedscapeReference.com. Maalox, Mylanta.