- What is aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide? What is it used for?
- What are the side effects of aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?
- What is the dosage for aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?
- Is aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?
What is aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide? What is it used for?
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide act as antacids by neutralizing stomach acid that result in an increasing pH in the stomach. Simethicone is anti-gas medication that works by lowering surface tension of gas bubbles, which gives relief from gas.
What brand names are available for aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?
Mylanta, Mylanta Maximum Strength, Mylanta Ultimate Strength, Maalox, Maalox Advanced, Gelusil
Is aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?
No
What are the side effects of aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?
Side effects of aluminum and magnesium antacid are chalky taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
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.
SLIDESHOW
Digestive Disorders: Common Misconceptions See SlideshowWhich 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 absorption of these medications.
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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.
What else should I know about aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide?
What preparations of aluminum hydroxide, 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, 25 mg simethicone per 5 ml.
How should I keep aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide stored?
Aluminum and magnesium antacids should be stored at room temperature 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
QUESTION
GERD is the back up of stomach acid into the esophagus. See AnswerSummary
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.
Related Disease Conditions
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GERD (Acid Reflux, Heartburn)
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are: heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
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Peptic Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer)
Peptic or stomach ulcers are ulcers are an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking. Symptoms of peptic or stomach ulcers include abdominal burning or hunger pain, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort after meals. Treatment for stomach ulcers depends upon the cause.
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Reflux Laryngitis (Diet, Home Remedies, Medicine)
Reflux laryngitis is caused by acid refluxing back up through the esophagus and voice box. Reflux laryngitis causes irritation and inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat; and can lead to symptoms, signs, and other problems like esophagitis, sinusitis, strictures, throat clearing, swallowing problems, asthma, chronic cough, and growths on the vocal cords. Typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis include heartburn, hoarseness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Reflux laryngitis can be treated with diet chanes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.
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Bad Breath
Bad breath can result from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be made worse by the types of food eaten and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
-
Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)
Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing, swallowing problems. Dysphagia is due to problems in nerve or muscle control. It is common, for example, after a stroke. Dysphagia compromises nutrition and hydration and may lead to aspiration pneumonia and dehydration.
-
Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip
Chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) usually is caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year-round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependent upon the type of rhinitis condition.
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Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a thin membrane of tissue connects the esophagus with the diaphragm becomes week, and a portion of the stomach slides up into the esophagus. Causes include obesity, pregnancy, straining during a bowel movement, aging, and ascites. There are generally no symptoms of a hiatal hernia, and it is discovered during another medical procedure to test for GERD, or other swallowing problems.
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Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach Pain)
Indigestion (dyspepsia) can be caused by diseases or conditions that involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and also by some diseases and conditions that do not involve the GI tract. Indigestion can be a chronic condition in which the symptoms fluctuate in frequency and intensity. Signs and symptoms that accompany indigestion include pain in the chest, upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, bloating, abdominal distention, feeling full after eating only a small portion of food, and rarely, vomiting.
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Heartburn during Pregnancy
Heartburn during pregnancy is quite common. During pregnancy the lower esophageal sphincter muscle becomes weakened , which likely occurs due to the effect of the high levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. Fortunately, this resolves after pregnancy. Management of heartburn during pregnancy are generally involves lifestyle changes and avoiding foods that promote heartburn, for example, don't smoke, avoid tight clothing, eat small, frequent meals, chew gum, or sip liquids. The effect of heartburn medications on the fetus is unknown, so it is best to check with your OB/GYN if you feel you need medication to treat heartburn.
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Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced from acid reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain, burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food sticking in the throat, and a burning feeling in the chest. Causes of heartburn include dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and medical causes. Treatments for heartburn include lifestyle changes, OTC medication,prescription medication, and surgery.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness
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MedscapeReference.com. Maalox, Mylanta.