GENERIC NAME: MAGALDRATE - ORAL (MAG-al-drate)
BRAND NAME(S): Riopan
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Magaldrate is an antacid. It neutralizes and reduces stomach acid relieving heartburn and indigestion. It is used to treat an upset stomach, ulcers, hiatal hernia and other digestive disorders.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication as directed usually between meals and at bedtime. Do not take more of this than prescribed. Too much antacid can actually increase the amount of acid the stomach produces. The liquid form should be shaken well before pouring each dose. Chewable tablets are to be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. Follow with a glass of water. Non-chewable tablets should be swallowed whole followed with a glass of water.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. Loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation may occur. Notify your doctor if you develop: vomiting of coffee ground- like material, dark urine, tar-like stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: stomach disorders, kidney disease, allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Consult your doctor before using any medication while breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially of: iron, tetracycline, oral antidiabetic medication, digoxin. Avoid taking any medication within 1 to 2 hours of taking an antacid. The antacid may interfere with the absorption of the medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: This medication is available in various forms: suspension, chewable tablets or swallow tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help select the best product for you.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store tablets and capsules at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. The liquid form of this medication may be stored in the refrigerator to improve taste.
Related Disease Conditions
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GERD (Acid Reflux, Heartburn)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux, can cause symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Learn about causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
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Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a thin membrane of tissue connects the esophagus with the diaphragm becoming weak, 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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Peptic Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer)
Peptic or stomach ulcers are ulcers in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Learn about symptoms, causes, diet, and treatment.
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Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach Pain)
Indigestion (dyspepsia, upset stomach) can be caused by problems related to, or not related to the gastrointestinal tract. Signs and symptoms are upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and abdominal distention. Treatment depends upon the cause.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment 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 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.