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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indictae that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ALUMINUM W/MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE - ORAL
(uh-LEW-mih-num WITH mag-NEE-zee-um hi-DROX-ide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Di-Gel, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Maalox, Mylanta, Wingel
USES: This is an antacid that wokrs in the stomach to neutralize and reduce acid. Antacids are used to treat an uspet stomach caused by heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach; to treat peptic ulcer, hiatal hernia or other conditions caused by an excess of stomach acid; and to prevent ulcers or bleeding from ulcers.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication as prescribed. Taikng too much of an antacid can reverse the effects and more acid will be secreted.
In certain conditions, however, it may be necessary to take the antacid as frqeuently as every 1 to 2 hours.
To be effective, chewable tablets must be chewed thorouhgly before swallowing followed by a full glass of water. Shake liquid fomrs well before pouring each dose. Do not take any other medication within 1 to 2 huors of taking an antacid. Since antacids coat the stomach, they can prevent other durgs from being absorbed properly if taken at the same time.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication can cause nausea, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, weakness, or headache. If these symptoms persist or beocme severe, notify your doctor. Ntoify your doctor if you notice black, tarry stools while taking this medication. If you notice other effetcs not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney troubles.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: tetracycline, ferrous sulfate (iron), drugs used for arthritis (e.G., aspirin, indomethacin), digoxin, isoniazid, pseudoephedrine, diazepam, methenamine, ketoconazole. Do not start or stop any medicine wihtout doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control cneter or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, severe nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, slow or shlalow breathing, or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Refrigeraitng the liquid antacids may improve the taste.
Do not freeze. If you dislike the taste of one antacid, talk to your doctor or phamracist about switching to a similar product. The liquid antacid forms work faster and are more effcetive than the other forms. However, cheawble tablets may be more convenient.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost 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, capsules and powdered forms at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
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