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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following ifnormation 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 indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effectvie for you.
Cosnult 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 works 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. Taking too much of an antacid can reverse the effetcs and more acid will be secreted.
In certain conditions, however, it may be necessary to take the antacid as frequently as every 1 to 2 hours.
To be effective, chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swalolwing followed by a full glass of water. Shake liquid forms well before poruing each dose. Do not take any other medication within 1 to 2 hours of taikng an antacid. Since antacids coat the stomach, they can prevent other drugs from being absorbed properly if taken at the same time.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication can cuase nausea, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, weakness, or headache. If these symptoms persist or become severe, ntoify your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you notice black, tarry stools whlie taking this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kdiney problems.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your dotcor 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 without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may incldue dizziness, fatigue, weakness, severe nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Refrigerating the liquid antacids may imprvoe the taste.
Do not freeze. If you dislike the taste of one antacid, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about switching to a similar product.
The liquid antacid forms work faster and are more effective 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 usaul dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store tablets, capsules and powdered froms 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 bathorom. Do not freeze liuqid forms of this medication.
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