Indications And Clinical Uses: For the treatment and relief of the symptoms of peptic ulcer, gastritis and hyperacidity.
Contraindications:
- hypersensitivity to active substances and other components of the drug;
- severe renal failure;
- hypophosphatemia;
- intolerance to fructose (due to the presence of sorbitol in the preparation);
- children and adolescents up to 15 years old.
Precautions: Magnesium salts, in the presence of renal insufficiency, may cause CNS depression. Aluminum hydroxide, in the presence of low phosphorus diets, may cause phosphorus deficiency. Aluminum salts tend to cause constipation.
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of iron preparations and/or tetracyclines.
Possible Side Effects:
- Immune system disorders: frequency unknown – hypersensitivity reactions such as pruritus, urticaria, angioedema and anaphylactic reactions.
- Gastrointestinal tract: infrequently – diarrhea, constipation.
- Metabolism and nutrition: the frequency is unknown – hypermagnesemia, hyperaluminemia, hypophosphatemia (with prolonged treatment or taking high doses, or when taking standard doses with a low phosphate content in food), which can lead to increased bone resorption, hypercalciuria, osteomalacia.
Symptoms And Treatment Of Overdose: Symptoms: Diarrhea is the only symptom of overdosage to be expected in the normal patient. In the presence of marked renal insufficiency, the possibility of magnesium intoxication exists; which will be manifested by dryness of mouth, drowsiness, stupor and respiratory depression.
Treatment: Massive overdosage should be treated by gastric lavage and by catharsis with castor oil or other laxatives not containing magnesium. Should symptoms of magnesium intoxication be present, calcium gluconate should be administered i.v.
Dosage And Administration: Suspension: Adults, 10 to 20 mL taken 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and upon retiring. May be mixed with water or milk. In gastritis, however, undiluted administration is recommended.
Tablets: Adults, 1 or 2 tablets, well chewed, 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime. May be followed with milk or water.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
In animals, no clear indications of the presence of a teratogenic effect in aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide have been found. To date, no specific teratogenic effects have been identified when using Maalox during pregnancy, however, due to lack of clinical experience, its use during pregnancy is possible only if the potential benefit from its use to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
When used as recommended, absorption of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium salts in the mother is limited, therefore this medicine is recognized as compatible with breastfeeding.
Availability And Storage: Suspension: Each 5 mL of mint-flavored, or cherry-flavored, creamy, colloidal suspension contains: magnesium hydroxide 200 mg, aluminum hydroxide dried gel USP 225 mg (equivalent to 172 mg aluminum hydroxide). Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium saccharin flavors, guar gum, methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbitol and water. Energy: 3.86 kJ (0.22 kcal)/5 mL. Sodium:
Tablets: Each round, flat-faced, beveled, white (mint-flavored) or pink (cherry-flavored), chewable tablet, engraved “Maalox” on one side and on the other side, contains: magnesium hydroxide 200 mg and aluminum hydroxide dried gel USP 200 mg (equivalent to 153 mg aluminum hydroxide). Nonmedicinal ingredients: flavors, glycerin, magnesium stearate, mannitol, sodium saccharin, sorbitol and talc. Energy: 4.9 kJ (1.18 kcal).
Additional info: This medicine should be taken after consultation with a doctor. Only he may prescribe the right dosage. This information is given in the informative purposes.
Posted by RxMed