Maalox suspension

Maalox suspension is a white, mint flavoured suspension and belongs to a group of medicines called antacid. Maalox is used to treat various stomach problems such as heartburn or when your stomach has produced to much acid (indigestion). Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) it is also used to lower the amount of acid in the stomach or gut (intestine) when there is an ulcer present. Antacids work by binding to and neutralising excess acid effectively lowering the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion associated with excess stomach acid as well as relieving irritation and peptic ulcers.

Directions for use: Shake the container well before use, this medicine should be taken by mouth. If you find the texture over bearing the suspension may be taken in water or milk. You should discard any medicine that may be left in the container after 28 days from opening. If symptoms persist consult your doctor

The dosage for adults, the elderly and children, over the age of 14 years, is 1 or 2 5ml spoonfuls taken 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime. If your doctor has prescribed Maalox suspension for you then you should take the medicine as your doctor has advised.

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Quick Guide

• Dependency is said to be – NOTHING NOTEWORTHY.
• Prescription only medication – NO.
• If obtainable on prescription – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – NOTHING NOTEWORTHY.
• Not to be given to children under 14 years of age.
• This product is to be taken by mouth.
• There is a possibility of an allergic reaction occurring in some individuals.
• This medicine should be discarded if more than 28 days has elapsed since opening.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted side effects.

Common: Diarrhoea.
Rare: Constipation, Severe Abdominal Pain, Severe Weakness.

It is rare to suffer the above side effects. However, it is possible for side effects to affect some individuals. If they last longer than a few days you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Also tell them if you notice any side effects not listed here.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer.

Prolonged Use

Gastro-intestinal side effects are rare with Maalox suspension and this makes it especially suitable when long term therapy is required. However, If you require an antacid over a long period of time you should consult with your doctor as underlying symptoms could be masked by the continual use of antacids.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

No interaction expected.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

The safety of this medication has not been established. If you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or breast feeding you should consult with your doctor before taking this medicine. or any other medication (while we are on the subject).

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60’s & Children

There are no problems associated with adults or the elderly. Maalox Suspension should not be given to children under 14 years of age.

Suspension Ingredients

Maalox Suspension contains the following ingredients:
Methylparaben (E218), propylparaben (E216), citric acid, (anthydrous), sodium saccharin, sorbitol, mannitol powder, hydrogen peroide, hydrochloric acid, peppermint oil and purified water. The active ingredients are: Each 5ml of suspension contains 220mg of dried aluminium hydroxide gel and 195mg of magnesium hydroxide.

The ingredients Methylparaben (E218), and propylparaben (E216), may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. If this happens it may show up some time after taking the medicine. Signs of an allergic reaction could include: breathing problems with wheezing and tightness in your chest (bronchospasm). If you have been told you can not tolerate or digest some sugars, you should talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Overdose

If you have taken more Maalox than you should have done, talk to your doctor or go to the A&E department of your hospital taking any medicine that may be left with you, this will give those dealing with the overdose information they need to help you.

Other Medication Reactions

Antacids can reduce the absorption of many other medicines, making those other medicines less effective. In general, interactions between this and other medications can be avoided by leaving a time gap of 1 to 2 hours between this and the taking of other medicines.

Maalox Suspension may affect some medicines used to treat infections such as: tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin and ketoconazole. Medicines use to treat malaria such as: chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. Medicines used to treat psychosis (mental health illness), and vitamins. Other drugs Maalox Suspension may interact with are: benzodiazepine (Valium, Xanax), captopril (Capoten), steroids (prednisone, Deltasone, Medrol), flecainide (Tambocor), ulcer medications (Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid), phenytoin type drugs (Dilantin, Mesantoin, Peganone, Cerebyx), iron (Feosol, ferrous sulfate, Nu-Iron), ketoconazole (Nizoral), levodopa (Dopar), penicillamine (Depen, Cuprimine), phenothiazines (Thorazine, Stelazine, Compazine), quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute), aspirin, salicylates, diabetic medicines (Diabinese, Micronase, Glucotrol), tetracycline (Sumycin, Tetracyn), ticlopidine (Ticlid), valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene).

Missed A Dose

This is usually not a problem since most people only use the antacid when they have symptoms. If you miss a doctors recommended dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, it is not necessary to double up on the next dose.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

If this medication has been given you by your doctor you should be guided by his or her advice. If you have bought it over the counter and symptoms persist you should talk to the pharmacist or consult with your doctor.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

Fast acting.

Storage and Safety

• Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted medication / drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines / drugs to your pharmacist.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.