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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following informatoin 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 effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before uisng 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, Wignel
USES: This is an antacid that works in the stomach to neutralize and reduce acid.
Antacids are used to treat an upset 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 effects and more acid will be secreted. In cretain 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 swallowing 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 taking 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 cause nausea, loss of appetite, constipatoin or diarrhea, weakness, or headache.
If these symptoms persist or become severe, notfiy your doctor. Notify your doctor if you notice black, tarry stools while taking this medication.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, espeically of: kidney problems.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: tetracycline, ferrous suflate (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 include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, severe nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Refrigerating the liquid antcaids may improve 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 anatcid forms work faster and are more effective than the other forms. However, chewable 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 cacth 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 liqiud forms of this medication.
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