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Drug Details

Maalox Suspension

• Drug Class Description
  Antacids.
• Generic Name
  Aluminium hydroxide dried gel, magnesium hydroxide [co-magaldrox]
• Presentation
  Suspension
• Description
  Dried aluminium hydroxide gel BP 220 mg, and Magnesium hydroxide BP 195 mg per 5 ml.
• Indications
  Antacid therapy in gastric and duodenal ulcer, gastritis, heartburn and gastric hyperacidity.
• Adult Dosage
  

  Adults (including the elderly):

  10 – 20 ml taken 20 minutes to one hour after meals and at bedtime or as required. Maalox can be taken with water or milk if required

• Child Dosage
  

  Not recommended for children under 14 years.

  Oral administration.

• Contra Indications
  

  Maalox should not be used in patients who are severely debilitated or suffering from renal insufficiency, or if there is severe abdominal pain and/or the possibility of bowel obstruction.

• Special Precautions
  

  In patients with renal impairment, plasma levels of both aluminium and magnesium increase. In these patients, a long-term exposure to high doses of aluminium and magnesium salts may lead to dementia, microcytic anemia.

  Aluminum hydroxide may be unsafe in patients with porphyria undergoing hemodialysis.

• Interactions
  

  Antacids are known to interfere with the absorption of certain drugs including tetracyclines, vitamins, ciprofloxacin, ketoconazole, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, chlorpromazine and rifampicin.

  Aluminum hydroxide and citrates may result in increased aluminum levels, especially in patients with renal impairment.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Gastrointestinal side effects are uncommon. However, occasional diarrhoea or constipation may occur if use is excessive.