What is Maalox chewable tablets for? Maalox chewable tablets - official* instructions for use

The drug Maalox belongs to the group of antacid drugs, which are prescribed to patients for the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.

Maalox tablets have a rapid therapeutic effect. The medicine helps in the fight against pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Since the medication protects the gastric mucosa from, it begins to regenerate faster. Clinical trial statistics show that if the instructions for use are followed, the drug is easily tolerated and adverse reactions occur rarely.

The drug Maalox, which is part of the antacid group, is a complex medication. The medicine contains Algeldrate, which has a systemic effect on the gastrointestinal tract:

• adsorbs;
• envelops;
• has a choleretic effect.

Maalox tablets contain magnesium hydroxide, which has a mild laxative effect. This substance helps eliminate excessive gas formation, and the process of stool discharge gradually normalizes.

An antacid helps normalize stomach acidity, as the activity of hydrochloric acid and gastric juice decreases.

Composition of Maalox

Each tablet of the drug contains 400 mg of Algeldrate (aluminum hydroxide), as well as some auxiliary components, including magnesium hydroxide.

Release form and packaging

The drug can be produced in the form of a suspension in bags or bottles, as well as in tablet form.

Maalox suspension, available in sachets (15 ml), contains 525 mg of aluminum hydroxide and 600 mg of magnesium hydroxide.

Suspension in bottles (100 ml per bottle) contains 3.5 g. and 4 gr. active substance, respectively.

The tablet form contains 400 mg each of magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. The package can contain from one to four blisters of 10 tablets each.

Maalox is available without a prescription.

Pharmacological actions

The mechanism of action of Maalox is based on the neutralization of free hydrochloric acid found in gastric juice, while acid secretion does not increase. After the medicine enters the digestive organ, the pH value increases, so the gastric juice becomes less aggressive.

The substances that make up Maalox envelop the gastric mucosa and have an adsorbing effect. The mucous membrane is protected from the destructive effects of aggressive chemical components.

The medicine has a local effect, is practically not absorbed into the blood, which means it has no other therapeutic effect on the body. It is excreted naturally through feces.

Indications for use of Maalox

Maalox tablets and suspensions are prescribed to patients for the following pathological processes in the body:

• acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa;
• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers;
• pain in the upper gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by sour belching;
• heartburn;
• erosion of the gastrointestinal mucosa;
• hyperphosphatemia;
• inflammatory process in the pancreas in the acute phase;
• with reflux esophagitis;
• painful sensations in the epigastrium caused by poor diet, alcohol abuse and taking certain medications.

Maalox is also prescribed as a preventive measure for stomach and duodenal ulcers while taking drugs from the NPS group, as well as acetylsalicylic acid.

Instructions for use

Tablet form

The tablets are thoroughly chewed or dissolved, and there is no need to drink water. Take one or two tablets up to four times a day. It is recommended to take the medicine before bedtime and 1–2 hours after meals.

In case of acute damage to the esophagus, the medicine is taken after meals at short intervals. But no more than six times a day. More than 12 tablets per day are strictly contraindicated.

The course of Maalox therapy should not exceed three months.

If you violate your diet, you can take one or two tablets once.

If you experience pain in the stomach associated with, you can chew 1 or 2 tablets.

Follow the instructions when taking the drug

Maalox suspension

Before use, shake the bottle thoroughly, and knead the bag of medicine well to achieve uniformity. The substance contained in the sachets is used without dissolving in water.

For acute damage to the esophagus, the medicine is taken 30–60 minutes after a meal, and for an ulcer, half an hour after a meal.

The course of therapy is no more than three months.

Special instructions

If the patient has impaired renal function, he needs special monitoring when taking Maalox. If side effects occur, use should be stopped immediately. In patients with renal failure, high doses of the drug are contraindicated, as they can cause the development of microcytic anemia, dementia or encephalopathy.

If the medicine is used for a long time, patients should receive phosphorus salts with their food.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Studies conducted on animals have not given a clear answer to the question of whether the drug affects the fetus. To date, the negative effect of Maalox on the intrauterine development of the unborn baby has not yet been described in medical practice.

But since there are no reliable studies, taking Maalox is allowed only if the therapeutic effect for the mother is more important than the probable risk to the fetus.

Prescribing medications in large doses is not recommended. The use of Maalox is permitted only in small courses.

The active ingredients of the drug are practically not absorbed into the blood and breast milk, so it is allowed to be taken during breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

When Maalox and Norfloxacin, Ketonazole, Indomethacin or Digoxin are used simultaneously, the absorption of the latter slows down, so therapy may not give the desired effect.

If the drug is used for ulcers as a prophylactic agent, it is necessary to wait at least two to three hours between doses of the drug, otherwise the effectiveness of NSAIDs will decrease.

The process of moving food through the gastrointestinal tract is reduced by drugs from the group of M-anticholinergics, thereby increasing the effect of Maalox over time. This must be taken into account when drug interactions between these drugs occur.

Maalox overdose

In very rare cases, an overdose of this drug occurs. If the drug is used for a long time in large doses, the following pathological conditions may develop:

• hypocalcemia and/or hypophosphatemia;
• hyperaluminemia and/or hypermagnesemia;
• calcium levels may increase in a urine test;
• development of abnormalities on the part of the central nervous system;
• development of encephalopathy;
• calcium deposits in the urinary ducts and kidneys, which inhibits the functioning of the urinary system.

There is a possibility of developing acute renal failure.

In elderly patients, intestinal motility can sharply decrease, which threatens intestinal obstruction.

If the above symptoms appear, the patient requires hospitalization.

Side effects

Maalox is well tolerated in most cases. In case of overdose or individual intolerance, the following undesirable symptoms may occur:

• loss of appetite;
• feeling of vomiting or nausea;
• problems with stool.

The symptoms are not dangerous to health and quickly disappear when the dosage is reduced or the drug is completely abandoned.

Storage conditions and periods

The medicinal product is stored out of the reach of children at a temperature not exceeding 25 0 C.

Shelf life - no more than three years.

After the expiration date, which is indicated on the packaging of the drug, its use is contraindicated.

Pricing policy

Medicine in tablet form - approximately 230 rubles per package.

4.3 ml sachets, six pieces per pack - about 160 rubles.

A 250 ml suspension in a bottle costs about 500 rubles.

Suspension of 15 ml, thirty pieces per package - cost about 780 rubles.

Analogues of Maalox

There are other drugs that are worthy competitors to Maalox. But in order to replace this drug with an analogue, you must first consult with your treating gastroenterologist.

A good drug with antacid properties is Almagel. The product is available in the form of a suspension or gel, has an enveloping effect and protects the gastric mucosa from the destructive effects of chemical agents.

Alumag is also an excellent substitute for Maalox. It is used successfully for many pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, especially for reflux esophagia and hiatal hernia. This analogue is inexpensive, so it is suitable for patients with limited finances. The components of the drug in the stomach react with hydrochloric acid, resulting in the formation of chlorides that normalize the pH level.

In addition, the drug Gastal Andre effectively normalizes acidity levels. The medicine relieves attacks of heartburn well and will help relieve intoxication caused by drug poisoning.

Symptoms of the stomach and duodenum can be relieved with the drug Stomalox.

Ajiflux is a choleretic drug, so it can be used for dyskinesia.

The medication Almol acts almost instantly, and after a few minutes the unpleasant symptoms go away. But the drug only works for about an hour.

Video: Guide to choosing medications for heartburn

Patients suffering from various diseases of the digestive system are often prescribed Maalox. It belongs to antacid drugs, envelops the walls of the organ and thereby prevents the harmful effects of gastric juice on them.

In order not to worry about safety, each patient needs to clearly understand what this remedy helps to get rid of, as well as study the method of use and possible side effects. We will consider all these questions further.

Compound

The positive effect on the stomach is due to the presence of substances such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide in the composition of the drug. Each form of the drug contains approximately the same amount of each of them.

Release form

The drug is available in tablets and suspensions. The former are divided into two varieties: with and without sugar. Moreover, the amount of the main active ingredient in them is exactly the same. Thus, a sugar-free medicine is perfect for people who, for whatever reason, do not consume this substance, as well as for people suffering from diabetes. Available in packages of 10, 20, 40 tablets. Maalox in the form of a suspension is sold in dark glass bottles. Their volume is 250 ml. It has a viscous, opaque, homogeneous consistency.

In addition, there is another type of suspension - Maalox mini. This drug has an identical composition, but is easier to use. It is intended for periodic use in cases of sudden attacks of heartburn, belching and other similar problems. The volume of Maalox mini in sachets is 4.3 ml and is used for one-time use. It is packaged in 10,20, 30, 40, 60 pieces in 1 package.

How does the drug affect the body?

The main components of the drug have an enveloping, adsorbent and antacid effect. Once in the stomach, magnesium and aluminum ions create a protective barrier on the walls of the organ, which prevents the influence of various negative factors on it. Also, these substances neutralize hydrochloric acid and reduce the acidity of gastric juice. The adsorbing effect is due to the ability of aluminum to bind toxic elements and remove them from the body without harming health.

The effect of Maalox lasts for a long time. As the protective layer formed on the mucous membrane breaks down, there are no side effects such as heaviness, bloating, or severe heartburn.

Indications for use

It is recommended to use liquid Maalox or the drug in tablet form for the following pathological conditions.

1. Gastritis. The disease is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane. Accompanied by nausea, belching, heartburn, weight loss, and pain. In addition to this drug, other medications are used, and you must also follow a strict diet.
2. Esophageal hernia. This pathology is accompanied by attacks of heartburn. Maalox is used to relieve them.
3. Peptic ulcer disease. Causes pain, belching, constipation, heartburn. The disease is characterized by damage to the integrity of the organ wall, so for full recovery it is necessary to neutralize hydrochloric acid and create a protective barrier.
4. Periodic abdominal pain, attacks of heartburn. These symptoms do not always indicate the development of the disease. They can occur due to poor nutrition, consumption of large amounts of fatty or spicy foods. In such cases, this remedy is suitable for heartburn and pain.

How to use?

Before drinking Maalox, you need to find out what dosage is indicated depending on the age of the patient. Instructions are included with each package, so finding out this issue will not be difficult.

• For children over 15 years of age and adults, a single dose is 1 – 2 tablets. They are consumed after meals; Be sure to chew the medicine or leave it in the mouth until completely dissolved. You can take no more than 12 tablets per day.
• For peptic ulcers, the medicine is used half an hour before meals. It is sometimes recommended to use it before bedtime, since it is at night that this symptom bothers patients.
• Before use, Maalox mini should be slightly kneaded, dissolved in a small volume of liquid and drunk at one time.

It should also be noted that this drug interferes with the absorption of some medications, so you should maintain an interval of 2 hours between the use of different drugs.

Side effects

As a rule, Maalox is not accompanied by adverse reactions, however, in case of overdose, the following may occur:

1. skin rashes;
2. stomach ache;
3. nausea;
4. diarrhea;
5. lack of phosphorus in the body.

Contraindications

Maalox should not be used in the following cases:

• for Alzheimer's disease;
• in case of intolerance to the components of the drug;
• with kidney failure;
• with phosphorus deficiency in the blood;
• during pregnancy;
• when breastfeeding;
• with fructose intolerance.

Some patients are interested in what is better to take: Maalox or Phosphalugel? Only a doctor can answer this question, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease of a particular person. These drugs have almost the same effect on the body. Maalox perfectly eliminates various problems with the digestive canal, but it is better to use it after the appointment of a specialist. This will help prevent possible side effects.

Maalox is a drug with an antacid effect.

What is the composition and release form of the medication Maalox?

The drug Maalox is available in a white and liquid suspension, which in consistency is somewhat reminiscent of milk, with a pleasant mint aroma. There are two active substances: aluminum hydroxide 525 mg, and 600 mg of magnesium hydroxide is also present.

Excipients of the suspension: concentrated hydrochloric acid, citric acid monohydrate, peppermint oil, mannitol, sodium saccharinate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, sorbitol 70%, as well as hydrogen peroxide, purified water.

The suspension is sold in small bags in so-called sachets, they are 15 milliliters each. Sold in the over-the-counter department. The sales period for the medicine is three years from the date of release of the medicine.

There is another dosage form of Maalox, it is presented in tablets, which contain the same active ingredients. You can buy the medicine without a prescription. The drug should be placed in a dark place.

What is the effect of Maalox suspension/tablets?

The active substances of Maalox, represented by aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, have a neutralizing effect on hydrochloric acid, which is present in the stomach; the activity of pepsin in gastric juice decreases.

In addition, the drug has an adsorbing effect and also has an enveloping effect, thereby reducing the impact of damaging factors on the gastric mucosa.

What are the indications for use of Maalox?

I will list the situations when Maalox is indicated for use:

Exacerbation of peptic ulcer;

Acute and chronic gastroduodenitis in the acute phase;

With a hiatal hernia;

With reflux esophagitis.

In addition, the medicine is prescribed for dyspeptic symptoms, manifested in the form of discomfort in the epigastrium, stomach pain, as well as heartburn, errors in diet, excessive consumption of nicotine, alcoholic beverages, coffee.

What are the contraindications for use of the drug Maalox?

I will list when the instructions for use of the drug Maalox prohibit its use for treatment:

In severe renal failure;

With hypophosphatemia;

In case of hypersensitivity to an antacid;

Up to 15 years;

Sucrase deficiency;

Fructose intolerance.

Maalox is used with caution during pregnancy, porphyria, and breastfeeding, in addition, for Alzheimer's disease.

What is the use and dosage of Maalox?

Maalox suspension is intended for internal use. Before direct use, it should be homogenized; to do this, knead the bag thoroughly between your fingers, and then consume the contents in undissolved form.

Usually the drug is used after meals, as well as at night, in addition, when heartburn occurs. The daily dose is six sachets. The course of treatment lasts on average two to three months. For occasional use, the medicine is used once in a dose of 15 milliliters, for example, for abdominal discomfort after errors in diet.

Maalox tablets are prescribed 2-3 pieces an hour or two after meals, if necessary, you can increase the single dose to 3-4 tablet forms. As maintenance therapy, it is recommended to take 1 tablet up to three times a day for three months.

Overdose from Maalox

Currently, there is no information about an overdose of Maalox; therefore, the symptoms that can develop with this condition are not known. If such a situation develops, then you should rinse your stomach and, if necessary, seek advice from a doctor.

What are the side effects of Maalox?

The drug Maalox, which we continue to talk about on this page www.site, causes side effects of the following nature: sometimes loose stools occur, constipation may occur, taste sensations change, in addition, nausea and vomiting. If the medicine is used for a long time, then hypophosphatemia cannot be excluded, as well as hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, renal dysfunction, hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, as well as so-called softening of the bones.

Other side effects of taking an antacid will be as follows: increased concentrations of magnesium and aluminum, hyporeflexia, thirst develops, blood pressure decreases, in addition, encephalopathy and dementia are possible.

Special instructions

If, while using the drug Maalox, the symptoms of the disease persist for ten days, and the patient’s well-being deteriorates, in this situation it is necessary to adjust the treatment process.

Long-term use of the antacid Maalox should be avoided if renal function is impaired. In addition, it is important to monitor plasma magnesium and aluminum levels.

If the suspension becomes heterogeneous, thickens and begins to separate poorly from the bag, this will indicate its deterioration, which can occur if the drug is stored improperly. In such a situation, you should refrain from further use of the antacid drug.

How to replace Maalox, what analogues should I use?

The medicine Altacid, Anacid forte, Alumag, the medicine Maalukol, Adzhiflux, Almol, Almagel, the drug Palmagel, Maalox mini, Gastracid, as well as Rivolox are analogues.

Conclusion

The patient must independently study the instructions for use of the prescribed drug. Be healthy!

Maalox is an antacid and enveloping agent with an acid-neutralizing effect.

The drug neutralizes free hydrochloric acid without causing secondary hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid. Due to the increase in pH when taken, the peptic activity of gastric juice decreases.

It has an adsorbing and enveloping effect, due to which the influence of damaging factors on the mucous membrane is reduced.

Algeldrate (aluminum hydroxide) and magnesium hydroxide are local antacids and are practically not absorbed when taken in therapeutic doses, so there are no systemic effects.

Indications for use

What does Maalox help with? According to the instructions, the drug is prescribed in the following cases:

• acute gastritis (inflammation of the stomach);
• chronic gastritis with normal or increased secretory function (secretion of gastric juice) in the acute phase;
• hiatal hernia;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum in the acute phase;
• discomfort in the stomach after errors in diet, taking medications and abuse of coffee, alcohol, nicotine.

Instructions for use of Maalox, dosage

The tablets are taken orally, chewing thoroughly. Recommended dosage: 1-2 tablets 3-4 times a day 1-2 hours after meals and before bedtime.

For reflux esophagitis, the interval between eating and taking pills should be reduced. The course of treatment is no more than 2-3 months. For occasional use, a single dose of 1-2 tablets is indicated.

For the treatment of acute inflammatory processes, a single dose of the drug is 3 tablets, which are taken half an hour before meals.

The suspension is taken orally: 1 sachet 1-2 hours after meals and at night or if heartburn or pain in the epigastric region occurs; 1 tablespoon (suspension in bottles) 3-4 times a day 1-2 hours after meals and at night.

Before use, the suspension in vials should be shaken, in sachets - thoroughly knead between fingers (homogenize).

The daily dose of Maalox is no more than 90 ml of suspension or 6 sachets. For reflux esophagitis, the drug is taken 30-60 minutes after meals, for gastric ulcers - 30 minutes before meals.

The dosage of the drug for children is determined individually.

The duration of taking tablets or suspension is no more than 2-3 months. For occasional use, it is recommended to use 1-2 tablets or 15 ml of suspension once (for example, for discomfort after errors in the diet).

Side effects

The instructions warn about the possibility of developing the following side effects when prescribing Maalox:

• Rarely: development of phosphorus deficiency in the body (possible with long-term use in high doses and is associated with the presence of algeldrate in the drug).

Use in high doses is contraindicated in patients with renal failure. During the period of use of the drug in medium and low doses in this category of patients, it is necessary to control the phosphorus content in the body. When the first symptoms of depletion of phosphorus reserves in the body appear, the drug should be discontinued immediately.

Contraindications

Maalox is contraindicated in the following cases:

• known hypersensitivity to the auxiliary ingredients of a separate dosage form of the drug or directly to aluminum and/or magnesium hydroxide (active components of Maalox);
• Alzheimer's disease;
• severe renal dysfunction; habitual constipation;
• hypophosphatemia;
• severe abdominal pain of unspecified origin (including cases of suspected surgical pathology);
• chronic diarrhea;
• fructose intolerance, sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, malabsorption syndrome (impaired absorption) of galactose and glucose;
• indications for children under 15 years of age.

Overdose

Currently, no cases of drug overdose have been reported.

Analogues of Maalox, price in pharmacies

If necessary, you can replace Maalox with an analogue of the active substance - these are the following drugs:

1. Ajiflux,
2. Alumag,
3. Almagel,
4. Palmagel,
5. Maalukol,
6. Rivolox,
7. Phosphalugel.

When choosing analogues, it is important to understand that the instructions for use of Maalox, the price and reviews do not apply to drugs with similar effects. It is important to consult a doctor and not change the drug yourself.

Price in Russian pharmacies: Maalox suspension 15 ml - from 21 to 27 rubles, chewable tablets. without sugar 20 pcs. – from 187 to 235 rubles, according to 481 pharmacies.

Tablets should be stored at room temperature. Shelf life - 2 years. Store the oral suspension in a cool place, do not freeze. Shelf life - 3 years.

The drug Maalox is a medicine intended for the treatment of heartburn, belching and other symptoms of a number of diseases of the stomach and intestinal tract. The principle of action (and all its analogues) is to reduce the acidity of gastric juice and neutralize free hydrochloric acid. Thanks to its enveloping and adsorbing effect, the drug improves the patient’s well-being and is quite popular. It should be used only as directed and recommended by a doctor, although it is available without a prescription.

The main active ingredients of the drug are magnesium and aluminum hydroxides (algeldrate).

• chewable tablets (with and without sugar);
• glass bottles of 250 ml;
• dosed suspensions (15 ml sachets).

The tablets (both sweet and intended for diabetics) contain 400 mg of magnesium hydroxide and algeldrate. This is 2/3 of the recommended single dose, so sometimes it is taken one and sometimes 2 tablets.

In 100 ml of suspension there are 4 g of magnesium hydroxide and 3.5 g of algeldrate, in portioned sachets - 600 mg and 525 mg, respectively. Aromatics, citric acid, sodium saccharinate and sucrose are used as excipients added to the drug. They are needed to improve the taste of Maalox and make it easier for patients to take.

Due to the correspondence of one dose for an adult to the amount of active ingredients in sachets divided into portions, they are considered the best option for taking the medicine. As evidenced by patient reviews, it is convenient to measure the required amount of the drug for the liquid form. The tablets provide minimal compliance with the recommended dose, and their advantage is their compactness. Several chewable medications in tablet form are easy to carry in your pocket and use on the go or at work.

Indications and contraindications

1. various types of ulcers (gastric and duodenal);
2. inflammation of the mucous membranes of the same organs;
3. heartburn and other temporary and permanent signs of poor nutrition, overdose of nicotine, alcohol and even coffee;
4. hiatal hernia.

Maalox should not be used to treat heartburn and other symptoms in patients suffering from:

• kidney problems;
• allergic reaction to one or more components of the drug;
• fructose intolerance;
• a form of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease.

Taking the medicine is undesirable, and, judging by some sources and reviews from doctors, it is completely prohibited for children under 15 years of age. It is recommended to use it with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Hemodialysis in patients with porphyria may also be one of the reasons leading to refusal of heartburn medication.

Dosage

The dose of one serving of the medicine, time of administration and frequency depend on the form of release. Moreover, due to recommendations not to treat children under 15 years of age with the drug, its entire dosage is the same and is relevant for any age. Although the instructions for using the drug in tablet form allow for changing the serving size depending on the symptoms and the level of severity of the disease that caused them - from 1 to 2 pieces per dose.

Suspension in bags

When dosing using Maalox sachets, take one serving (15 ml) no more than 6 times a day, depending on how you feel and the severity of symptoms. Before use, the suspension is kneaded between the fingers, and then thoroughly chewed and swallowed. Taking time: 1–2 hours after meals and before bedtime. The frequency may be interrupted if acute pain or heartburn occurs - for example, for an ulcer, it is required to take it 30 minutes before meals, and for reflux esophagitis - after the same period after eating food. In this case, you cannot exceed the daily dose of the suspension (90 ml).

Courses of therapy should not last more than 3 months. And if a single use of the medicine is necessary (heartburn caused by a specific reason, and not by illness - overeating, exceeding the dose of ethanol taken, etc.), only 1-2 sachets of suspension are enough to solve the problem.

Bottles

The medicine is also available in liquid form - dark glass bottles. It also requires a dosage of 15 ml (1 tbsp). Frequency of use, according to the instructions for use, is up to 4 times a day. Taking time: 60–120 minutes before meals and before bedtime. The course of treatment is up to 3 months. Occasional use, required when acute pain and heartburn occurs from overeating or poor diet, allows only a single dose of 15 ml of the drug and its repetition if the symptoms return.

Pills

Like the suspension, the tablet form of the drug does not require swallowing, but chewing or resorption. This increases the area of ​​the stomach that is covered by the active ingredients and is protected from heartburn and other symptoms. Doctors prescribe this medicine 4–6 times a day, 1–2 tablets. Approximate time: within 1–2 hours after eating. The daily dosage should not exceed 12 tablets, and the maximum period of therapy is 3 months. If during this time it was not possible to achieve the required result, the drug is replaced with a more effective one. A single dose for symptoms that are passing, but still require immediate action, involves taking up to two tablets.

Overdose

Exceeding the recommended daily or single dose of the drug can lead to serious consequences - abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. In patients at risk (renal failure and old age), its constant use may increase intestinal obstruction and obstruction. In large doses, the drug can adversely affect the health of people who only have a predisposition to the development of phosphate deficiency.

If symptoms of overdose appear, you should immediately stop taking the medication and wait until magnesium and aluminum are excreted in the urine. In addition, it is necessary to carry out forced diuresis by taking diuretics. And patients with kidney diseases undergo peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis to cleanse the blood.

Side effects

According to reviews and studies, there are few side effects when the correct dosage of Maalox is observed. In some cases, the patient's immune system may respond with itching, swelling and hives. And long-term use of maximum doses of the drug, even within the recommended values, can lead to the development of hypermagnesemia and hyperaluminemia (excess magnesium and aluminum in the body) and even hypophosphatemia (lack of phosphorus), causing destruction of bone tissue. With kidney disease, patients may develop encephalopathy, dementia, and microcytic anemia. Among other side effects noted in the reviews of doctors caused by the drug and requiring immediate cessation of its use, it is worth noting a decrease in body weight, the appearance of difficulties with swallowing and previously not manifested digestive problems.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Studies have not shown any negative effects from the drug on pregnant women using it. However, the available data is not enough to confirm the complete absence of danger for future mothers and children. Therefore, during pregnancy, Maalox is used only in cases where the benefits of such treatment outweigh the possible risk to the child.

Compatibility with other drugs

The drug can interact with a number of certain medications, also taken orally. In this case, the instructions for use require taking into account the need to maintain a non-standard break (more than 2 hours) between taking Maalox and the following medications:

• acetylsalicylic acid and salicylates;
• anti-tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid and ethambutol);
• metoprolol;
• atenolol;
• drugs containing citrates;
• quinidine;
• kayexalate;
• ketoconazole;
• penicillinamine;
• H2 receptor blockers;
• phosphorus additives.

If the interval is not maintained, the following side effects may occur:

1. simultaneous use of the drug with quinidine causes an increase in the serum concentration of the latter and an overdose. The result may be heart problems;
2. when using a medicine with kayexalate, it is necessary to ensure the recommended two-hour break, since their interaction not only reduces the efficiency of potassium binding, but also causes metabolic alkalosis in patients with kidney problems and intestinal obstruction;
3. when salicylates are used as a medicine, the process of removing medications from the body through urine may be disrupted;
4. If taken simultaneously with citrates, there is a risk of increasing the level of aluminum in the body.

Special instructions

In the instructions for use of the drug there are a number of instructions that should be followed during the treatment process:

• Only a doctor should prescribe even a single dose of medication for pregnant women and patients at risk. Other categories of patients can independently decide on a one-time use of a tablet or suspension, contacting a specialist only if it is necessary to prescribe long-term treatment;
• if the patient’s symptoms persist 10 days after the start of the course of therapy, treatment measures are stopped, starting new ones and changing the drug;
• between the use of the medicine and any other medications, at least 1.5–2 hours should pass;
• due to the fact that the drug causes a lack of phosphorus in the body, its use should be accompanied by the addition of food containing phosphates to the patient’s diet - primarily fish and seafood, cheese, egg yolk and liver.

Release and storage

The medicine in any of the manufactured forms is sold without a special prescription from a doctor. According to the instructions for use, it should be stored in a place inaccessible to sunlight and children. The optimal storage temperature is 25 degrees. The shelf life of the drug is 36 months.