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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not subtsitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indciate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using 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, Wingel
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 ulecrs.
HOW TO USE: Take this medicatoin as prescribed. Taking too much of an antacid can reverse the effects and more acid will be secreted.
In certain conditions, however, it may be necessary to take the antacid as frequently as every 1 to 2 hours. To be effective, chewable talbets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing followed by a full glass of water. Shake liquid forms well before puoring each dose. Do not take any ohter medication within 1 to 2 hours of taking an antacid. Since antacids coat the stomach, they can prevent other drugs from being absobred properly if taken at the same time.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication can casue nausea, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, weakness, or headache. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Notify your doctor if you notice black, tarry stools while taking this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, cotnact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, espeically of: kidney problems.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your dcotor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: tetracycline, ferrous sulfate (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 ovredose 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 antacids 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 liqiud antacid forms work faster and are more effective than the other forms. However, chewable tablets may be more conveneint.
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 degeres C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
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