Maalox instructions for use of the tablet duration of administration. Maalox instructions for use, contraindications, side effects, reviews. Which is better: Almagel or Maalox

Abdominal pain and other uncomfortable symptoms caused by too high acidity of gastric juice are prescribed antacids. These include a drug called Maalox. Is it possible to give this medication to children and in what dosage is it allowed in childhood?

Release form and composition

Maalox is presented in two dosage forms:

Suspension. It is produced in glass bottles, inside of which there is 250 ml of a viscous homogeneous opaque substance of white-yellow or white color. In addition, the suspension is also produced in portioned sachets of 15 ml, of which 30 pieces are contained in one box.

Chewable tablets. Such Maalox is produced in two versions - without sugar (these tablets are in demand for diabetes or a strict diet) and with sugar. These tablets are round and engraved. The drug without sugar is distinguished by a yellowish or white color with slight marbling, as well as a lemon smell. Sugar tablets are white and smell like mint. One box contains 10, 20 or 40 tablets.

Both types of drugs include two active ingredients:

Algeldrat. This compound is hydrated alumina and is contained in one chewable tablet at a dose of 400 mg, and in a 15 ml suspension - in an amount of 525 mg.
magnesium hydroxide. Such an ingredient is presented in each tablet with a dosage of 400 mg, and from 15 ml of suspension the patient receives it at a dose of 600 mg.

Additionally, the suspension contains citric acid, mannitol, peppermint oil, sorbitol and other ingredients. Excipients of tablets are mannitol, sucrose, mint flavor, sodium saccharinate and other substances.

Separately, we note the drug Maalox Mini. It is presented in portioned sachets of 4.3 ml suspension, which contains 460 mg of aluminum hydroxide and 400 mg of magnesium hydroxide. One box contains from 6 to 40 bags. The taste of the drug is lemon or blackcurrant.

Operating principle

Maalox is a group of antacids and has an enveloping and absorbent effect. Its use reduces the acidity of gastric juice and prevents the negative effects of hydrochloric acid on the gastric mucosa.

Indications

Maalox is prescribed for various diseases of the digestive tract, which are manifested by discomfort in the abdomen, sour belching, heartburn, stomach pain and other symptoms. The drug is in demand

With exacerbation of peptic ulcer.
With acute gastroduodenitis.
With exacerbation of the chronic form of gastritis or gastroduodenitis.
With reflux esophagitis.
With a hernia of the diaphragm (esophageal opening).

In addition, Maalox is used for dyspepsia provoked by a violation of the diet, medication and other factors. Maalox Mini is used only occasionally to eliminate heartburn or belching.

At what age are they prescribed?

The instructions for both the Maalox suspension and tablets and the Maalox Mini drug indicate that such medicines are contraindicated in children under 15 years of age. This is due to insufficient clinical research on the effects of such drugs on the children's body. In practice, doctors often prescribe it to children, calling it relatively safe.

At the same time, the treatment of children with Maalox should be under the supervision of a pediatrician and short-lived (no more than 1 month) in order to prevent the loss of calcium and phosphorus. In addition, only a suspension is used in childhood, because it can be difficult for a child to completely dissolve or chew a tablet.

Contraindications

The drug is not used:

With severe renal failure.
In case of intolerance to any of its components.
For problems with the absorption of fructose, sucrose or galactose.

Side effects

In some patients, Maalox causes constipation, but sometimes it also provokes stool thinning. In addition, the medicine can cause hives, itching and other manifestations of allergies.

Instructions for use

It is advised to shake the suspension bottle before use, and knead the bag with your fingers. The contents of the sachet are taken undiluted, and the drug from the bottle is dosed with a spoon (one tablespoon holds 15 ml of syrup).

A single dose of medicine for a child under one year old is half a teaspoon (2.5 ml), for children 1-5 years old - a full teaspoon (5 ml), for a patient aged 5 to 15 years - one teaspoon or one dessert spoon ( 5-10 ml). If the remedy is prescribed by the course, then it is usually taken twice or thrice a day.

Tablets Maalox should be chewed or sucked one to two hours after meals, as well as at night. The drug is prescribed for children over 15 years of age, 1-2 tablets per appointment. It is usually prescribed three times a day, but sometimes a doctor may recommend taking 4-6 times a day. The duration of treatment for chronic pathologies is up to 2-3 months.

Overdose and drug interactions

Exceeding the dose of the drug leads to diarrhea, abdominal pain or vomiting. For treatment, it is recommended to give more fluids so that magnesium and aluminum leave the patient's body faster.

Taking Maalox reduces the absorption of many other drugs in the intestines, therefore, between the use of such a drug and any other drugs, it is recommended to pause at least 2 hours.

Terms of sale and storage

All types of Maalox, including portion sachets, are sold without a prescription. The average price of a bottle of suspension is 320-350 rubles, and a pack of 20 chewable tablets is about 220-240 rubles.

Store the medicine at home is advised at room temperature in a place hidden from small children. The shelf life of tablets with sugar is 5 years, and other forms of medication - 3 years.

An opened bottle of suspension can be stored no longer than 6 months after the first use of the medicine.

Content

Maalox, an effective antacid drug that can quickly neutralize excess hydrochloric acid, confidently holds the leading position in sales of heartburn remedies. The agent lowers the general acidity of the stomach, envelops the mucous membrane, protecting it from the action of aggressive agents. Different forms of the drug help to choose a convenient regimen for the patient according to the instructions.

Composition of Maalox

The drug is available in two dosage forms: suspension and chewable tablets. Suspension - a white, milk-like liquid with a mint smell (in sachets of 15 ml - 30 sachets per pack; in dark glass bottles of 250 ml). Chewable tablets have a flat-cylindrical shape, rounded, color - white, packaged in 10 pieces in blisters, which are packed in cardboard packs of 1, 2, 4 pieces. Compound:


Tablets


Inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, sodium saccharinate, mannitol, sucrose, starch with sucrose, peppermint flavor, sorbitol
Suspension, 15 ml (1 sachet)
Algeldrat - active ingredient
Magnesium hydroxide - active ingredient
Inactive ingredients: hydrochloric acid, citric acid monohydrate, peppermint oil, mannitol, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, sorbitol, sodium saccharinate, hydrogen peroxide, water
Suspension, 250 ml (bottle)
Algeldrat - active ingredient
Magnesium hydroxide - active ingredient
Inactive ingredients: hydrochloric acid, citric acid monohydrate, peppermint oil, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, mannitol, hydrogen peroxide, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium saccharinate, sorbitol, water

Pharmacological properties

The instructions for use of Maalox indicate that it is an antacid drug, it neutralizes unbound hydrochloric acid in the stomach without provoking secondary hypersecretion. The use of the drug reduces the acidity of gastric juice, which leads to a decrease in the peptic activity of the excreted secret. The drug has enveloping, adsorbing properties, weakens the damaging effect of agents in relation to the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. Active substances are not absorbed, do not affect the systemic circulation.

What does Maalox help with?

Indications for the use of the drug are due to its antacid, acid-neutralizing effect. The instruction highlights:

exacerbation of an ulcer of the duodenum or stomach;
acute form of gastroduodenitis;
prevention and treatment of manifestations of dyspepsia that appear against the background of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids;
reflux esophagitis;
hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm;
sour eructation, heartburn, pain in the epigastrium, appearing with excessive consumption of coffee, nicotine, alcohol.

How to take Maalox

The regimen largely depends on the disease that is planned to be treated with Maalox. The effectiveness of the drug is very high, provided that the recommended dosages are strictly followed. The release form in the form of chewable tablets is convenient for people who use the drug while being active throughout the day. Suspension requires compliance with the rules of preparation before taking.

According to the instructions, the tablets are intended for chewing or sucking. Patients over 15 years of age are prescribed one or two tablets 3-4 times a day, an hour and a half after eating, at bedtime. Therapy for reflux gastritis involves taking small doses of the drug 25-30 minutes after a meal. The maximum frequency of daily intake is 6 times. The daily dose should not exceed 12 tablets per day. Duration of therapy - no more than three months. A single dose (due to deviations in the diet) involves taking 1-2 tablets.

Suspension

Before opening a sachet with Maalox, it must be thoroughly kneaded to homogenize the suspension. The contents of the sachet do not require dissolution, it is taken in its pure form two hours after meals or at bedtime. The reason for unscheduled admission is the appearance of heartburn or abdominal pain. The maximum daily dosage is 6 sachets. The treatment regimen for reflux esophagitis involves taking a dose 30 minutes after a meal. Ulcer treatment - 30 minutes before meals. The duration of therapy is no more than three months.

According to the instructions, the bottle must be shaken well before taking. The standard dosage is to take one tablespoon (15 ml) three to four times daily, one to two hours after meals and at bedtime. The maximum dosage is 6 tablespoons per day. With reflux gastritis, the remedy is taken half an hour after eating. With discomfort in the stomach, the drug is taken once - 15 ml. The duration of systemic treatment is a maximum of 3 months.

special instructions

The medicine Maalox has its own specific instructions for use. They are contained in the same section of the instructions:

If the symptoms of the disease do not disappear after 10 days from the start of taking the drug, the diagnosis should be clarified and the therapy should be reviewed.
When using the drug in patients with renal or phosphate insufficiency, the permission of the attending physician must be obtained, because an increase in plasma concentrations of aluminum and magnesium is possible. Such patients during treatment with Maalox may suffer from osteomalacia during dialysis.
Algeldrate with a low level of phosphate in food can lead to a deficiency of phosphorus in the body.
Aluminum hydroxide can lead to constipation, an overdose of magnesium salts can lead to a weakening of intestinal motility. In the elderly, taking it can aggravate or cause intestinal obstruction, intestinal obstruction.
The preparation is permeable to x-rays.

During pregnancy and lactation

Maalox can be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy if there are strict indications and with the permission of a doctor. To date, no specific teratogenic effects have been identified when using the drug, but due to the lack of clinical experience with the use of the drug, it is possible to prescribe the drug if the potential benefit to the mother exceeds the risk to the fetus.

Maalox for children

According to the instructions, Maalox for children is contraindicated for use by patients under 15 years of age. The limitation is due to the fact that the efficacy and safety of using the drug in this group of patients have not yet been fully studied. Theoretically, magnesium and aluminum preparations can harm a growing organism in the concentration that is present in the product.

drug interaction

According to the instructions, a two-hour interval should be observed between the use of Maalox and other drugs. Other features of drug interactions:

When used with Quinidine, it can increase the concentration in the blood of the latter, an overdose is possible.
Maalox reduces the absorption of sodium levothyroxine, propranolol, rosuvastatin, h2-histamine receptor blockers, iron salts, atenolol, fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Similar interaction means:
- with bisphosphonates;
- prostacyclins;
- Metoprolol;
- neuroleptics based on phenothiazine;
- sodium fluoride;
- lincosamides;
- Dexamethasone;
- isoniazids;
- Indomethacin;
- Penicillamine;
- Prednisolone;
- Chloroquine;
- Cefdinir;
- Cefpodoxime;
- Ethambutol.
It is forbidden to take ethanol at the same time.
The combination of the drug with polystyrene sulfonate leads to the risk of developing metabolic alkalosis and intestinal obstruction.

Side effects and overdose

Signs of an overdose of Maalox are vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Treatment consists of forced diuresis, replacement of lost fluid, and hemodialysis is indicated for renal failure. Instructions for use highlights adverse reactions in the treatment of Maalox:

angioedema, anaphylactic shock, itching, urticaria;
constipation, diarrhea, indigestion;
metabolic disorders: hypercalciuria, hyperaluminemia, hypophosphatemia, hypermagnesemia.

Contraindications

The drug is used with caution during pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, in patients with porphyria on hemodialysis. Instructions for use highlights contraindications:

hypersensitivity to the components of the composition;
condition after intestinal resorption;
severe renal failure;
age under 15;
intolerance to fructose, maltitol;
insufficiency of sucrase, isomaltase, malabsorption of glucose-galactose;
hypophosphatemia.

Terms of sale and storage

Maalox is an over-the-counter drug that should be stored in a dry, dark place at room temperature. Valid for three years.

Analogues

Similar antacids can replace Maalox in tablets and suspensions. To replace the tool come:

Almagel - oral suspension based on the same active ingredients;
Almol is an oral suspension containing algeldrate and magnesium hydroxide;
Altacid - gel based on aluminum hydroxide;
Anacid Forte - suspension with the same composition, cinnamon flavor;
Palmagel - gel, suspension and chewable tablets with a similar composition;
Gastracid - enveloping lozenges with a composition identical to Maalox;
Maalukol - enveloping gel, suspension and tablets with the same composition as Maalox;
Rivolox - antacid suspension (magnesium hydroxide and algeldrate);
Phosphalugel is a homogeneous gel based on aluminum phosphate.

Maalox price

The drug Maalox is sold in pharmacies at prices that are influenced by pricing policy, the form of release of the product and the volume of packaging. Approximate prices in Moscow for a medicine.

Content

Stomach pain, acid belching, and other symptoms of high acidity can be a nuisance. It is convenient when there is an effective means of quick response at hand, for example, the well-known drug Maalox. The product is available in a convenient form of tablets or suspensions. Find out more: will the drug help eliminate nausea after eating, relieve exacerbation of gastritis, and what does it say about Maalox - instructions for use.

Medicine Maalox

The tool is included in the group of antacids and is used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of Maalox helps to achieve a rapid therapeutic effect. According to the manufacturer, the remedy almost instantly relieves heartburn, helps to cope with pain in the stomach, protects the mucous membrane from gastric juice, reduces the effects of hydrochloric acid and promotes the regeneration of soft tissues.

Composition and form of release

Maalox is available in three forms: chewable tablets, suspension in vials and sachets. Tablets come in two types: with and without added sugar, which allows people with diabetes or patients on a diet to choose a more convenient form of the drug. Tablets are sold in cardboard packs of 10, 20 or 40 pieces. In the form of suspensions, Maalox is sold in dark glass bottles of 250 ml or sachets of 15 ml. Before use, the suspension is homogenized.

Regardless of the form of release of the drug, the composition of the active ingredients remains the same. It includes aluminum hydroxide or algeldrate and magnesium hydroxide. The amount of active ingredients in suspensions and tablets differs slightly, but they all produce the same therapeutic effect. The dosage of auxiliary and active components of all varieties of the drug is indicated in the table:

	The amount of the active ingredient per 1 dose of suspension		The amount of the active ingredient per 1 dose tablet
	Suspension in vial, mg/ml	Suspension in sachets, mg/ml	Tablets, mg
aluminum concentration
magnesium concentration
	Suspension		Tablets
Auxiliary components	sodium saccharinate, peppermint leaf oil, mannitol, citric acid monohydrate, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid, sorbitol, purified water.		starch with sucrose, sodium saccharinate, sorbitol, magnesium stearate, mannitol, mint flavor.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The mechanism of action of Maaalox is based on the interaction of active components, due to which the drug has the following effects:

Antacid - formed as a result of a chemical reaction, magnesium and aluminum salts neutralize the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice, reduce the overall acidity of the stomach, and provide protection for the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
Adsorbent - aluminum algeldrate binds toxic substances, facilitating their excretion from the body along with feces.
Enveloping - the protective shell of the stomach, formed by magnesium, provides a decrease in acidity for a long period of time, and even after its partial convergence, hypersecretion does not form in the stomach, which provokes the appearance of such unpleasant symptoms as bloating, heaviness, flatulence.

What are Maalox tablets for?

The packaged form of the suspension is designed to stop the appearance of heartburn and acid belching caused by any reason. When the solution in vials and in the form of tablets helps to eliminate all the symptoms that appear with the following conditions or diseases:

exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
hernia on the esophageal opening of the diaphragm;
reflux esophagitis;
gastritis or gastroenteritis with increased acidity of the stomach;
dyspepsia of the digestive tract - heartburn, stomach pain, sour belching, heaviness - caused by medication, diet, coffee, cigarettes or alcohol abuse.

Method of application and dosage

The main guide to the drug Maalox - instructions for use states that the tablets and suspension are intended for the treatment of patients older than 15 years of age. Tablets must be thoroughly chewed or sucked, and the liquid solution should be taken unchanged. Any form of Maalox should be taken 1-2 hours after meals or at bedtime. As a rule, the therapeutic effect occurs 15-20 minutes after taking the medicine. The dosage and course of treatment depends on the chosen form of the drug.

Maalox tablets

To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms caused by increased acidity of the stomach in various diseases, the instructions for use advise taking 1-2 tablets an hour or two after meals or at night, but not more than 3-4 pieces per day. If the patient is diagnosed with reflux esophagitis, then the medicine should be drunk 30 minutes after eating. The duration of such therapy is selected individually by the doctor, but, as a rule, for a period of 10 to 60 days.

If discomfort in the stomach occurs periodically, for example, after drinking alcohol or breaking the diet, then Maalox can be taken once in an amount of 1-2 pieces. The maximum allowable dosage is 12 tablets, and the number of doses is not more than 6 times. At the same time, patients suffering from diabetes should choose a medicine without sugar content.

Maalox in sachets

The instruction advises that before opening the package with the medicine, you should carefully mix the contents of the sachet with your fingers. Maalox for gastritis is taken orally an hour and a half after a meal or when heartburn occurs in a dosage of 1 or 2 sachets. If the drug does not work, you can drink Maalox again, but at least 2 hours after the previous dose. The course of such treatment should not exceed 2-3 months. If discomfort occurs sporadically, take 1-2 sachets once.

Suspension in vial

Before you start taking the suspension, it is recommended to shake the vial vigorously several times without turning the container upside down. The liquid is swallowed without dilution, but if after taking an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, you can drink a few sips of plain water. The duration of the course of treatment, as a rule, ranges from 14 days to 3 months. The dosage of Maalox suspension depends on the type of disease:

in acute gastritis, take 15 ml of suspension or 1 tablespoon of solution 1-2 hours after meals 3-4 times a day;
to protect the gastric mucosa with reflux esophagitis, drink 1 tablespoon of the solution 30-60 minutes after eating;
for peptic ulcers, the medicine is drunk half an hour before a meal;
if heartburn, heaviness, belching, stomach pain appears sporadically, the suspension can be drunk regardless of the meal.

special instructions

While taking Maalox with fluoroquinolones, it is necessary to adhere to an interval of 4 hours, with other drugs for at least two hours. Due to the fact that algeldrate can contribute to the development of phosphorus deficiency in the body, the patient must be provided with a diet rich in phosphates. The drug Maalox does not affect the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms, teratogenic effects have also been identified.

During pregnancy and lactation

Conducted laboratory tests on animals did not give a clear answer - is Maalox capable of harming the fetus. To date, cases of negative effects of active substances on the intrauterine development of the child have not been recorded. However, due to the lack of reliable data, the use of this drug is permissible only after consulting a doctor. Subject to all the instructions specified in the instructions, you can take Maalox while breastfeeding.

Maalox for children

In pediatrics, the drug is used with extreme caution. The dosage and course of treatment is selected by the doctor, while large doses and long-term treatment are excluded. Maalox for children is allowed from the age of 15. In other cases, the use of the drug is advisable only when the threat to the health of the child outweighs the occurrence of possible side effects.

drug interaction

With simultaneous use with citrates, the absorption of algeldrate increases, which can create certain health risks in people suffering from renal insufficiency. When taking Maalox with quinidine, there is a risk of increasing the serum concentrations of the latter. When combined with citrates, an increase in plasma concentrations of aluminum is possible. Joint intake of salicylates leads to alkalization of urine. In addition, this drug reduces the effects of the following drugs:

Acetylsalicylic acid;
Histamine blockers;
Fluoroquinolone;
sodium fluoride;
Glucocorticosteroids;
Chloroquine;
propranolol;
Diflunisal;
Digoxin;
Bisphosphonates;
Sodium polystyrene sulfate;
Ethambutol;
Isoniazid;
Ketoconazole;
Antipsychotics;
penicillamine;
Tetracycline antibiotics;
Atenolol;
metoprolol;
Phosphorus-containing dietary supplements;
Indomethacin;
Lansoprazole;
Lincosamide;
Levothyroxine;
Iron compounds;
Fexofenadine.

Maalox and alcohol

Drug interaction with other drugs gives only positive effects. There was no deterioration in the effect on the body when taking Maalox for heartburn after taking alcohol. Due to the antacid, adsorbent and enveloping properties, the agent in the form of a suspension can alleviate the patient's condition after taking alcoholic beverages, protect the lining of the esophagus from the effects of toxins and neutralize some of the decay products of ethyl alcohol.

Side effects

Subject to the instructions for use, negative reactions of the body occur extremely rarely and, as a rule, are slightly pronounced. All varieties of the drug can provoke the same side reactions:

diarrhea or constipation;
nausea with vomiting;
change in the sensitivity of taste buds;
allergic reactions - itching, rashes, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic shock;
feeling of thirst;
lowering blood pressure;
deposition of calcium in the kidneys;
an increase in the concentration of magnesium in the urine;
an increase in the amount of aluminum in the blood;
decrease in the concentration of phosphorus and calcium;
osteomalacia;
encephalopathy;
microcytic anemia;
complication of Alzheimer's disease;
decreased reflexes.

Overdose

If the list of prescriptions is not strictly observed, the frequency of intake is exceeded or the daily dose is increased, an overdose of the body with aluminum and magnesium compounds may occur. Such conditions pass against the background of exacerbation of pain in the abdomen, severe vomiting and diarrhea. In older patients, intestinal peristalsis may decrease, causing intestinal obstruction.

Contraindications

All varieties contain the same list of contraindications. So, according to the instructions, it is strictly forbidden to take the drug in case of severe renal failure, intolerance to maltitol, glucose or fructose. Maalox should not be taken by patients with severe renal insufficiency and with individual intolerance to the components of the composition. With caution, you can drink the medicine if the following conditions or diseases are detected:

pregnancy and lactation;
impaired renal function;
porphyria;
Alzheimer's disease;
lack of phosphates.

Terms of sale and storage

The drug is dispensed from pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. It is necessary to store the product at temperatures up to +25 degrees, keep away from children. The shelf life of tablets is 5 years, suspensions for oral administration - 3 years.

Analogues

There are drugs on the pharmaceutical market that are similar in composition or principle of action. Full analogues of the drug are considered such means as: Gastal, Rennie, Inalan tablets, Phosphalugel gel and Gastroromazole suspension. Actions similar to:

Almagel;
Palmagel;
Gestid;
Coalgel;
Altacid;
Almol;
Revoloks;
Agiflux;
Alumag;
gastracid.

Maalox price

The only negative of the drug is the high price compared to cheaper analogues. In some regions, its cost can reach 600 rubles and more. However, this is the only drawback of the drug. Average drug prices in Moscow vary depending on the volume of the drug being produced, and are presented in the table.

Maalox is a combined drug that has a beneficial effect on the stomach and esophagus and has antacid, enveloping, adsorbing, choleretic and carminative effects.

Release form and composition of Maalox

Maalox is available as chewable tablets, suspension in vials and sachets.

The main active ingredients of Maalox are: aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.

One chewable tablet contains 400 mg of the main active ingredients. The excipients are: sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharinate and mint flavor.

100 ml of Maalox suspension contains 3.5 g of aluminum hydroxide and 4 g of magnesium hydroxide. The excipients are: citric acid monohydrate, concentrated hydrochloric acid, peppermint essential oil, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, mannitol, sodium saccharinate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, non-crystalline sorbitol, hydrogen peroxide and purified water.

1 sachet of Maalox suspension contains 525 mg of aluminum hydroxide and 600 mg of magnesium hydroxide.

Suspension Maalox is more effective because it consists of smaller particles.

Pre-resorbed or chewed tablets have a greater acid-neutralizing effect than tablets swallowed whole.

Pharmacological action of Maalox

The action of the drug is based on the neutralization of free hydrochloric acid, which results in a decrease in the peptic activity of gastric juice. Maalox has an enveloping and adsorbing effect, protecting the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract from the influence of damaging factors.

The drug does not cause secondary hypersecretion of gastric juice and reduces pain in the upper parts of the digestive system for several hours.

Indications for use Maalox

Maalox is prescribed for:

exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernia;
exacerbation of acute and chronic gastroduodenitis with increased or normal secretory function;
discomfort or pain in the epigastric region, heartburn, acid eructation after an error in the diet, excessive consumption of coffee, nicotine, ethyl alcohol;
discomfort or pain in the epigastric region, heartburn, acid belching after the use of certain drugs (NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroids, and others);

as well as for the prevention of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract during long-term therapy with NSAIDs and glucocorticoids.

Contraindications to the use of Maalox

You should not take Maalox:

with severe renal failure;
with hypophosphatemia;
with increased sensitivity to the components that make up the drug;
in case of isomaltose / sucrose deficiency, fructose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption;
under the age of 15 years.

Maalox should be taken with caution:

patients with porphyria who are on hemodialysis;
with Alzheimer's disease;
in violation of the functioning of the kidneys (in such patients, when taking the drug, an increase in the concentration of aluminum and magnesium is possible, with prolonged use of Maalox in high doses, dementia, encephalopathy and microcytic anemia may develop);
during pregnancy and lactation;
with a low content of phosphates in food (to avoid the development of phosphate deficiency).

How to use Maalox and dosage

According to the instructions, Maalox is taken orally.

Tablets must be sucked or chewed well.

The drug is prescribed one or two tablets 3-4 times a day an hour or two after meals, and also at night. The maximum allowable number of pills is 6 times a day. Do not take more than 12 tablets per day.

Maalox suspension is taken when pain occurs or 1-2 hours after a meal. Usually prescribed 1 tablespoon or 1 sachet (15 ml) 3-4 times a day (but not more than 6 sachets per day, a break between doses of at least 2 hours). Before use, shake the bottle with the suspension, and knead the sachet between the fingers. The contents of the sachet are squeezed directly into the mouth or into a spoon.

In the case of reflux esophagitis, Maalox is taken some time after a meal.

The course of treatment with Maalox should not exceed 2-3 months.

In the case of episodic use, Maalox is taken once, 1-2 tablets or 1 tablespoon (15 ml).

Side effects of Maalox

According to the instructions, Maalox, if the dosage regimen is observed, does not cause side effects or they are insignificant.

Sometimes there are: constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, changes in taste sensations.

In rare cases, with prolonged use of large doses of the drug by patients with renal insufficiency, they may develop dementia, encephalopathy, microcytic anemia.

In patients with concomitant renal insufficiency, plasma concentrations of aluminum and / or magnesium may increase, blood pressure may decrease, thirst and hyporeflexia may develop.

With prolonged use of the drug in high doses (especially with a lack of phosphates from food), hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, osteoporosis, nephrocalcinosis, osteomalacia may occur.

The use of Maalox during pregnancy and lactation

Currently, no teratogenic effects have been identified when using Maalox during pregnancy, but due to the fact that clinical experience is not yet sufficient, the use of Maalox during pregnancy is possible only after consulting a doctor.

Prescribing Maalox during pregnancy in high dosages for a long time should be avoided.

When taking Maalox, it is not necessary to stop breastfeeding.

Interaction of Maalox with other drugs

While taking Maalox with antibiotics, the absorption of ciprofloxacin, digoxin, tetracycline antibiotics, ofloxacin, indomethacin decreases.

Maalox also reduces the absorption of acetylsalicylic acid, beta-blockers, histamine H 2 receptor blockers, diflunisal, chlorpromazine, phenytoin, isoniazid, phosphorus-containing drugs.

When using the drug together with quinidine, serum concentrations of quinidine increase, an overdose of quinidine may develop.

Special instructions for the use of Maalox

It is necessary to observe a 2-hour break between taking Maalox and other drugs and a 4-hour break between taking Maalox and fluoroquinolones.

Long-term use of the drug in case of impaired renal function should be avoided.

With prolonged use of the drug, it is necessary to monitor the sufficient intake of phosphates in the body.

Patients with diabetes should take into account that the drug contains sucrose.

Maalox storage conditions

According to the instructions, Maalox should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25ºС.

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 application and possible side effects. We will consider all these questions further.

Compound

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

Release form

The drug is available in tablets and suspensions. The first are divided into two varieties: with sugar and without it. At the same time, the amount of the main active ingredient in them is exactly the same. Thus, a sugar-free medicine is great for people who for some reason do not use this substance, as well as for people with diabetes. Produced in a package of 10, 20, 40 tablets. Maalox in the form of a suspension is released 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 differs in ease of use. It is intended for intermittent use in cases of sudden onset of heartburn, belching and other similar problems. The volume of Maalox mini in sachets is 4.3 ml and is used for a single dose. 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, adsorbing and antacid effect. Once in the stomach, magnesium and aluminum ions create a protective barrier on the walls of the organ, which prevents various negative factors from affecting 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 action of Maalox persists for a long time. As the protective layer formed on the mucosa is split, there are no side effects in the form of heaviness, bloating, and severe heartburn.

Indications for use

The use of liquid Maalox or a drug in the form of tablets is recommended for the following pathological conditions.

Gastritis. The disease is characterized by the development of the inflammatory process of the mucous membrane. Accompanied by nausea, belching, heartburn, weight loss, pain. In addition to this drug, other medicines are used, it is also necessary to follow a strict diet.
Hernia of the esophagus. This pathology is accompanied by bouts of heartburn. For their relief, Maalox is used.
Ulcer disease. Causes pain, belching, constipation, heartburn. The disease is characterized by damage to the integrity of the organ wall, therefore, for a full recovery, it is necessary to neutralize hydrochloric acid and create a protective barrier.
Periodic pain in the abdomen, bouts of heartburn. These symptoms do not always indicate the development of the disease. They can occur against the background of malnutrition, eating a large amount of fatty or spicy foods. In such cases, this remedy is suitable for heartburn and pain.

How to apply?

Before drinking Maalox, you need to find out what dosage is indicated depending on the age of the patient. The instruction is attached to each package, so it will not be difficult to find out this issue.

For children over 15 years of age and adults, a single dose is 1 - 2 tablets. They are consumed after meals; the medicine must be chewed or left in the oral cavity until completely dissolved. You can take no more than 12 tablets per day.
With peptic ulcer, the medicine is used half an hour before a meal. Sometimes it is recommended to use it at bedtime, since it is at night that this symptom worries patients.
Before use, Maalox mini should be slightly kneaded, dissolved in a small amount of liquid and drunk at a time.

It should also be noted that this drug interferes with the absorption of certain medications, so an interval of 2 hours should be observed between the use of various drugs.

Side effects

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

skin rashes;
stomach ache;
nausea;
diarrhea;
lack of phosphorus in the body.

Contraindications

Maalox should not be used in the following cases:

with Alzheimer's disease;
with intolerance to the components of the drug;
with kidney failure;
with a deficiency of phosphorus 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 peculiarities 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.