Uses of Maalox 400 mg

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1. What is Maalox?

The ingredients in the drug Maalox 400 mg are: Aluminum hydroxide dry gel 400mg (equivalent to 306mg Aluminum hydroxide) and Magnesium hydroxide 400mg along with a system of excipients including: Mannitol, Sorbitol, Sodium saccharin, 3% crystalline sugar powder, mint flavor powder, Magnesium stearate, Alveo Sucre just enough 1 tablet.
For Maalox Plus, the active ingredients are changed including: Aluminum hydroxide dry gel, 200mg Magnesium hydroxide and 200mg Simethicone 26,375mg along with a system of excipients such as Corn starch, pregelatinized starch, dextrates (Emdex anhydrous), sorbitol powder, magnesium stearate, cream suiza flavor, peppermint flavor.
Accordingly, aluminum hydroxide is a base, so it is alkaline, this active ingredient has the effect of neutralizing stomach acid, supporting the treatment of physiological acid secretion or pathological acid secretion, helping patients to quickly repel it. epigastric pain, reduce symptoms of heartburn, belching. Ingredients Magnesium Hydroxide is also a base with the same effect as aluminum hydroxide. Both of these ingredients have local effects, when reacting with metal acids, they are also quickly excreted in the feces (90%) and through the kidneys (10%). In addition, these two components have the advantage of non-contrast, so patients do not need to stop taking Maalox before X-ray.

2. Uses of the drug Maalox

Maalox medicine is used to treat symptoms of disorders caused by increased stomach - duodenal acid in the following cases:
Gastritis; Diaphragm hernia ; Undigested ; Peptic ulcer . For Maalox plus with Simethicone ingredient, it helps to relieve symptoms of flatulence, belching, abdominal distension, discomfort in the stomach - intestines. Maalox Plus still has the effects of the drug Maalox and can be used instead of Maalox in some cases

3. Maalox drug usage and dosage

Maalox medicine for adults (> 15 years old): chew 1 to 2 Maalox tablets 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals or when there is pain (discomfort) or chew before going to bed, use the medicine Maalox maximum 6 times per day, do not take more than 12 tablets / day and need to chew Maalox tablets thoroughly for as long as possible, then drink a full glass of water about 200 ml, take sips, gradually swallow the medicine down until you see it. there is no more chewed powder in the mouth.
Maalox Plus for adults: Chew 1-2 tablets each time, can be used 4 times a day, note that Maalox Plus is not suitable for children under 6 years old.
Pay attention not to exceed the dose of Maalox or Maalox Plus as recommended in the instructions for use or as directed by your doctor.

4. Contraindications to the use of Maalox

Do not use Maalox in the following cases:
Allergy to any ingredient of Maalox drug; Severe renal failure due to Maalox containing magnesium.

5. Notes when using Maalox

Maalox medicine contains sorbitol and sucrose, so Maalox is also contraindicated in cases of fructose intolerance, glucose or galactose malabsorption syndrome, sucrase-isomaltase deficiency; If the patient is on a low phosphorus diet, aluminum hydroxide can cause phosphorus deficiency; In patients with renal failure, serum levels of both aluminum and magnesium are increased, so long-term use of Maalox with high concentrations of aluminum and magnesium salts can lead to encephalopathy, dementia, microcytic anemia or Maalox may worsen dialysis-induced osteoporosis; The aluminum hydroxide contained in Maalox may not be safe for use in patients with porphyria on dialysis; Caution in patients with diabetes because of the sugar content in Maalox; If the symptoms of the disease do not improve, persist for more than 10 days or worsen, it is necessary to conduct a screening for the cause and re-evaluate the treatment with Maalox; Maalox should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed; The presence of aluminum and magnesium ions in Maalox may slow bowel movements; Magnesium hydroxide salts can cause diarrhea; Aluminum salts are a source of constipation and can make pregnancy constipation worse; Maalox should not be taken in high doses or for a long time. Breastfeeding can be continued during treatment with Maalox.

6. Undesirable effects of the drug Maalox

Maalox may trigger:
Intestinal disturbances (diarrhea/constipation); Phosphorus loss following long-term or high-dose Maalox administration. Sanofi's Maalox is generally safe to use, however in very rare cases patients may experience discomfort with the taste of Maalox , a fishy and metallic taste.

7. Maalox drug interactions with other drugs

Combinations requiring caution when taking Maalox:
Co-administration of Maalox with quinidine may increase serum quinidine concentrations leading to overdose; If taking Maalox together, it will reduce the absorption of some drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, so as a precaution, you should take antacids before or after taking other drugs for a while (~1.5 hours). If possible, Maalox should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking the following: H2 antihistamines, anti-tuberculosis drugs (ethambutol, oral isoniazid), atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, chloroquine, cyclin antibiotics , diflunisal, digoxin, diphosphonate, fexofenadine, iron, fluoroquinolone antibiotic, sodium fluoride, glucocorticosteroids, indomethacin, kayexalate, ketoconazole, lansoprazole, lincosamide, phenothiazine, penicillamine, phosphorus, thyroxine...; Salicylate: Maalox increases renal excretion of salicylates due to alkalinization of the urine.

8. Maalox drug overdose

Signs and symptoms of Maalox overdose
Although most of the aluminum contained in Maalox is eliminated through the intestinal tract, there is still aluminum absorption leading to an increase in serum aluminum concentration. Accumulation of aluminum in the body leading to toxicity occurs only in patients with impaired renal function and impaired aluminum excretion. Extensive use of aluminum-containing antacids can cause hypophosphataemia, which in severe cases can lead to muscle weakness, anorexia, and osteomalacia. In patients with normal renal function, urinary excretion of magnesium contained in Maalox does not significantly alter serum magnesium concentrations, however magnesium may accumulate in patients with renal impairment receiving Maalox. Symptoms of hypermagnesaemia include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, ECG changes, respiratory depression, mental changes, and coma. Serious allergic reaction to Maalox (rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue). Management of drug overdose Maalox:
Hospitalization; Gastric lavage ; Infusion; Treatment of magnesium overdose: replenish water, use strong diuretics; Renal failure: dialysis or peritoneal dialysis is necessary.

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