Antacids Contributions by ritasharma

Antacids are sold over the counter and are available in chewable, liquid, and tablet form.

1. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/magnesium-hydroxide.html
2. http://www.drugs.com/sfx/maalox-side-effects.html
3. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601013.html

Antacids are sold over the counter and are available in chewable, liquid, and tablet form.

Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide

Trade names: Maalox, Mylanta

Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide antacids are used for treating symptoms of GERD, indigestion, heartburn, and stomach or duodenal ulcers.

How to use

Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide antacids come as chewable tablet and liquid forms to be taken by mouth. The tablets must be chewed thoroughly and should not be swallowed whole. Drink a full glass of water after taking the tablets. Shake the oral liquid well before each use to mix the medicine evenly. The liquid may be mixed with water or milk.

Follow the directions on the package label or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Maalox exactly as directed. Antacids should not be taken for more 2 weeks unless prescribed by the doctor.

Precautions

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Your doctor will let you know whether its safe to take antacids with these medications. Some medicines have to be taken at least 2 hours before taking an antacid. * It is very important to inform the doctor or pharmacist about any drug allergies or medical conditions you have. * Patients with kidney disease are advised against taking antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium. * Tell your doctor if you're breast feeding, pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Possible drug interactions

Antacids are known to affect the action of certain medications. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining antacids with the following:

• Mecamylamine (Inversine) * Methenamine (Mandelamine) * Sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin (Kayexalate) * Tetracycline antibiotics (Achromycin, Minocin) * Cellulose sodium phosphate (Calcibind) * Isoniazid (Rifamate) * Ketoconazole (Nizoral) * pseudoephedrine

Side effects

Maalox is generally well tolerated, but like any drug, it may produce adverse reactions. Antacids usually cause less serious side effects, especially if they are used infrequently. These side effects are typically relieved by lowering the dose or frequency. Serious side effects, however, should be reported immediately to the physician.

Occasionally, antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide can produce one of the following side effects:

• chalky taste * constipation * diarrhea * increased thirst * stomach cramps * belching

You should contact your doctor if these symptoms occur frequently or if they get worse. The more serious side effects that may occur with Maalox use include:

• severe abdominal pain * mood or mental change * severe weakness

Calcium carbonate

Trade names: Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Tums

Calcium carbonate is a compound that helps build strong bones and teeth. It is also the active ingredient of many commercially available antacids. Calcium carbonate is used for temporary relief of occasional indigestion and heartburn. It relieves the symptoms caused by hyperacidity by rapidly neutralizing the acid in the stomach

How to use

Calcium carbonate is available as tablets, lozenges, and liquid forms. These products must be taken exactly as directed. Calcium carbonate antacid can be taken with food or immediately after a meal. If you have symptoms at night, take the antacid before going to bed.

If you will take chewable tablets, you should chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing so that it can produce rapid effects.

Usual Dose:

Dyspepsia: 300 to 8000 mg, taken by mouth in 2 to 4 divided doses.

Erosive esophagitis: 1250 to 3750 mg of calcium carbonate can be taken in 2 to 4 divided doses. GERD:1250 to 3750 mg daily, in 2 to 4 divided doses.

Calcium carbonate should not be taken for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician. Long-term and heavy use of any antacid can lead to many medical problems.

Precautions

Before taking any antacid with calcium carbonate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any drug allergies and history of kidney problems, parathyroid gland disorder, or stomach conditions. Pregnant, and breast feeding women are advised to talk to their doctors before taking any over-the-counter products.

Possible drug interactions

Antacids with calcium carbonate may interact with or affect the absorption of certain drugs.Tell your doctor about the other medications you're taking, especially:

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps) * other antacids or other calcium supplements * calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements * antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline or oxytetracycline * flecainide (Tambocor)

Side effects

Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.

Below are the less serious side effects that may occur with calcium carbonate use:

• decreased appetite * nausea or vomiting * constipation * dry mouth or increased thirst * frequent urination