Generic name: aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate [ a-loo-mi-num-hye-drox-ide-and-mag-nee-zee-um-kar-bo-nate ]
Drug class: Antacids
Availability: Over the counter
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Gaviscon extra strength, Acid gone, Acid gone extra strength, Gaviscon regular strength
What is Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate?
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate are antacids that can lower the acidity of stomach acid.
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate is a combination medicine that is used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, or upset stomach.
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
How should I take Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it. Then drink about 4 ounces of water or other liquid.
Do not take more than 16 chewable tablets in 24 hours.
Do not take more than 8 tablespoonfuls of "regular strength" liquid or 16 teaspoonfuls of "extra strength" liquid in 24 hours
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have acid indigestion more than 2 times per week.
Do not take this medicine for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Dyspepsia:
ORAL SUSPENSION:
Aluminum hydroxide 95 mg-magnesium carbonate 358 mg/15 mL: 15 to 30 mL orally up to 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime as needed or as directed
-Maximum dose: 120 mL/day
Aluminum hydroxide 254 mg-magnesium carbonate 237.5 mg/5 mL: 10 to 20 mL orally up to 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime as needed or as directed
-Maximum dose: 80 mL/day
TABLETS:
Aluminum hydroxide 160 mg-magnesium carbonate 105 mg: 2 to 4 tablets orally up to 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime as needed or as directed
-Maximum dose: 16 tablets/day
Duration of therapy: Up to 2 weeks
Comment: Patients should avoid swallowing tablets whole.
Uses:
-Relief of acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour stomach
-Relief of upset stomach associated with acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour stomach
Usual Pediatric Dose for Dyspepsia:
12 years and older:
ORAL SUSPENSION:
Aluminum hydroxide 95 mg-magnesium carbonate 358 mg/15 mL: 15 to 30 mL orally up to 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime as needed or as directed
-Maximum dose: 120 mL/day
Aluminum hydroxide 254 mg-magnesium carbonate 237.5 mg/5 mL: 10 to 20 mL orally up to 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime as needed or as directed
-Maximum dose: 80 mL/day
Uses:
-Relief of acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour stomach
-Relief of upset stomach associated with acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour stomach
Before Taking
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate is safe to use if:
-
you have a peptic ulcer; or
-
you are on a low-salt diet.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate if you take other medicines regularly. Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth.
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects may include diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate?
Other drugs may affect aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.