Gastric hyperacidity is the reason behind heartburn and peptic ulcer. We have hydrochloric acid in our stomachs which is used for digesting the food we consume and eliminating the bacteria present in it. It is thus an essential component of our digestive system without which we won’t be able to properly digest the food we eat. Too much production of this acid by the stomach on the other hand can result in disease like gastritis. In such circumstances, doctors will advise the use of chemicals like magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide to deal with the excess acid.

What Is Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide?

Both magnesium and aluminum are minerals which are commonly found in our environment. The hydroxides of both these metals are antacids and can be used for treating symptoms like acid indigestion and heartburn which are associated with stomach disorders like gastric hyperacidity, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcer, esophagitis and gastritis. They do this by combining with the gastric acid and neutralizing them present in the stomach. For obtaining best results, both these antacids are administered in liquid form.

These antacids cannot stop or control the production of acid by the stomach since their only task is to neutralize the excess acid present there. However, they can be used with medications like omeprazole and cimetidine/ranitidine which are proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers respectively for decreasing gastric acid production.

You do not need to have a prescription to buy magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide.

Brand Names for Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide

The following are the brand names for magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide that are readily available in the market:

Rulox®, Antacid Suspension®, Magnalox®, Ultimate Ri-Mox®, Magagel®, Alamag®, Maalox HRF®, Mylanta®, Antacid M®, M.A.H.®, Gen-Alox®, Maalox T.C.®, Maldroxal®, Antacid®, Alumina and Magnesia®, Kudrox®.

Things to Consider Before Taking Aluminum Magnesium Hydroxide

Refrain from using magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide if:

• Any ingredient used in the making of the medication can set off an allergic reaction in you
• You have been consuming antacids, calcium supplements or laxatives that contain citrate salts
• The level of calcium in your blood is extraordinarily high

It is best to consult the opinion of a pharmacist or a doctor before taking this medication if you are:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach, bowel or intestinal disease
• Kidney disease
• Obstruction or bleeding in the stomach
• Liver disease
• Not consuming any kind of sodium (salt)
• Trying to conceive

Since the effects of magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide on infants are not known yet, it is best for pregnant women to avoid the use do these antacids without consulting a doctor.

Breast-feeding mothers should not use this medicine without consulting a doctor’s opinion.

Children under the age of 12 years should not be given this medication without a doctor’s approval.

How Should Aluminum Magnesium Hydroxide Be Taken?

Magnesium Hydroxide and Aluminum Hydroxide should only be taken orally according to the directions that are mentioned on the packaging of the product. If a doctor has prescribed you this medication then it is best to take it as per his directions.

• For chewable tablets of this medication, the right way of intake is chewing the tablets thoroughly and then drinking at least 8 ounces of water which equates to a full glass before swallowing it.
• For liquid version of this medicine, the right way of intake is to pour a spoonful after thoroughly shaking the bottle. It is important to not freeze the medication but its flavor can be improved by putting it in a refrigerator. Addition of water is allowed in the mixture but it is best to take it alone to get the best results.

You must immediately call a doctor if you are sensing that your stomach problem is a serious one or if you cannot find any relief from your stomach pain even after using this medication for more than a week. If your symptoms do not respond to treatment with this medicine even after a fortnight of constant use, then you might be a suffering from a different problem for which this medicine is not appropriate.

Precautions While Taking Aluminum Magnesium Hydroxide

What If I Miss a Dose?

If you forget taking a dose, it is best to take it immediately when you remember but avoid taking a double dose if the time for your next does is nearing.

What If I Overdose?

Contact an emergency room or poison control center as soon as possible if you think that you have had an overdose of the medicine.

Interaction with Other Medicine

Magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide might interact with herbal products, vitamins, doctor prescribed medications and minerals that you may be consuming, so never use them without your doctor’s consent.

Since antacids limit the body’s ability to absorb antibiotics, it is best to not take any drug before or after you have taken magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide for at least a period of two hours.

How to Store

Store the medications in a place away from the children.

Keep this medicine away from moisture and light exposure. If the medication has expired then it is best to throw it away immediately. This drug should be stored at a temperature of about 15 to 30 degrees Centigrade or 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Are the Side Effects of Aluminum Magnesium Hydroxide?

There is no evidence of any side effects of magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide. The adverse effects that do exist are not that serious and can be dealt with at home. However, contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptom:

• hemorrhoids
• diarrhea
• chalky taste
• constipation

Contact your doctor immediately if the following symptoms accompany the abovementioned indications.

• Allergic reactions
• Pain in the joints
• Irritability or confusion
• Headache
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting, nausea
• Unexpected tiredness or weakness