Maalox tablets and suspensions: instructions for use

Maalox is a medicament that has a mixed effect, characterized by antacid, choleretic, enveloping, carminative, adsorbing action, which has a beneficial effect on the functions of the stomach and esophagus.

The drug returns the patient to the usual comfort and ability to enjoy the pleasures of life again. Use it should only according to the instructions and on the advice of a doctor, although it is available on sale without a prescription.

Clinical and pharmacological group

Antacid preparation.

Conditions of leave from pharmacies

Released without a doctor's prescription.

Price list

How much does Maalox cost? The average price in pharmacies is at the level of450 rublesfor the suspension, and200 rublesfor pills.

Form of issue and composition

The following dosage forms of Maalox are produced:

Chewable tablets: flat, white, with beveled edges, round, with engraving "Mx" on one side (in blisters for 10 pcs., 1, 2 or 4 blisters in a pack of cardboard);
Tablets are chewing (without sugar): round, with a facet, flat-cylindrical, with the smell of lemon, from white to yellowish color with an insignificant marble, with engraving "sans sucre" on one side and "MAALOX" on the other side (in blisters for 10 pcs., 1, 2 or 4 blisters in a pack of cardboard);
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Suspension: white or practical white color (reminiscent of milk), with the smell of mint (in bottles of dark glass of 250 ml, 1 bottle in a pack of cardboard, in a sachet of 15 ml, 30 sachets in a pack of cardboard).

Composition 1 tablet chewing (without sugar):

Operating substances: magnesium hydroxide - 0.4 g, aldehydrate in the form of aluminum hydrated oxide - 0.4 g (corresponds to the aluminum oxide content - 0.2 g);
Auxiliary components: talc, maltitol, glycerol 85%, sorbitol liquid (non-crystallizing), magnesium stearate, sodium saccharinate, lemon flavor (acacia gum (E414), flavoring agents, butylhydroxyanisole (E320), citric acid (E330), natural flavorings).

Composition 1 tablet chewing:

Active substances: magnesium hydroxide - 0.4 g, aluminum hydroxide - 0.4 g;
Auxiliary components: sodium saccharinate, starch with sucrose (sugar confectionery), magnesium stearate, sucrose, sorbitol, peppermint flavor, mannitol;

In 15 ml of the suspension produced in the sachet, contains:

Operating substances: magnesium hydroxide in the form of gel - 0.6 g, aluminum hydroxide in the form of aluminum hydroxide - 0.525 g;
Auxiliary components: hydrogen peroxide 30%, hydrochloric acid concentrated, citric acid monohydrate, sorbitol 70%, peppermint leaves oil, sodium saccharinate, mannitol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, purified water.

In 100 ml of the suspension, which is produced in vials, contains:

Operating substances: magnesium hydroxide - 4 g, aluminum hydroxide in the form of aluminum hydroxide - , g;
Auxiliary components: hydrogen peroxide 30%, hydrochloric acid 10%, citric acid monohydrate, sorbitol 70%, peppermint leaf oil, sodium saccharinate, mannitol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, purified water.

Pharmacological effect

The active components of Maalox - magnesium hydroxide and algebra - affect the free hydrochloric acid of gastric juice, neutralizing it without the effect of secondary hypersecretion. The use of the drug helps to increase the pH of the gastric juice, thereby reducing the activity of the pepsin contained in it. In addition, Maalox has an enveloping and adsorbing effect, reducing the effect of various damaging factors on the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus.

Magnesium hydroxide and algalhydrate are local antacids, which have a low absorption, that is, they are not absorbed into the blood in large quantities. Due to this, Maalox is considered a drug that does not have systemic effects on the body.

Indications for use

The suspension and Maalox tablets have such indications for use:

reflux esophagitis;
a hernia in the aperture of the esophagus;
dyspeptic manifestations - heartburn, pain and discomfort in the stomach, belching when deviating from diet, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking;
attacks of persistent peptic ulcer diseases of the epigastrium and duodenum;
gastroduodenitis of chronic and acute forms with increased or normal secretions in the acute period.

Contraindications

Do not take Maalox:

with severe renal failure;
hypophosphataemia;
under the age of 15;
with increased sensitivity to the constituents of the preparation;
in case of isomaltose / sucrose deficiency, fructose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Maalox should be taken with caution:

Alzheimer's disease;
during pregnancy and lactation;
patients with porphyria who are on hemodialysis;
with a low phosphate content in food (to avoid the development of phosphate deficiency);
if the kidney function is impaired (in such patients, when taking the drug, it is possible to increase the concentration of aluminum and magnesium, with prolonged use of Maalox in large doses, it is possible to develop dementia, encephalopathy and microcytic anemia).

Use in pregnancy and lactation

The drug is contraindicated for use in the first trimester of pregnancy, because clinical trials tablets were not carried out and it is not known how safe this preparation is for the development of the fetus in the womb.

In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the drug can be administered only under strict indications, under the supervision of a doctor, as short as possible. To eliminate heartburn, expectant mothers are advised to consult a doctor to choose an alternative and safe remedy.

During the period of breastfeeding, the drug can be administered only by the doctor's order, for the reaction of the baby to the drug, since the active ingredient is excreted in breast milk.

Dosage and route of administration

The instructions for use indicate that Maalox is intended for oral administration only by persons over 15 years of age.

Suspension in bags

Before use, the suspension in the bag should be homogenized, carefully stretching it between the fingers. The contents of the sachet are taken in an undissolved form.

Maalox take 1 packet with a suspension (15 ml), usually 1-2 hours after meals and at night, as well as when epigastric pain or heartburn occurs. The daily dose should not exceed 6 packets (90 ml of suspension per day).

When reflux-esophagitis drug take 30-60 minutes after eating.

With gastric ulcer, the drug is taken 30 minutes before meals.

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

With occasional use, for example, with discomfort after errors in the diet, take 15 ml once.

Suspension in vials

Before use, the vial should be shaken.

Assign 15 ml (1 tablespoon) 3-4 times a day 1-2 hours after meals and at night. The dose should not exceed 6 tablespoons per day.

When reflux-esophagitis the drug is taken a short time after eating.

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

With occasional use, for example, with discomfort after errors in the diet, take 15 ml once.

In patients with impaired renal function, Maalox should be avoided at high doses and / or for a long time.

Pills

Maalox tablets should be resorbed or thoroughly chewed.

Assign 1-2 tables. 3-4 times / day 1-2 hours after meals and at night.

When reflux-esophagitis the drug is taken after a short time after eating.

The maximum frequency of reception is 6 times / day. Do not take more than 12 tablets / day.

Duration of reception should not exceed 2-3 months.

With occasional use, for example, with discomfort after errors in the diet, take 1-2 tables. once.

Side effects

All varieties and dosage forms of Maalox and Maalox Mini can provoke the following following side effects:

Reactions of the digestive system: diarrhea, constipation.
Reactions from the immune system: anaphylactic reactions, hives, itching, angioedema.
Reactions from the metabolism: hyperaluminia, hypermagnesia, hypophosphatemia (with prolonged therapy or admission in large doses, with a low concentration of phosphates in food), which can lead to increased bone resorption, osteomalacia, hypercalciuria.

Use the drug in pediatrics with extreme caution. The dose is selected individually. The dosage and frequency of administration are prescribed only by the attending pediatrician. Excluded are large dosages and prolonged use.

Overdose

Exceeding the recommended daily or single dose of taking the drug may lead to serious consequences - the appearance of abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. In patients at risk (renal failure and advanced age), its continued use can increase obstruction and intestinal obstruction. In large doses, a drug can adversely affect even the health of people who have only a predisposition to developing phosphate deficiency.

When symptoms of an overdose appear, stop taking the medication immediately and wait until magnesium and aluminum are removed with urine. In addition, it is necessary to carry out forced diuresis by taking diuretics. And patients with kidney diseases are treated with peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis for blood purification.

special instructions

Before you start using the drug, read the special instructions:

A 2-hour interval between use of Maalox and other drugs should be observed.
If, during treatment, symptoms from the GI tract persist for more than 10 days or if the condition worsens, then the diagnosis should be clarified and correction of treatment measures should be carried out.
When prescribing Maalox, patients with mild and moderate renal failure should be closely monitored plasma concentrations of aluminum and magnesium, and in the case of their increased use of the drug should be immediately terminated.
Algeldrate with a low phosphate content in food can lead to the development of phosphorus deficiency in the body. Therefore, when it is used, especially long-term, it is necessary to ensure sufficient supply of phosphates with food.

Despite the fact that the drug is dispensed without a prescription, before using the drug during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding), as well as in adolescents and patients with mild to moderate renal failure, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Drug Interactions

With simultaneous application with quinidine, it is possible to increase the serum concentrations of quinidine and the development of an overdose of quinidine.

When using Maalox with polystyrene sulfonate (cayexalate) together, care should be taken because of the possible risk of potassium binding loss by the resin and the development of metabolic alkalosis in patients with renal insufficiency (for aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide) and intestinal obstruction (for aluminum hydroxide).

With the simultaneous administration of Maalox, the absorption from the gastrointestinal tract of the following drugs is reduced: histamine H2 receptor blockers, propranolol, atenolol, cefdinir, cefpodoxime, metoprolol, chloroquine, prostacyclin, diflunizal, digoxin, bisphosphonates, ethambutol, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, sodium fluoride, GCS (described for prednisolone and dexamethasone), indomethacin, ketoconazole, lincosamides, neuroleptics derivatives of phenothiazine, penicillamine, rosuvastatin, iron salts, levothyroxine sodium. In the case of a 2-hour interval between taking these preparations and the Maalox preparation and a 4-hour interval between admission fluoroquinolones and Maalox preparation in most cases of this undesirable interaction can be avoided.

When aluminum hydroxide is combined with citrates, it is possible to increase plasma concentrations of aluminum, especially in patients with renal insufficiency.

Reviews

We picked up some reviews of people taking the drug Maalox:

Tatyana. It really works! Study at school, then university: sleepless nights, lost day regimen, improper diet (fast food, "snacks" on the move), stress-all this led to such an unpleasant disease of the gastrointestinal tract as gastritis. After fgd revealed gastritis of type B with Helicobacter pylori.. And then it raced-omeprazole, plus he was prescribed Clarithromycin and Metronidazole. I apply this treatment scheme for exacerbation of chronic gastritis within 7 days. But all the same because of the excessive secretion of the receptors of the stomach there is a feeling of burning, discomfort. Recently, the gastroenterologist advised in such cases to take Maalox. The price of Maalox does not bite, as with its other counterparts. And the drug really works, unpleasant symptoms and relieves discomfort.
Olga. For several years now I have been suffering from gastritis. Maalox saves me from burning pain and burning, I can not imagine my existence without it. It quickly and permanently eliminates all unpleasant and symptoms, but the main advantage of Maalox is a simple instruction for use, which details the dosages in the treatment of chronic gastritis.
Alina. My friend has a gastritis and I noticed that she very often takes Maalox. She says that she helps, but I clarified with my doctor that he is addictive. Therefore, it will be necessary to warn her friend and ask him to go to the reception again, no matter how well he does not help her, but maybe the body is just used to the drug and in fact does not do anything for its intended purpose.

Analogues

On the pharmaceutical market there are preparations similar in composition or principle of action. Complete analogs of the drug are such drugs as: Gastal tablets, Rennie, Inalan, Fosfalugel gel and Gastromomazole suspension.

Similar in principle to the action:

Almagel;
Palmagel;
Gestid;
Koalgel;
Altacid;
Almol;
RIVELOX;
Adjfluks;
Alumag;
Hastracid.

Similar in effect are such drugs:

Gastal tablets;
Inalan tablets;
Palmagel A gel;
Rennie pills;
Gastromomazole extract for oral administration;
Phosphalugel gel.

Before using analogues, consult your doctor.

What to choose, Maalox or Almagel?

The composition of Almagel and Maalox is almost identical, since they contain aluminum-magnesium hydroxide as active components. Therefore, their effects are also the same, and you can choose any drug that for some subjective reasons people like more.

However, if a person is concerned about a strong pain syndrome, it is better to choose a suspension of Almagel A, which additionally contains an anesthetic component. If a person among the manifestations of increased acidity of gastric juice prevails enhanced gas formation with bloating and flatulence, then the best option from these drugs will be Almagel Neo, which contains a component that eliminates this particular symptom. In cases where there is no severe pain or flatulence, you can choose any drug.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Store the product necessary at a temperature of +25 degrees, protected from children. The shelf life of the tablets is 5 years, the suspension for oral administration is 3 years.