Patient leaflet - MAALOX SUSPENSION
1. what maalox suspension is and what it is used for
Maalox Suspension contains two different medicines. They are called dried aluminium hydroxide gel and magnesium hydroxide. They belong to a group of medicines called antacids.
Maalox Suspension is used for:
- Heartburn or when your stomach has too much acid (indigestion)
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), and
- When prescribed by a doctor may also be used for lowering the amount of acid in your stomach or gut (intestine) when you have an ulcer
Maalox Suspension works by lowering the amount of acid in your stomach.
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2. Before you take Maalox Suspension
Do not take
Maalox Suspension if:
X You are allergic (hypersensitive) to dried aluminium hydroxide gel or magnesium hydroxide or any of the other ingredients in Maalox Suspension (see Section 6: Further Information)
Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue
X You are feeling very weak and have no energy (debilitated)
X You have kidney problems
X You have severe stomach pain
X Your bowel is partially or fully blocked
Do not take this medicine if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Maalox Suspension.
Take special care with Maalox Suspension. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:
– You are on a low-phosphorous diet S3 Taking other medicines Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines.
Maalox Suspension should not be taken at the same time as other medicines. This is because Maalox
Suspension can affect the way other medicines work.
- In particular, Maalox Suspension can affect the following medicines: Some medicines used to treat infections such as tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin and ketoconazole
- Medicines for malaria such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
- Chlorpromazine – used for mental illness (psychosis)
- Vitamins
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if: You are pregnant, might become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. You should not take Maalox Suspension during the first three months of pregnancy
- You are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed
Important information about some of the ingredients of Maalox Suspension
- Maalox Suspension contains methylparaben (E218) and propylparaben (E216). These may cause an allergic reaction. This allergy may happen some time after taking this medicine. Signs of an allergic reaction include: breathing problems with wheezing and tightness in your chest (called “bronchospasm”)
- Maalox Suspension contains sorbitol (E420). If you have been told by your doctor that you cannot tolerate or digest some sugars, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine
3. how to take maalox suspension
Taking this medicine
- Shake well before use
- Take this medicine by mouth
- If necessary, Maalox Suspension may be taken with water or milk
Adults, the elderly and children aged 14 years or older
- Take two to four 5 ml spoonfuls
- Take 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime
- Alternatively, take as directed by your doctor
If the symptoms do not go away, talk to your doctor.
Children less than 14 years old
- Maalox Suspension is not recommended for children less than 14 years of age.
If you take more Maalox Suspension than you should
Talk to your doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Remember to take any medicine that is left with you so the doctor knows what you have taken.
The following effects may happen: diarrhoea, stomach pain or you may get a bloated feeling and cramping pain in the abdomen (stomach), be sick (vomit), have indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach, constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth. This could be cause by an obstruction or blockage of the bowel (ileus).
4. possible side effects
Like all medicines, Maalox Suspension can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop taking Maalox Suspension and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if: Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) – You have a red and lumpy skin rash, swollen eyelids, face, lips, mouth or tongue, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing. This could be an allergic reaction.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects get serious or lasts longer than a few days. Also tell them if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet:
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Not know (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) Hypophosphatemia, this may occur at high doses of the product or even at normal doses especially in patients with low phosphorus diets
- Hypermagnesemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of magnesium in the body
- Hyperaluminemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of aluminium in the body
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine
5. how to store maalox suspension
Keep this medicine in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it. Do not use Maalox Suspension after the expiry date which is stated on this leaflet and the bottle after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Discard any medicine remaining 28 days after opening the bottle.
Do not freeze. Store away from direct sunlight.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
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6. Further Information
What Maalox Suspension contains
- Each 5 ml of suspension contains 220 mg of dried aluminium hydroxide gel and 195 mg of magnesium hydroxide, as the active ingredients.
- The other ingredients are: methylparaben (E218), propylparaben (E216), citric acid (anhydrous), sodium saccharin, sorbitol (E420), mannitol powder, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid, peppermint oil and purified water.
What Maalox Suspension looks like and contents of the pack
Maalox® Suspension is a white, mint flavoured suspension and is available in 100 ml, 180 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 300 ml and 500 ml plastic bottles or 180 ml and 300 ml glass bottles or 10 ml sachets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder Sanofi, One Onslow Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4YS, UK
Tel: 0845372 7101
email:
Manufacturer sanofi-aventis S.p.A.
Viale Europa, 11 – Origgio (VA), Italy
This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This leaflet was last revised in January 2014
© Sanofi, 1990 – 2014