Drugs & Vitamins

Gaviscon Active Ingredients: Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Carbonate Oral Suspension Representative Names: Gaviscon What is aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate oral suspension? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate? What side effects may I notice from taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate? What should I watch for while taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate? Where can I keep my medicine? What is aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate oral suspension? (Back to top) ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE; MAGNESIUM CARBONATE (Gaviscon®) is an antacid that neutralizes or reduces stomach acid. It helps relieve symptoms of excessive stomach acidity in patients with indigestion, heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate also contains the ingredient alginic acid. Alginic acid forms a protective foam that sits on top of the stomach contents. This foam helps to prevent irritation to the esophagus that is seen in GERD. Generic suspension is available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •colostomy •constipation •dehydration •diarrhea •edema or swelling of the legs and feet •intestinal problems like colitis or diverticulitis •kidney disease •liver disease •on a sodium (salt) restricted diet •stomach bleeding or obstruction •an unusual or allergic reaction to aluminum, magnesium or other antacids, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime. After taking the medication, drink a full glass of water. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your prescriber. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. You should remain in an upright position (do not lie down for 1—2 hours) after taking this medicine. Remaining in an upright position will help the protective foam to float on the top of your stomach contents. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) Aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate is usually only taken when needed for stomach upset. It is usually not recommended for continued use. Missing a dose is usually not harmful. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate? (Back to top) •acetaminophen •alendronate •antibiotics •aspirin and aspirin-like medicines •captopril •delavirdine •etidronate •gabapentin •heart medicines, such as digoxin or digitoxin •iron salts •isoniazid •itraconazole •ketoconazole •medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances •medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems •medicines for stomach ulcers and stomach problems •methenamine •misoprostol •mycophenolate •other magnesium-containing antacids, laxatives or supplements •pancrelipase •penicillamine •phenytoin •quinidine •risedronate •rosuvastatin •sodium fluoride •sodium polystyrene sulfonate •sotalol •sucralfate •thyroid hormones (example: levothyroxine) •tiludronate •valproic acid •vitamin D Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion, decreased alertness •drowsiness or dizziness •headache •loss of appetite •nausea, vomiting •weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •chalky taste •diarrhea •constipation What should I watch for while taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate? (Back to top) Check with your prescriber or health care professional if aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate does not relieve your stomach pains; if you get black tarry stools; notice any rectal bleeding; or feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice. Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate for more than 2 weeks without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking other medications, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after dosing with this aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate. If you are taking prescription medications check with a healthcare professional before taking aluminum hydroxide; magnesium carbonate. Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible constipation and prevent dehydration. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F), do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:09/11/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.