What is this medicine?
ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE; MAGNESIUM TRISILICATE (a LOO mi num hye DROX ide; mag NEE zee um trye SILL i kate) is an antacid. It is used to relieve the symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alenic Alka, Foaming Antacid, Gaviscon, Genaton
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- bowel, intestinal, or stomach disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- on a sodium (salt) restricted diet
- stomach bleeding or obstruction
- an unusual or allergic reaction to aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate or other antacids, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Chew the tablets well so that foam forms in your mouth before swallowing. Do not suck on or crush the tablets. The protective foam will not form if you do this. After taking this medicine, drink a full glass of water. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor or health care professional. You should remain in an upright position for 1 to 2 hours after taking this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
- antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, tetracycline
- heart medicines, such as digoxin or digitoxin
- medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines for osteoporosis like alendronate, etidronate, risedronate, tiludronate
- medicines for seizures like ethotoin, phenytoin
- phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
- thyroid hormones like levothyroxine
- vitamin D
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with this medicine for more than one week. See a doctor if you have black tarry stools, rectal bleeding, or if you feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice.
If you are taking other medicines, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.
To help reduce constipation, drink several glasses of water a day.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- bone or joint aches and pains
- confusion or irritability
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- chalky taste
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.