Gelusil Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Gelusil Tablet contains Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, and Simethicone, and belongs to the antacid drug class. It is a combination medicine used to treat stomach problems caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn, acid indigestion, upset stomach, bloating caused by gas, and stomach discomfort from eating or drinking too much. It works by neutralizing stomach acid and breaking down gas bubbles to relieve discomfort.

What is Gelusil Tablet

Gelusil is a combination medicine used to treat stomach problems caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn, acid indigestion, upset stomach, bloating caused by gas, and stomach discomfort from eating or drinking too much.

Gelusil Tablet uses

• Relief of hyperacidity symptoms like heartburn and epigastric discomfort
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Peptic ulcer
• Gastritis
• Peptic esophagitis
• Hiatus hernia
• Flatulence (gas)
• Acid reflux

Benefits of Gelusil Tablet

• Provides rapid relief of symptoms associated with hyperacidity
• Neutralizes excess stomach acid
• Helps break down gas bubbles causing bloating and discomfort

How Gelusil Tablet works

Gelusil works by neutralizing acid in the stomach and reducing the activity of pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins. Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide react with stomach acid to raise the stomach's pH and relieve hyperacidity, while the simethicone component breaks up gas bubbles in the digestive tract to relieve bloating and gas.

Gelusil Tablet dosage

Take by mouth, usually after meals and before going to bed. Follow all instructions on the packaging or as directed by your doctor. If taking the chewable tablet, chew it thoroughly before swallowing, then drink plenty of water. If using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose and use the measuring device provided instead of a household spoon. The liquid form works best when taken without other solutions. Avoid taking other medicines within 1 to 2 hours of taking this medicine, since it can affect how well they are absorbed. Do not use for more than 2 weeks in a row unless your doctor tells you to. Not recommended for children younger than 12 years old without medical advice. Elderly patients may need dose adjustments due to age-related kidney changes.

Available forms and strengths

• Chewable tablet
• Oral liquid/suspension

Side effects of Gelusil Tablet

Common

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Stomach cramps
• Loose stools
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Excessive thirst

Serious

• Bone pain, muscle weakness
• Confusion, changes in mental state, seizures
• Pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate
• Dizziness and fainting
• Black or tarry stools
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Deep sleep
• Pain when urinating
• Abdominal pain
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Signs of allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat

Warnings and precautions

Gelusil should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed, after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor. Gelusil can pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it. People with kidney disease should be cautious when taking Gelusil, since aluminum and magnesium levels can build up and cause toxicity. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Gelusil if you regularly drink alcohol. There is no reason to expect that Gelusil will affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

• People over 50 having heartburn for the first time, or who have had unexplained weight loss, should see a doctor before using this product.
• Stop use and see a doctor if symptoms persist or get worse, if new symptoms appear, or if you have trouble or pain swallowing, severe vomiting, black stools, choking, or chest pain.
• This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 because they absorb more aluminum from the gut than adults do.
• Do not take other oral medicines within 1 to 2 hours of taking this antacid, as it can reduce how well they are absorbed.
• Avoid drinks like fruit juice or wine while taking products with aluminum hydroxide, as these can increase aluminum absorption.

Storage

• Keep away from light and moisture
• Tablets: store in a dry place away from sunlight
• Liquid: store away from sunlight, shake well before use, keep bottle tightly closed, and avoid freezing
• The liquid can be refrigerated to improve taste, but should not be frozen
• Do not store in the bathroom
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not flush or pour down the drain; dispose of properly once expired or no longer needed

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have bone pain, muscle weakness, confusion, changes in mental state, seizures, pale skin, light-headedness, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat.
• Get medical help right away if you notice black or tarry stools, slow or shallow breathing, a slow or irregular heartbeat, confusion or mood changes, unusual deep sleep, pain when urinating, abdominal pain, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• If your symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks, or if you think you have a serious problem, seek medical attention immediately.

Alternatives

• Gaviscon
• Mylanta
• Digene