Maalox Suspension: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Maalox Suspension is an over-the-counter antacid liquid containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, and in some versions simethicone. It is used to relieve stomach upset, heartburn, acid indigestion, and gas-related discomfort such as belching, bloating, and pressure. It works by neutralizing existing stomach acid and, where simethicone is included, by breaking up gas bubbles. It is available as an oral suspension and as chewable tablets.

What is Maalox Suspension

Maalox is an over-the-counter antacid liquid that combines aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, and in some versions simethicone, to treat stomach acid symptoms and gas.

Maalox Suspension uses

• Treats symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion
• Relieves symptoms of extra gas such as belching, bloating, and feelings of pressure or discomfort in the stomach and gut
• Treats occasional heartburn and gastric hyperacidity

Benefits of Maalox Suspension

• Aluminum and magnesium antacids work quickly to lower the acid in the stomach
• Liquid antacids usually work faster and better than tablets or capsules
• Provides rapid relief from acidity, gastric reflux, and difficult digestion

How Maalox Suspension works

Maalox neutralizes existing stomach acid rather than stopping the stomach from making more acid. Simethicone (in some products) helps break up gas bubbles in the gut.

Maalox Suspension dosage

Take by mouth, usually after meals and at bedtime as needed, or as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on the product package. If taking chewable tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing, then drink a full glass of water. If using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before pouring each dose. Measure the liquid dose carefully using a medication spoon or cup, not a household spoon.

Refrigerating the suspension may improve the flavor, but do not freeze it. The liquid form works best if taken without other fluids, though you can mix your dose with a little water if needed. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without first checking with the doctor.

If you miss a dose and take this medicine regularly, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose; do not double up doses. This medicine is often taken only as needed, so do not take it more often than your doctor told you.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral suspension (liquid)
• Chewable tablets

Side effects of Maalox Suspension

Common

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain

Serious

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Mental or mood changes such as confusion
• Deep sleep
• Pain with urination
• Signs of low phosphate such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, and muscle weakness
• Hypermagnesemia, especially with long-term use in people with kidney problems
• Hyperaluminemia and hypophosphatemia with prolonged use or high doses

Warnings and precautions

• If your acid problems last or get worse after using this product for a week, or if you think you have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. 
• Using it regularly for more than two weeks may mean you have a condition that needs different treatment.
• Long-term or high-dose use can bind phosphate in the gut and cause low phosphate levels in the body. High doses may cause or worsen intestinal blockage in people at higher risk, such as those with kidney problems, constipation, poor bowel movement, young children, or the elderly.
• In people with kidney problems, aluminum and magnesium can build up in the body and, with long-term high-dose use, may cause serious brain or bone problems. 
• This product should not be used by people with severe kidney failure or porphyria, or in children under 18, depending on the specific product.
• This medicine can interfere with the absorption of many other drugs, so check with a pharmacist before combining it with other medications. 
• This medicine may contain aspartame or sugar, so people with phenylketonuria (PKU) or diabetes should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before use.
• This medicine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed, and only under medical supervision after weighing the benefits and risks for the mother and baby.
•  This medicine may pass into breast milk, so check with your doctor before breastfeeding, although limited absorption makes it generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
• People with kidney problems, including kidney stones, should check with their doctor or pharmacist before using this product, since aluminum and magnesium levels can build up and cause serious problems. People who drink alcohol frequently should check with their doctor or pharmacist before using this product. This medicine does not affect the ability to drive or use machines.

Storage

• Store at room temperature
• Store in a dry place; do not store in a bathroom
• Do not freeze
• Store below 25°C
• Keep all drugs in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets
• Throw away unused or expired drugs; do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless told to do so; check with your pharmacist about drug take-back programs

When to see a doctor

Get medical help right away if you have slow or shallow breathing, a slow or irregular heartbeat, confusion or other mental changes, unusual deep sleep, or pain with urination. Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low phosphate, such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, or muscle weakness. Tell your doctor right away if you feel dizzy or faint. If you suspect an overdose with serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, get emergency medical help right away; otherwise, contact a poison control center right away.

Alternatives

• Alginate + Antacid
• Magnesium Hydroxide
• Calcium Carbonate
• Gaviscon Suspension
• Mylanta Suspension