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Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide


Pronunciation

 (a LOO mi num hye DROKS ide & mag NEE zhum hye DROK side)


U.S. Brand Names

 Alamag [OTC]; Maalox® TC (Therapeutic Concentrate) [OTC] [DSC]; Rulox; Rulox No. 1


Synonyms

 Magnesium Hydroxide and Aluminum Hydroxide


Generic Available

 Yes


Canadian Brand Names

 Diovol®; Diovol® Ex; Gelusil®; Gelusil® Extra Strength; Mylanta™; Univol®


Use

 Antacid, hyperphosphatemia in renal failure


Pregnancy Risk Factor

 C


Adverse Reactions

>10%: Gastrointestinal: Constipation, chalky taste, stomach cramps, fecal impaction

1% to 10%: Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, discoloration of feces (white speckles)

<1%: Hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia


Drug Interactions

 Decreased effect: Tetracyclines, digoxin, indomethacin, or iron salts, isoniazid, allopurinol, benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, penicillamine, phenothiazines, ranitidine, ketoconazole, itraconazole


Dosage

 Oral: 5-10 mL 4-6 times/day, between meals and at bedtime; may be used every hour for severe symptoms


Dietary Considerations

 Should be taken 1-3 hours after meals.


Patient Education

 Notify prescriber if relief is not obtained or if signs of bleeding from GI tract occur.


Nursing Implications

Administer 1-2 hours apart from oral drugs; shake suspensions well

Observe for constipation, fecal impaction, diarrhea, and hypophosphatemia


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

 Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Chalky taste. Aluminum and magnesium ions prevent GI absorption of tetracycline by forming a large ionized chelated molecule with the tetracyclines in the stomach. Aluminum hydroxide prevents GI absorption of ketoconazole and itraconazole by increasing the pH in the GI tract. Any of these drugs should be administered at least 1 hour before aluminum hydroxide.


Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

 No information available to require special precautions


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

 None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

 None reported


Dosage Forms

 [DSC] = Discontinued product

Suspension: Aluminum hydroxide 225 mg and magnesium hydroxide 200 mg per 5 mL (360 mL)

Alamag, Rulox: Aluminum hydroxide 225 mg and magnesium hydroxide 200 mg per 5 mL (360 mL)

Suspension, high potency (Maalox® TC) [DSC]: Aluminum hydroxide 600 mg and magnesium hydroxide 300 mg per 5 mL (360 mL)

Tablet, chewable:

Alamag: Aluminum hydroxide 300 mg and magnesium hydroxide 150 mg

Rulox No. 1: Aluminum hydroxide 200 mg and magnesium hydroxide 200 mg


International Brand Names

 Diovol® (CA); Diovol® Ex (CA); Gelusil® (CA); Gelusil® Extra Strength (CA); Mylanta™ (CA); Univol® (CA)


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