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)