Maalox Plus: Ingredients, Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions
What is Maalox Plus?
Maalox Plus is a form of treatment for heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach as well as reducing the amount of gas in the stomach.
Indigestion is often caused by acid from your stomach irritating your stomach lining or throat. Symptoms of indigestion include:
- Abdominal pain
- Acidic taste in the mouth
- Bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Gas
- Heartburn or acid indigestion (acid reflux)
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort.
Maalox Plus work by counteracting (neutralizing) the acid in your stomach. They do this because the chemicals in antacids are bases (alkalis) which are the opposite of acids. A reaction between an acid and a base is called neutralization. This neutralization makes the stomach contents less corrosive.
What are the ingredients in Maalox Plus?
There are three active ingredients in Maalox Plus they include:
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Aluminum hydroxide gel
- Simethicone.
The first two are what are known as antacids. These are what neutralize the stomach acid to relieve indigestion and heartburn. The third ingredient, simethicone, is an anti-foaming agent. This helps to reduce bloating in the stomach, a common cause of flatulence.
Who is Maalox Plus suitable for?
Maalox Plus is suitable for adults and children aged 2 and over. It is not suitable for anyone who is allergic to the ingredients. You should also not take it if you are feeling debilitated, have kidney disease, or have low levels of phosphate.
How much should I be taking?
For children between 2-5, only give them one 5ml spoonful, up to three times a day, between 20 minutes to one hour after a meal. For children between 5-12, give them the 5ml up to four times a day. For children between 12-18, increase the dosage to two spoonfuls. And for adults, take the same as for 12-18-year-olds. Shake the bottle well before using it.
How long does it take for Maalox Plus to work?
Maalox Plus is an antacid that goes to work immediately by neutralizing acid on contact. It provides fast relief from heartburn and upset stomach. How long Maalox Plus lasts will vary between users and based upon the exposure to heartburn triggers.
Is it suitable for someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes, there is no evidence to suggest that there would be problems if someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding uses Maalox Plus. However, it is recommended that they consult their doctor first.
Does Maalox Plus help acid reflux and GERD?
Maalox Plus treats heartburn, which is triggered by stomach acid that “refluxes” back into the esophagus. GERD is also an acid reflux-related condition, but it generally has more severe symptoms and occurs more frequently. You should speak to your doctor to confirm a diagnosis of GERD and determine the appropriate treatment, which may include the daily use of prescription medication.
Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems. Talk to your provider if you have:
- Pain or symptoms that do not get better with antacids
- Symptoms every day or at night
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding in your bowel movements or darkened bowel movements
- Bloating or cramping
- Pain in your lower belly, on your side, or in your back
- Diarrhea that is severe or does not go away
- Fever with your belly pain
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Trouble swallowing
- Weight loss that you cannot explain.
Call your provider if you need to use antacids on most days.
Maalox Plus side effects
Like with many medicines, there is the possibility of side effects. Potential side effects include:
- Black or tarry stools
- Mood changes (e.g., confusion, deep sleep)
- Pain during urination
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Vomiting.
Serious side effects of Maalox Plus include:
- Aluminum-intoxication
- Chalky taste
- Constipation (this could lead to hemorrhoids or bowel obstruction),
- Fecal impaction
- Low blood phosphates (hypophosphatemia)
- Milk-alkali syndrome
- Nausea
- Rebound hyperacidity
- Softening of the bones
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting.
This is not a complete list of Maalox Plus side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Can Maalox Plus be used when using any other type of medication?
No, when Maalox Plus is taken with acidic drugs (for example, digoxin [Digitek], phenytoin [Dilantin], chlorpromazine [Thorazine], [isoniazid]), they cause the absorption of the acidic drugs to be decreased, which causes low blood concentrations of the drugs, which ultimately results in reduced effects of the drugs.
You should speak to a doctor if you are using any form of medication. This includes any herbal or non-prescription or pharmacy medication. This is because Maalox can affect other medications and change how they work.
