Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide

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

Dosage Forms

• This drug comes as a liquid.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antacid

What key warnings should I know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Unsafe reactions may happen. This drug cannot be given while your child is taking certain other drugs. Check all the drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to aluminum, magnesium, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let doctor know if your child has any allergies or reactions to drugs, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs involved.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat heartburn and upset stomach.

How does this drug work?

• Antacids lower stomach acid.

How is this drug given?

• Chew or crush tablet well. Give with a full glass of water.
• There is a liquid (suspension) if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's normal time.
• Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this drug?

• If your child has kidney disease, talk with doctor.
• If your child has PKU, talk with doctor. Some products contain phenylalanine.
• Check your child's drugs with doctor. This drug may not mix well with other drugs.
• Do not give other drugs within 1 hour of this drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Bad taste. This most often returns to normal.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber diet may help. Talk with doctor about a stool softener or laxative.
• Loose stools.

What should I watch for?

• Change in health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted reactions to the drug.
• Follow up with doctor.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted reactions happen, or if your child's is not better after taking this drug.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call doctor or ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very bad loose stools.
• If your child has very bad constipation.
• If your child has unusual bruising or bleeding.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How should I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.

General facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she should wear allergy ID at all times.
• You can get this drug without a drug order.
• This drug should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the drug becomes outdated.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada return any unused drugs back to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for health help about side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's doctor before giving him/her any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.