Antacids, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antacid

Generic and brand names: alumina and magnesia, oral; Algicon; Alma-Mag Improved; Almacone; Almacone II; Aludrox; Amphojel 500; Antagel; Antagel II; Camalox; Delcid; Duracid; Foamicon; Gaviscon; Gaviscon-2; Gelamal; Gelusil; Gelusil Extra Strength; Gelusil-II; Gelusil-M; Genaton; Kolantyl; Kudrox; Liquimint; Maalox; Maalox No. 1; Maalox No. 2; Maalox Plus; Maalox TC; Magmalin; Magnagel; Mi-Acid; Mintox; Mygel; Mygel II; Mylanta; Mylanta-2; Mylanta-2 Extra Strength; Mylanta-2 Plain; Mylanta-II; Rolox; Rulox; Rulox No. 1; Rulox No. 2; Silain-Gel; Simaal Gel; Simaal-2 Gel

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid. It is taken by mouth to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and stomach upset.

Some antacids contain simethicone, an ingredient that helps get rid of stomach gas.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider, or according to the manufacturer's directions. Read all information carefully. For stomach or duodenal ulcers, take the medicine for as long as your health care provider tells you. Do not miss doses.

If you are using chewable tablets, chew them well before swallowing for faster relief.

If you are using fizzing tablets, let them dissolve in water and let most of the bubbling stop before you drink the mixture.

What should I watch out for?

Your health care provider may want to see you regularly for checkups if you are taking this medicine for ulcers or another medical condition.

Never take antacids if you have any symptoms of appendicitis or bowel inflammation (severe abdominal pain, loose bowel movements, bloody stools). If you have these symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.

Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after taking other medicines to avoid interference.

Do not take this medicine as an antacid for more than 2 weeks unless your health care provider tells you to. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Some antacids contain magnesium or sodium bicarbonate, ingredients that may have a laxative effect.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, extreme weakness or tiredness, mood changes.

Other side effects: Constipation, laxative effect, white or pale bowel movements, stomach cramps.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects.

Antacids may interact with many prescription drugs. If you are taking any prescription medicine, do not take antacids without checking with your health care provider or pharmacist.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.