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Magaldrate - Learn about Magaldrate Side Effects and Precautions

Magaldrate Information

The pharmacology action of Magaldrate is that it neutralizes gastric acid, thereby increasing pH of stomach and duodenal bulb. Increases lower esophageal sphincter tone and inhibits smooth muscle contraction and gastric emptying.

Magaldrate is used in symptomatic relief of upset stomach associated with hyperacidity, including heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, acid indigestion and sour stomach; relief of hyperacidity associated with peptic ulcer, gastritis, peptic esophagitis, gastric hyperacidity and hiatal hernia.

Interaction and Contraindication of Magaldrate

Interaction of Magaldrate - Iron:  Decreased pharmacologic effect of iron.
Ketoconazole:  Decreased pharmacologic effect of ketoconazole.
Nitrofurantoin:  Decreased effects of nitrofurantoin.
Penicillamine:  Decreased pharmacologic effect of penicillamine.
Quinidine:  Increased pharmacologic effect of quinidine.
Quinolones:  Decreased pharmacologic effect of quinolones.
Salicylates:  Decreased pharmacologic effect of salicylates.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate:  Concomitant use may cause metabolic alkalosis in patients with renal failure.

Contraindication of Magaldrate - Severe renal dysfunction; hypophosphatemia; nausea; vomiting; severe abdominal pain; acute surgical abdomen; impaction; intestinal obstruction.

Side Effects o f Magaldrate

Here are the list of some common side effects ofMagaldrate :

• Neurotoxicity; encephalopathy.
• Diarrhea; constipation; intestinal obstruction; rebound hyperacidity
• Hypophosphatemia; hypermagnesemia
• Osteomalacia; bone pain; muscular weakness; malaise; decreased fluoride absorption; aluminum accumulation in serum, bone and CNS; milk-alkali syndrome

Precaution and Warning while taking Magaldrate

The precaution and warnings of Magaldrate drug is as follows:

• Instruct patient to take medication 1 and 3 hr after meals and at bedtime.
• Warn patient not to take other medications within 2 hr of antacid.
• Review proper use of suspension or tablet form.
• Advise patient to consult health care provider if problem recurs, if any symptoms that suggest bleeding occur (eg, black tarry stools) or if patient has taken antacids for more than 2 wk.

How to store Magaldrate

• Administer 1 hr and 3 hr after meals and at bedtime when ordered for treatment of ulcers or 4 times/day when ordered as necessary for relief of symptoms.
• If possible, administer antacid 1 to 2 hr before or after other medications.
• Shake suspension vigorously before pouring. Administer with sufficient water ( 4 oz) to ensure that drug reaches stomach.
• Chewable tablet should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing, followed by half a glass of water.
• Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F).