d. Aluminum Hydroxide (Amphojel). Aluminum hydroxide is used as a
gastric antacid and as an agent in ulcer therapy. The usual dose of aluminum
hydroxide is one teaspoonful to two tablespoonsful of the suspension four or more times
daily or one to four tablets four or more times daily. Constipation is a side effect
associated with the use of aluminum hydroxide. When you dispense the tablets, you
should tell the patient to chew them thoroughly before swallowing them. When you
dispense the suspension, you should tell the patient to shake the container well before
taking the dose. Aluminum hydroxide is available in both suspension form (320
milligrams per teaspoonful) and in tablet form (300 and 600 milligram tablets).
e. Magaldrate (Riopan). Magaldrate is used as a gastric antacid and as an
agent in the treatment of ulcers. It acts as a buffer/antacid. Side effects associated with
magaldrate include constipation and diarrhea. This preparation is available in three
forms: suspension, chew tablets, and swallow tablets. The information you provide the
patient when dispensing the product depends on the particular dosage form being
dispensed:
(1) Suspension. Tell the patient to shake the container well. The usual
dosage of this form is one or two teaspoonsful between meals and at bedtime.
(2) Chew tablet. Tell the patient to chew the tablet(s) thoroughly before
swallowing. The usual dosage of the chew tablets is one to two tablets between meals
and at bedtime.
(3) Swallow tablet. Tell the patient to take the tablet(s) with enough water to
swallow them properly. The usual dosage of the swallow tablet is one or two tablets
between meals and at bedtime.
CAUTION:
Magaldrate should not be taken by persons who are taking a
prescription antibiotic drug containing any form of tetracycline.
f. Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide (Maalox). Maalox is
used as a gastric antacid and as an agent in ulcer therapy. This product is available in
both a suspension form (225 milligrams of aluminum hydroxide and 200 milligrams of
magnesium hydroxide per teaspoonful) and in tablet form (200 milligrams of aluminum
hydroxide and 200 milligrams of magnesium hydroxide per tablet). Depending on the
amount of the preparation taken, diarrhea and constipation are side effects associated
with the product.
MD0807
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