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Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Carbonate


Pronunciation

 (a LOO mi num hye DROKS ide & mag NEE zhum KAR bun nate)


U.S. Brand Names

 Gaviscon® Extra Strength [OTC]; Gaviscon® Liquid [OTC]


Synonyms

 Magnesium Carbonate and Aluminum Hydroxide


Generic Available

 Yes


Use

 Temporary relief of symptoms associated with gastric acidity


Adverse Reactions

 1% to 10%:

Endocrine & metabolic: Hypermagnesemia, aluminum intoxication (prolonged use and concomitant renal failure), hypophosphatemia

Gastrointestinal: Constipation, diarrhea

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Osteomalacia


Drug Interactions

 Decreased effect: Tetracyclines, digoxin, indomethacin, or iron salts, isoniazid, allopurinol, benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, penicillamine, phenothiazines, ranitidine, ketoconazole, itraconazole


Dosage

 Oral: Adults:

Liquid:

Gaviscon® Regular Strength: 15-30 mL 4 times/day after meals and at bedtime

Gaviscon® Extra Strength Relief: 15-30 mL 4 times/day after meals

Tablet (Gaviscon® Extra Strength Relief): Chew 2-4 tablets 4 times/day


Dietary Considerations

 Should be taken 1-3 hours after meals with water, milk or juice. Products contain sodium (0.57 mEq/5 mL regular strength liquid, 0.9 mEq/5 mL extra strength liquid, 1.3 mEq extra strength tablet).


Patient Education

Liquid: Shake well. Do not use if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Tablet: Take tablets after meals and at bedtime, or as needed. Chew tablet, do not swallow whole. Follow tablets with 1 /2 glass of water.


Nursing Implications

 Monitor stool frequency


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

 Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Chalky taste. Aluminum and magnesium ions prevent GI absorption of tetracycline by forming a large ionized chelated molecule with the tetracyclines in the stomach. Aluminum hydroxide prevents GI absorption of ketoconazole and itraconazole by increasing the pH in the GI tract. Any of these drugs should be administered at least 1 hour before aluminum hydroxide.


Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

 No information available to require special precautions


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

 None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

 None reported


Dosage Forms

Liquid:

Gaviscon®: Aluminum hydroxide 31.7 mg and magnesium carbonate 119.3 mg per 5 mL (355 mL) [contains sodium 0.57 mEq/5 mL]

Gaviscon® Extra Strength: Aluminum hydroxide 84.6 mg and magnesium carbonate 79.1 mg per 5 mL (355 mL) [contains sodium 0.9 mEq/5 mL]

Tablet, chewable (Gaviscon® Extra Strength): Aluminum hydroxide 160 mg and magnesium carbonate 105 mg [contains sodium 1.3 mEq/tablet]


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