Maalox, Mucogel (antacids contain aluminium and magnesium)

Abdelwahab Ward, BS Pharm, PharmD

ANTACIDS.. This medication is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn and acid indigestion.
MECHANISM OF ACTION ã…¡ The antacid activity is carried out in the stomach where, at suitable doses, the magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide neutralize the production of gastric acid. The constipating effect of aluminium hydroxide is counteracted by the laxative effect of the magnesium hydroxide.

  • Dyspepsia, by mouth
      • For Maalox
          • Child 14–17 years: 10–20 mL, to be taken 20–60 minutes after meals, and at bedtime or when required.
          • Adult: 10–20 mL, to be taken 20–60 minutes after meals, and at bedtime or when required.
      • For Mucogel
          • Child 12–17 years: 10–20 mL 3 times a day, to be taken 20–60 minutes after meals, and at bedtime, or when required.
          • Adult: 10–20 mL 3 times a day, to be taken 20–60 minutes after meals, and at bedtime, or when required. 
  • Dose adjustment 
      • Renal impairment 
          • There is a risk of accumulation and aluminium toxicity with antacids containing aluminium salts. Absorption of aluminium from aluminium salts is increased by citrates, which are contained in many effervescent preparations (such as effervescent analgesics).
  • Separation of administration
      • Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they might impair absorption. Antacids might damage enteric coatings designed to prevent dissolution in the stomach.
  • Constipation (aluminium), diarrhea (magnesium).
  • Electrolyte imbalance.
  • Abdominal pain; hyperaluminemia.
  • Maalox and Mucogel are a mixture of aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide; the proportions are expressed in the form x/y where x and y are the strengths in milligrams per unit dose of magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide respectively.
  • Maalox suspension is low in sodium.
  • Mucogel suspension is low in sodium. 
Abdelwahab Ward, BS Pharm, PharmD