Should we learn about Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Trisilicate tablets for stomach inflammation and indigestion?

Do you sometimes feel a sour taste in your stomach after eating, a burning sensation in your chest, or an upset stomach? Sometimes, this discomfort can occur after eating spicy or oily food, or even after not eating on time. We call this 'gastritis', or it is also called high stomach acid. In such cases, that is, due to increased stomach acid, heartburn, indigestion, and other conditions, today we are going to talk about a chewable tablet that is used to control conditions such as heartburn, indigestion, and stomach discomfort: Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Trisilicate . Let's see what these tablets are, how they work, and what you need to be careful about when using them.

What is this medicine? Simply put...

Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Trisilicate is a medicine that belongs to the class of medicines called Antacids . Simply put, it reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. As you know, our stomach produces acid to digest the food we eat. But if this acid becomes too much, it causes diseases like heartburn, stomach pain, and indigestion, as mentioned earlier.

So this medicine works by neutralizing the extra acid in your stomach, which means it reduces the acidity and gives you relief. It is usually used for occasional conditions like this. Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other reasons. If you have any further questions about this medicine, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.

In Sri Lanka, this medicine is available under various brand names such as `Alenic Alka`, `Foaming Antacid`, `Gaviscon`, and `Genaton`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start using this medicine, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This medicine may not be compatible with these conditions, or you may need to take special care.

• If you have a bowel, intestinal, or stomach disease (e.g., intestinal obstruction, inflammation).
• If you are someone who frequently experiences constipation .
• If you have frequent diarrhea .
• If you have kidney disease . Because some of the ingredients in this medicine are excreted from the body through the kidneys, it can be a problem if the kidneys are not working properly.
• If you have liver disease .
• If you are on a sodium (salt) restricted diet , some antacids may contain sodium.
• If you have a condition such as stomach bleeding or a stomach obstruction.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction or unusual reaction to aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, other antacids, foods, artificial dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor about things like this.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This medicine is taken orally, meaning it is a chewable tablet. You should follow the instructions on the label exactly.

• Chew well, until foam forms: This is the most important thing. You should chew the tablets well and keep them in your mouth until they foam. Only then should you swallow them. Some people may think, 'Oh, what if I suck this and drink it without chewing, or if I crush it and drink it, it will be easier.' If you do that, the foam that forms a protective film against stomach acid will not form. Then the medicine will not be as effective.
• Drink a glass of water: Drink a full glass of water after taking the pills.
• When to take: Antacids are usually taken after meals and before going to bed at night , or as directed by your doctor.
• Stay upright: It is best to stay in an upright position for 1 to 2 hours after taking this medicine. That is, do not lie down. This helps the medicine stay in the stomach and work properly, and also reduces the risk of it coming back up into the throat.
• Take it at the right time: Take it at regular intervals, as directed by your doctor, and do not take more than the amount your doctor tells you to take.

Overdose: If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately or call a poison control center.

Important note: This medicine is for you only. Do not share your medicine with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

If you miss a dose:

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take double or extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Now, if you are taking medication for another condition, this antacid may 'interfere' with that medication. This means that it may affect the way the other medication works, either reducing its effectiveness or causing other side effects. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal remedies, vitamins).

Below are some medications that may interact with this antacid:

• Types of antibiotics: For example, `Ciprofloxacin`, `Gatifloxacin`, `Tetracycline`
• `Delavirdine`
• `Etidronate`
• `Gabapentin`
• Medicines for heart disease: For example, `Digoxin` or `Digitoxin`
• Isoniazid (a medicine for tuberculosis)
• Medicines for fungal infections: For example, `Itraconazole`, `Ketoconazole`
• Medicines for osteoporosis (bone thinning disease): For example, `Alendronate`, `Etidronate`, `Risedronate`, `Tiludronate`
• Medicines for seizures: For example, `Ethotoin`, `Phenytoin`
• `Methenamine`
• Phenothiazines: For example, Chlorpromazine, Mesoridazine, Prochlorperazine, Thioridazine
• `Quinidine`
• Rosuvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug)
• `Sotalol` (a medicine that controls heart rate)
• Tacrolimus (an immune-suppressing drug)
• Thyroid hormones: For example, Levothyroxine
• Vitamin D

This list is not complete. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, herbal products, vitamins, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements you use. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things can interact with your medicine.

What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?

• If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse , tell your doctor right away .
• Do not self-treat your stomach pain by using this medicine for more than a week without consulting a doctor. If the problem persists, see a doctor.
• If you have black, tarry stools , rectal bleeding , or feel unusually tired , see a doctor right away. These could be signs of a more serious condition.
• Do not switch from one type of antacid to another without consulting a doctor.
• The most important thing is, if you are taking other medications, take them either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this antacid. That means leaving a 2-hour gap between the two medications. Otherwise, this antacid can interfere with the absorption of the other medication into the body.
• To help reduce constipation, drink several glasses of water a day.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medications, this one can have some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some side effects are serious, and you should tell your doctor as soon as they occur. Some are not so serious, and will go away in a few days.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If this happens, it is an emergency and you need to get medical attention right away.
• High magnesium levels: This happens rarely, especially in people with kidney problems. Symptoms include: confusion, drowsiness, facial flushing, redness, sweating, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, and trouble breathing.

Side effects that usually do not require medical treatment, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

• Constipation: This can be caused by antacids that contain aluminum.
• Diarrhea: This can be caused by antacids containing magnesium.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, ask your doctor.

How to store the medicine? (Storage)

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store at room temperature, which means between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Protect from light and moisture. That means don't keep it in damp places like the bathroom.
• Do not use expired medicine. Dispose of expired medicine properly.

This is only a summary: This article may not contain all the information. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

The most important thing for you to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you now have a better understanding of the medicine we talked about today called Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Trisilicate.

Although these types of medications may provide temporary relief, if you have persistent stomach problems like heartburn or gastritis, it's best to find the underlying cause and get treatment. Your doctor will help you with that. Stay healthy!

` Stomach inflammation, indigestion, gastritis, antacids, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, stomach acid