Indications
Magnesium Trisilicate is an antacid. It relieves heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach and the discomfort of gastritis and peptic ulcer. It is usually combined with Aluminium Hydroxide and sometimes with Simeticone to reduce gas.
How It Works
It neutralises (cancels out) excess stomach acid. It also forms a gel that coats the lining of the stomach and food pipe, giving a protective layer.
Dosage and Administration
Adults: follow the product label. Usually 1 to 2 tablets chewed well, or 10 to 20 ml of suspension, taken 3 to 4 times a day between meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Shake the suspension well. Children: only as advised by a doctor. Do not use regularly for more than 2 weeks without seeing a doctor.
Interactions
Antacids reduce the absorption of many medicines, including Tetracyclines, Ciprofloxacin and other quinolone antibiotics, iron tablets, Digoxin, Levothyroxine, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and some HIV medicines. Take these at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the antacid, unless your doctor gives other advice.
Contraindications
- Severe kidney disease.
- Low blood phosphate.
- Allergy to any ingredient.
Side Effects
Magnesium can cause loose stools or diarrhoea, while aluminium can cause constipation. Long-term use of high doses has rarely been linked to silica kidney stones.
Get urgent medical help if you vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, pass black or tarry stools, have severe or crushing chest pain, have trouble swallowing, or lose weight without trying.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Occasional use at normal doses is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid long-term or high-dose use unless your doctor advises it.
Precautions and Warnings
- People with kidney problems can build up magnesium and aluminium in the body; ask a doctor first.
- If symptoms last more than 2 weeks or keep coming back, see a doctor to rule out an ulcer or other problem.
- Some products contain sodium or sugar; check the label if you are on a low-salt diet or have diabetes.
Overdose
Too much may cause diarrhoea or constipation. In people with kidney disease, high magnesium levels can cause weakness, drowsiness, low blood pressure and slow breathing; seek medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Antacid.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Do not freeze the suspension. Keep out of reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.