Maalox Drug Interactions

by on May 2, 2012

Before taking Maalox, it is important to discuss any other medications you might be taking with your doctor or pharmacist. You should not stop, start, or change a medication dosage without the permission of your medical professional first. This is especially important when taking any drug that can be affected by the amount of acid contained in your urine, such as aspirin, quinidine, or amphetamines. Phosphate supplements and sodium polystyrene sulfonate may also cause adverse side effects.

Antacids can also interfere with the absorption of other drugs. Additionally low-dose aspirin should be continued if it was prescribed by your doctor for any medical reason, despite potential side effects or interactions that may occur. This is especially true for a patient that is taking aspirin for stroke or heart attack prevention.

Some formulations of Maalox also contain simethicone or calcium carbonate (instead of aluminium and magnesium hydroxide). The following drug interactions apply for all of the above formulations of Maalox.

  • ACE inhibitors, such as Captopril, Lisinopril
  • Beta blockers, such as atenolol, propranolol
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) – a drug that stimulates the heart.
  • H2 blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac)
  • Some types of antibiotics, especially tetracyclines(Tetracycline, Doxycycline), Azithromicine and quinolones (Cipro, Norfloxacin).
  • Antifungal drugs, such as Ketoconazole (Nizoral) and Itraconazole(Orungal)
  • Levothyroxine – a medicine used in the treatment of some types of thyroid dysfunctions.
  • Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Valium, or Ativan)
  • Some NSAIDs, such as indomethacin
  • Corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, bethamethasone etc
  • Phenytoin and valproic acid – drugs used for the treatment of epilepsy
  • Some HIV drugs, such as Reyataz (Atazanavir), Rescriptor (delavirdine), Lexiva (fosamprenavir calcium).These medicines need an acid environment in order to be best absorbed.
  • Other drugs, such as fexofenadine (Allegra), gabapentin( Fanatrex), alendronate (fosamax) - a drug used for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Maalox can also decrease the urine excretion of chinidine (an antiarrhythmic), especially in people that are suffering from renal diseases. This can lead to increased toxicity of chinidine.

By alkalinization of the urine, Maalox causes faster elimination of salycilates from the body, thus reducing their serum concentration and causing a weaker effect.

Maalox may enhance the effect of some blood-thinners, such as Warfarin and thus lead to higher rates of adverse effects and increased toxicity.

Co-administering of Maalox and sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kionex) can lead to metabolic alkalosis so it should be avoided.

In case you are taking any of these drugs or other OTC or prescription drugs, herbs or dietary supplements, consult your doctor before using Maalox. He or she may advise you to take Maalox two or more hours after other drugs or not to take it all depending on your individual case.

Different drug interactions apply about Maalox Total Relief (“All in one” Maalox) by Novartis as it contains bismuth subsalicylate. It can interact with:

  • Blood-thinners, such as Warfarin, Sintrom, Plavix
  • Antidiabetic drugs
  • Probenecid, sulfinpyrazone  (anti-gout medicines)
  • Other salycilates

This list is not complete and other drug interactions are also possible. Please, consult your doctor before using Maalox if you are taking any other prescription, over-the-counter drugs, herbs or dietary supplements.