Precautions While Using This Medicine

If this medicine has been ordered by your doctor and you will be taking it in large doses, or for a long time, your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. This is to make sure the medicine does not cause unwanted effects.

Some tests may be affected by this medicine. Tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine before you have any tests to determine how much acid your stomach produces.

Do not take this medicine :

• if you have any signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel (such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, nausea, or vomiting). Instead, check with your doctor as soon as possible.
• within 1 to 2 hours or more of taking other medicine by mouth . To do so may keep the other medicine from working properly.

For patients on a sodium-restricted diet :

• Some antacids (especially those containing sodium bicarbonate) contain a large amount of sodium. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

For patients taking this medicine for increased stomach acid:

• Do not take it for more than 2 weeks unless otherwise directed by your doctor . Antacids should be used only for occasional relief.
• If your stomach problem is not helped by the antacid or if it keeps coming back, check with your doctor.
• Using magnesium- or sodium bicarbonate-containing antacids too often, or in high doses, may produce a laxative effect. This happens fairly often and depends on the individual's sensitivity to the medicine.

For patients taking aluminum-containing antacids (including magaldrate):

• Before you have any test in which a radiopharmaceutical will be used, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of the test may be affected by aluminum-containing antacids.

For patients taking calcium- or sodium bicarbonate-containing antacids :

• Do not take the antacid with large amounts of milk or milk products . To do so may increase the chance of side effects.