Before taking co-magaldrox

Before taking co-magaldrox make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have kidney or liver problems.
• If you have a condition called hypophosphataemia (a low level of phosphate in the blood).
• If you have any of the following symptoms: bleeding, difficulty swallowing, being sick often, or weight loss.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take co-magaldrox

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• To prevent indigestion, take 10-20ml of co-magaldrox 20-60 minutes after meals and at bedtime or when required.
• Maalox® is not recommended in children under 14 years old.
• Mucogel® is not recommended in children under 12 years old.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not take co-magaldrox at the same time as any other medicine, as it may stop the medicine working. Take other medicines at least one hour before or at least one hour after a dose of co-magaldrox.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition.
• Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach, such as alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes and spicy food.
• If at any time you experience difficulty swallowing, sickness (with or without blood in the vomit), or you unexpectedly lose weight, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this medicine.

Can co-magaldrox cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store co-magaldrox

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• One opened, use within 28 days.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Maalox® Suspension, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2009.
• British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)