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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Magnesium trisilicate

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Magnesium trisilicate

  • Magnesium trisilicate relieves the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.
  • Take a dose when the symptoms occur, this is usually between meals and at bed-time.
  • If you are taking other medicines, do not take magnesium trisilicate within an hour (before or after) your other medicines.

About magnesium trisilicate

Type of medicineAntacid
Used forIndigestion
Available asMixture

Acid occurs naturally in the stomach and is produced in response to the presence of food, which it helps to break down and digest. When the acid goes back up the oesophagus (the tube which leads to the stomach from the mouth) it causes indigestion and heartburn. Antacids like magnesium trisilicate work by neutralising stomach acid which relieves the symptoms of indigestion.

Before taking magnesium trisilicate

Before taking magnesium trisilicate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from hypophosphataemia (low levels of phosphates in your blood).
  • If you are on a low sodium (salt) diet.
  • If you have heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced) or hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • 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 magnesium trisilicate

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • To prevent indigestion, magnesium trisilicate is usually taken between meals and at bedtime. Remember to shake the bottle before measuring out your dose.
  • If required, you can stir your dose of magnesium trisilicate into a small glassful of water before swallowing it.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not take magnesium trisilicate at the same time as any other medicine, as it may stop the medicine working.
  • Take any other medicines at least one hour before or at least one hour after a dose of magnesium trisilicate.
  • If your symptoms do not improve after 5 days, or if they get worse, talk to your doctor.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside this medicine.

Can magnesium trisilicate cause problems?

This medicine is unlikely to cause any side effects except for mild diarrhoea and occasional belching (excess wind).

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

How to store magnesium trisilicate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3802		DocRef:
dils3812		Last Reviewed:
10 Aug 2008		Version:
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