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alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate

Generic name: alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate [ al-JIN-ik-AS-id, a-LOO-mi-num-hye-DROX-ide, mg-NEE-see-um-KAR-boe-nate ]
Brand names: Acid Gone, Gaviscon Extra Strength Liquid, Gaviscon Regular Strength Liquid, Genaton, Genaton (obsolete), ... show all 12 brands
Drug class: Antacids

What is alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate?

Alginic acid is a natural carbohydrate that comes from algae in seaweed (kelp) and is used in many processed foods. It helps this medication create a foam barrier to coat the stomach.

Aluminum and magnesium are minerals that occur naturally and are used as antacids.

The combination of alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate is used to treat symptoms of stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. This medicine is also used to treat heartburn, upset stomach, sour stomach, or acid indigestion.

This medication may be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication if you have kidney disease, kidney stones, severe constipation, or if you are dehydrated.

Avoid taking multivitamins, mineral supplements, or other medications (especially antacids) at the same time you take this medication. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb certain other drugs. Taking too many antacids together may cause you to take too much of a certain drug.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medication.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain, severe constipation, swelling in your ankles or feet, blood in your stools, or if you cough up blood. Some of these may be symptoms of your condition and not side effects of the medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

This medication may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medication.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since antacids are taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause severe diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate?

Avoid taking multivitamins, mineral supplements, or other medications (especially antacids) at the same time you take this medication. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb certain other drugs. Taking too many antacids together may cause you to take too much of a certain drug.

Alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking the medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of the following side effects. Some of these may be symptoms of your condition and not side effects of the medication.

Less serious side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Dyspepsia:

Extra strength formula: 10 to 20 mL or 2 to 4 chewable tablets orally 4 times a day as needed, after meals and 30 minutes before bedtime. The normally recommended maximum dose is 16 teaspoonfuls or 16 tablets/day.
Regular strength formula: 15 to 30 mL orally 4 times a day as needed, after meals and 30 minutes before bedtime. The normally recommended maximum dose is 8 tablespoonfuls/day.

Usual Adult Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease:

Extra strength formula: 10 to 20 mL or 2 to 4 chewable tablets orally 4 times a day as needed, after meals and 30 minutes before bedtime. The normally recommended maximum dose is 16 teaspoonfuls or 16 tablets/day.
Regular strength formula: 15 to 30 mL orally 4 times a day as needed, after meals and 30 minutes before bedtime. The normally recommended maximum dose is 8 tablespoonfuls/day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dyspepsia:

13 to 18 years:
Extra strength formula: 10 to 20 mL or 2 to 4 chewable tablets orally 4 times a day as needed, after meals and 30 minutes before bedtime. The normally recommended maximum dose is 16 teaspoonfuls or 16 tablets/day.
Regular strength formula: 15 to 30 mL orally 4 times a day as needed, after meals and 30 minutes before bedtime. The normally recommended maximum dose is 8 tablespoonfuls/day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease:

13 to 18 years:
Extra strength formula: 10 to 20 mL or 2 to 4 chewable tablets orally 4 times a day as needed, after meals and 30 minutes before bedtime. The normally recommended maximum dose is 16 teaspoonfuls or 16 tablets/day.
Regular strength formula: 15 to 30 mL orally 4 times a day as needed, after meals and 30 minutes before bedtime. The normally recommended maximum dose is 8 tablespoonfuls/day.

What other drugs will affect alginic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate?

There may be other drugs that can interact with this medication. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.