Calcium Carbonate; Magnesium Hydroxide Suspension

What is this medication?

CALCIUM CARBONATE; MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE (KAL see um KAR bon ate; mag NEE zhum hye DROX ide) treats occasional heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, or other conditions caused by too much stomach acid. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. It belongs to a group of medications called antacids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): GERI-LANTA, Mylanta Supreme, Rolaids Ultra Strength

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• High levels of calcium or magnesium in your blood
• Kidney disease
• Need a diet low in magnesium
• Stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Do not use it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline
• Digoxin
• Iron supplements
• Medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Medications for osteoporosis, such as alendronate
• Medications for seizures, such as phenytoin
• Mycophenolate
• Thyroid medication

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular health checks. If you need to use this medication for more than 2 weeks, talk to your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High calcium level—increased thirst or amount of urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain
• High magnesium level—confusion, drowsiness, facial flushing, redness, sweating, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Burping
• Constipation
• Gas
• Stomach cramping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.