Maalox
Maalox was a brand of antacid owned by Novartis. Their main product was a flavored liquid containing aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, which acts to neutralize or reduce stomach acid, for the purpose of relieving symptoms indigestion, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or stomach or duodenal ulcers. In large doses, it can act as a laxative. The trademark is owned by Novartis International AG, and was first used commercially in 1949.
Some may find certain Maalox medications, such as Maalox Multi-Action, to be a successful anti-diarrhea treatment due to the aluminum hydroxide content, which in normal situations has a tendency to result in constipation. Maalox may also be used to treat nausea and stomach cramps associated with dyspepsia, diarrhea, or constipation.
Ingredients
Liquid
Liquid Maalox contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and simethicone.
Tablets
Maalox Regular Strength chewable tablets contain 600 mg of calcium carbonate. Maalox Extra Strength + Anti-Gas tablets contain 1000 mg of calcium carbonate and 60 mg of simethicone.
Uses
Maalox is used to treat moderate dyspepsia, which includes symptoms of a burning sensation in the stomach or chest area, bloating, and/or gas pain, especially occurring after meals. It is used in combination with oxycodone to treat esophageal pain in cancer therapy patients. It is also a common component of a GI cocktail used in emergency rooms.
Maalox is used in scientific research to simulate for silt/mud/soil in water, along with other dissolved particulates. The particulate size exceeds 11 micrometres.[1]
Maalox can be used as a standalone antacid treatment or in conjunction with prescription strength medication such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers.
Activists in the United States, the Czech Republic, Venezuela and Turkey have reported using Maalox or other antacid solutions diluted with water as a home remedy for tear gas attacks.[2][3][4]
Side effects
Maalox generally doesn’t produce serious side effects in individuals who use it for less than two weeks, but some mild side effects may appear. Possible side effects of Maalox include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and headaches. These symptoms generally go away without further treatment. It may be necessary to contact a doctor if these symptoms become severe or persist for long periods of time. Maalox has been linked to phosphate deficiencies in some individuals as a result of the aluminum binding to phosphate in the stomach. This causes the body to flush out this important chemical which can lead to a deficiency.
Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant can, with the permission of a health care provider, use this product as the aluminum content is deemed safe for the developing or nursing child. Individuals who suffer from kidney issues, however, should not take this product unless advised to do so by a doctor.[5]
Manufacturing suspension 2012
In February 2012, Novartis Consumer Health announced that they were temporarily voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility that produces Maalox as well as suspending shipments.[6] As of April 2014 there has been no update.
The shutdown was a result of inspections in 2011. "Two FDA inspections that year, about five months apart, noted numerous instances of the company not addressing consumer complaints and, in some cases, ignoring them." Novartis has decided to stop manufacturing Maalox in the Lincoln plant and will have third parties produce it. [7] The problems in the Lincoln plant included a chance of chips from one medication being mixed into the bottles of other medications as well as 1300 addressed consumer complaints. [8]
In August 2013, there was a recall of Maalox products.[9] "The recall encompasses 9 different types of its Maalox chewable tablets, including more than 3.4 million bottles of Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength Antacid & Antigas. They plan to restart production on a line-by-line basis but the Maalox line has not yet been started.[10]
The Maalox brand of Novartis will be merged, among with other consumer brands, with the consumer brands of GlaxoSmithKline. This is part of a $20 Billion exchange of business units. [11]
References
- ^ http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel2/1081/7739/00326230.pdf?arnumber=326230
- ^ David Ferguson (2011-09-28). "'Maalox'-and-water solution used as anti-tear gas remedy by protesters". Raw Story.
- ^ "Medical information from Prague 2000".
- ^ Ece Temelkuran (2013-06-03). "Istanbul is burning". Occupy Wall Street.
- ^ http://www.heartburn-stop.com/maalox-during-pregnancy/
- ^ "Maalox". Novartis. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- ^ "Novartis to cut 300 jobs at Lincoln plant". Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- ^ "Novartis plant closure contributes to Maalox shortage in Canada". Retrieved 24 April 2014.
- ^ "US Decides Offshoring played role in Novartis cuts in Lincoln". Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- ^ "Novartis can't get past foul-ups at consumer plant; recalls 4.4 million bottles of Maalox". Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- ^ "Novartis and Glaxo Agree to Trade $20 Billion in Assets". Retrieved 24 April 2014.