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question about using maalox long term

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/8/2010 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have read/heard that long term use of antacids ie/ maalox is not good for you...I am curious if anyone knows why as it is just calcium carbonate...  thoughts are appreciated, thanks

 

Posted 1/9/2010 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Actually, Maalox is magnesium and aluminum hydroxide. TUMS contains calcoum carbonate. Long term usage of Maalox can be a problem for people with renal problems in particular. Aluuminium levels can get too high and cause a host of problems. Also, Maalox can interfere with the absorption of a lot of medications.

Antacids containing primarily calcium carbonate are often recommended for people needing calcium supplements. I can recall one precaution with calcium carbonate products - people with calcium based kidney stones might be restricted from these products.

Are you taking lots of Maalox? Does your GI know? Usually if a person needs to take antacids daily, the doctor suggests trying a PPI to control the hearburn.
Posted 1/9/2010 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I am on losec(now again after the other ppi disasters lol) and GI said safe and good treatment to use maalox along wtih ppi during severe flares. The extra strength maalox I have been using is 1000mg calcium carbonate and non medical ingredients are:aspartame, d+c red, dextrose, flavours, magnesium stearate, mannitol, silicon dioxide, sodium croscarmellose

For a month I have averaged about 4 a day- as it is healing I have been needing less. It's not so much the heartburn as I don't get the classic symptoms but I find it soothes my esophagus...lots of pain and difficuties swallowing . GI found inflammation during scope on monday, I'm just waiting to hear the results of biopsy.

Thanks for the info, I always wondered what the issues were- I remember hearing for a long time (even before CD +Gerd) that taking too much for too long could cause problems.
Posted 1/9/2010 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Donna, Ides is right this stuff could be interfering with your medications. Also my GI told me that Maalox can cause alot of diarrhea also because of the magnesium in it. Which for most Crohnies is something that shouldn't be used. Maalox should always be taken at least 2 hours after your meds to avoid it interferring with your other meds. You may need to up your Prilosec instead. Good luck!
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