Alumina/Magnesia/Calcium Carbonate

Basic Information

Provides additional magnesium. Other substances in title are
not supplied in large enough amounts for use by your body.
Brand names:
Alumina/Magnesia/Calcium Carbonate Chewable Tablets
Duracid(R)
Alumina/Magnesia/Calcium Carbonate Oral Suspension
Camalox(R)
Alumina/Magnesia/Calcium Carbonate/Simethicone Chewable Tablets
Tempo(R)
Simethicone/Alumina Magnesium Carbonate/Magnesia Chewable
Tablets
Amphojel Plus(R)
Di-Gel(R)
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? No
Prescription required? Yes, for some forms

NATURAL SOURCES

Almonds
Bluefish
Carp
Cod
Flounder
Halibut
Herring
Leafy, green vegetables
Mackerel
Molasses
Nuts
Ocean perch
Shrimp
Snails
Soybeans
Sunflower seeds
Swordfish
Wheat germ

REASONS TO USE

Aids bone growth. Aids function of nerves and muscles, including regulation of normal heart rhythm. Keeps metabolism steady. Conducts nerve impulses. Works as laxative in large doses. Acts as antacid in small doses. Strengthens tooth enamel.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Cures alcoholism. Cures kidney stones. Alleviates heart disease. Helps control bad breath and body odor. Helps contain lead poisoning.

WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?

Anyone with inadequate caloric or dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements. Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs. People with a chronic wasting illness or who have recently undergone surgery. Those with recent severe burns or injuries.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Following symptoms occur rarely:
Muscle contractions Convulsions Confusion and delirium Irritability Nervousness Skin problems Hardening of soft tissues

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

Sudden heart failure

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

Serum magnesium

DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
Estimate of adequate daily intake by the Food and Nutrition
Board of the National Research Council, 1980 (See Glossary).

What this mineral does:

• Activates essential enzymes.
• Affects metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Helps transport sodium and potassium across cell membranes.
• Influences calcium levels inside cells.

  Available as:
  

• Oral suspension: Dilute in at least 1/2 glass of water or other liquid. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Chewable tablets: Chew well before swallowing.

  WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  Don't take if you have:
  

• Kidney failure.
• Heart block (unless you have a pacemaker).
• An ileostomy.

  Consult your doctor if you have:
  

• Chronic constipation, colitis, diarrhea.
• Symptoms of appendicitis.
• Stomach or intestinal bleeding.

  Over age 55:
  

• Adverse reactions/side effects more likely.

  Pregnancy:
  

• Risk to fetus outweighs benefits. Don't use.

  Breast-feeding:
  

• Avoid magnesium in large quantities.
• If you must take temporarily, discontinue breast-feeding. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
• Don't take megadoses.

  Effect on lab tests:
  

• Makes test for stomach-acid secretion inaccurate.
• May increase or decrease serum-phosphate concentrations.
• May decrease serum and urine pH.

  Storage:
  

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of mineral.

  Others:
  

• Chronic kidney disease frequently causes body to retain excess magnesium.
• Adverse reactions, side effects and interactions with medicines, vitamins or minerals occur ONLY RARELY when too much magnesium is taken for too long or if you have kidney disease.

  OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

  Signs and symptoms:
  Severe nausea and vomiting, extremely low blood pressure,
  extreme muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, heartbeat
  irregularity.
  

  What to do:
  

• For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult doctor immediately. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS section below.
• For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.

  ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

  Reaction or effect	What to do
  Abdominal pain	Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
  Appetite loss	Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient.
  Diarrhea	Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
  Irregular heartbeat	Seek emergency treatment.
  Mood changes or mental changes	Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient.
  Nausea	Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
  Tiredness or weakness	Discontinue. Call doctor when
  	convenient.
  Urination discomfort	Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient.
  Vomiting	Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.

  INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS

  Interacts with	Combined effect
  Cellulose sodium phosphate	Decreases magnesium effect.
  	Take 1 or more hours apart.
  Fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K)	Decreases absorption of mineral.
  Ketoconazole	Reduces absorption of ketoconazole. Take 2 hours apart
  Mecamylamine	May slow urinary excretion of mecamylamine. Avoid combination.
  Tetracycline	Decreases absorption of tetracycline.
  Vitamin D	May raise magnesium level too high.

  INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

  None known