Whenever you're starting a new medication, even an over-the-counter medication like Maalox, it is important to carefully read the instructions on the bottle so you know when to take it. Medications can interact with food, making them more or less effective. Grapefruit juice is a healthy food, but can be dangerous when mixed with certain medications. Maalox, however, does not interact with grapefruit juice.
Maalox
Maalox is an antacid used to treat acid indigestion, heartburn and a sour stomach. It works by neutralizing the acid in your stomach. You do not need a prescription to purchase Maalox, but you should consult your doctor before taking Maalox if you are pregnant, have Alzheimer's disease, kidney problems, an ileostomy, diarrhea, appendicitis or a bleeding stomach ulcer. It is also important that you take no more than the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging. If your symptoms do not clear up after taking Maalox for two weeks, you should consult your physician.
Grapefruit Juice
When it comes to selecting a juice, grapefruit juice makes a healthy choice. It his high in potassium and vitamin C, and is a good source of calcium. However, grapefruit juice is not a good choice when taking certain medications. A chemical substance in grapefruit interacts with the enzyme that metabolizes certain medications in your digestive system, causing more of the drug to enter your bloodstream, which can be very dangerous. Grapefruit juice interacts with both prescription and non-prescription medications, including the antihistamine Allegra, calcium-channel blockers, such as Procardia, and cholesterol lowering medications, such as Zocor.
Grapefruit Juice and Maalox
While grapefruit interacts with a number of different types of medications, it does not interact or alter the effectiveness of the antacid Maalox. However, if you are concerned about potential interactions, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions with Maalox
Grapefruit juice may not interact with Maalox, but it does interact with a number of medications. Medications and supplements containing citrate salts, such as calcium supplements and laxatives, increase the effectiveness of Maalox and its side effects. Maalox taken with anticoagulants, such as warfarin, and sulfonylureas may increase the actions and side effects of these medications. It can also decrease the effectiveness of a number of medications including ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, cephalosporins and thyroid hormones.
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