Normal Maalox Dose for Adults
The standard adult dose of Maalox (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide) is 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) taken 5-6 times daily after meals and at bedtime, with a maximum of 12 teaspoonfuls (60 mL) in 24 hours, and maximum dosage should not be used for more than 2 weeks. 1
Standard Dosing Regimen
- Frequency and timing: Take 2 teaspoonfuls 5-6 times daily, specifically after meals and at bedtime 1
- Administration: Shake well before using and follow with a sip of water if needed 1
- Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 12 teaspoonfuls (60 mL) in 24 hours 1
- Duration limit: Maximum dosage should not be continued for more than 2 weeks 1
Active Ingredient Content
- Each 5 mL teaspoonful contains 320 mg of aluminum hydroxide 1
- The standard 2 teaspoonful dose therefore provides 640 mg aluminum hydroxide per administration 1
Evidence-Based Dosing for Specific Conditions
For duodenal ulcer prevention, higher doses have been studied:
- Maintenance therapy: 3 tablets of Maalox TC twice daily (morning and bedtime) was as effective as cimetidine 400 mg at bedtime in preventing duodenal ulcer relapse 2
- This higher-dose regimen (162 mmol neutralizing capacity daily) was superior to placebo and to single bedtime dosing 2
- The twice-daily regimen reduced one-year relapse rates to 23% compared to 57% with placebo 2
Critical Drug Interactions
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics require special timing considerations:
- Maalox significantly reduces absorption of fluoroquinolones (trovafloxacin, moxifloxacin) by up to 66% when taken concurrently 3
- Administer Maalox at least 4 hours after fluoroquinolone administration 4
- When Maalox was given 2 hours before trovafloxacin, bioavailability was reduced by 28%, but when given 30 minutes before, it was reduced by 66% 3
Special Population Considerations
Elderly patients:
- May require dose reduction due to increased risk of side effects with aluminum-containing antacids 4
- Monitor more closely for adverse effects 4
Renal impairment:
- Use with caution as aluminum can accumulate in the body with chronic use 4
- This is particularly important with long-term or high-dose therapy 4
Common Adverse Effects
- Diarrhea is the most common side effect, occurring in approximately 12 patients per treatment group in clinical trials 2
- Serum magnesium concentrations typically remain unchanged with standard dosing 2
- Aluminum concentrations may be slightly elevated at 6 and 12 months but differences are generally not clinically significant 2
Clinical Efficacy Context
- Maalox at standard doses (q.i.d. 1 hour after meals and at bedtime) significantly increases median 24-hour intragastric pH compared to placebo 5
- No gastric acid rebound has been detected with standard Maalox dosing 5
- The medication provides effective symptomatic relief with high safety profile when used as directed 6