Brand name:

Basaljel

Pronounced: BAY-zuhl-jel

Generic name: Basic aluminum carbonate

What this drug is used for

Basaljel relieves symptoms associated with the excess stomach acid that often accompanies an ulcer, stomach inflammation, inflammation of the food canal (the esophagus), or a weakened stomach diaphragm (a hiatal hernia).

Basaljel is available in liquid, capsule, and tablet form.

How should you take this medication?

The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls, capsules, or tablets. You may take Basaljel as often as every 2 hours and up to 12 times a day. Mix the liquid with water or fruit juice.

Special warnings about this medication

Do not use the maximum dosage of Basaljel for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor recommends it.

Basaljel may cause constipation. Be sure to drink plenty of liquid while you are taking it.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Antacids interact with a variety of prescription drugs when taken at the same time. An interaction is unlikely, however, if you keep doses of the two at least 2 or 3 hours apart. Drugs that may interact include the following:

Alendronate (Fosamax)
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Antibiotics classified as "quinolones," such as Cipro, Floxin, and
Noroxin
Aspirin
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Captopril (Capoten)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta)
Isoniazid (Rifamate)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Methenamine (Urised)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Dolobid, Motrin,
Naprosyn, and Voltaren
Penicillamine (Cuprimine)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Tetracycline antibiotics such as Achromycin V and Minocin
Tilodronate (Skelid)
Ursodiol (Actigall)

A high-protein meal, such as a steak dinner, can reduce the effectiveness of aluminum-containing antacids such as Basaljel.

Overdosage

Heavy long-term use of aluminum antacids can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, a general feeling of uneasiness, muscle weakness, and bone pain. If you suspect an overdose, call your doctor immediately.