Alucid Tablet

Alucid Tablet is a chewable antacid tablet whose active ingredients are Aluminium Hydroxide 250mg, Magnesium Hydroxide 250mg, and Simethicone 50mg in each tablet. It belongs to the combination-antacid class of products, where an aluminium salt and a magnesium salt are paired with simethicone, an anti-foaming agent, in a single chewable dosage form. The tablet is commonly produced in a peppermint flavour to make it palatable for chewing, and it is manufactured in Malaysia under the DuoPharma brand.

Alucid Tablet is classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product in Malaysia and can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription. It is widely available through community pharmacies and licensed online pharmacies serving the Malaysian market, and is typically sold in strip packaging within a box of multiple strips.

What distinguishes Alucid Tablet from single-ingredient antacids is its three-ingredient combination: the aluminium and magnesium hydroxides work as a pair of antacid salts, while simethicone is included specifically to address trapped gas bubbles in the digestive tract. Alucid is also available as a liquid suspension form (Alucid Suspension) using the same three active ingredients at a different per-dose strength, for customers who prefer a liquid dosage form over a chewable tablet.

Chew 1 to 2 tablets thoroughly before swallowing, taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. Do not swallow the tablet whole — it is formulated to be chewed so the antacid ingredients can act in the stomach more quickly. If symptoms persist after chewing a dose, wait at least one hour before taking a repeat dose unless otherwise directed by a pharmacist.

The usual adult and adolescent (12 years and above) dose is 1 to 2 tablets, chewed thoroughly, taken after meals and at bedtime, up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours unless otherwise directed by a doctor or pharmacist. Do not use for more than 2 weeks continuously without medical advice, as this may mask symptoms of a more serious underlying condition. If a dose is missed, simply take the next dose when needed rather than doubling up. This product is not intended for children under 12 years old unless specifically directed by a doctor, and dosing in elderly patients or those with kidney impairment should follow a doctor’s or pharmacist’s guidance rather than the standard adult dose, since aluminium and magnesium salts are handled differently by impaired kidneys. If symptoms do not improve within a few days of regular use, stop self-treating and consult a doctor.

Use before the expiry date printed on the strip and outer carton. Do not use the tablets beyond this date, even if they appear unchanged.

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original strip packaging until ready to take, and keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Mild constipation, associated with the aluminium hydroxide component.
• Common: Mild diarrhoea or loose stools, associated with the magnesium hydroxide component.
• Common: A chalky or altered taste in the mouth after chewing the tablet.
• Serious: Signs of aluminium accumulation (such as unusual muscle weakness or confusion) with prolonged high-dose use, particularly in people with kidney impairment, which needs urgent medical review.
• Serious: Signs of high magnesium levels (such as low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or marked drowsiness) in people with significant kidney impairment, which requires prompt medical attention.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone, or any other ingredient in this tablet.
• Severe kidney impairment or kidney failure, where aluminium and magnesium salts can accumulate to harmful levels.
• Severe, undiagnosed abdominal pain, as antacids may mask symptoms of a serious underlying condition such as appendicitis.
• Intestinal obstruction or significantly reduced bowel motility, due to the constipating effect of the aluminium component.

• Aluminium and magnesium hydroxide can reduce the absorption of many other oral medicines, including certain antibiotics (such as tetracyclines and quinolones), iron supplements, and some heart and thyroid medicines — separate the timing of Alucid Tablet from other oral medicines by at least 1-2 hours.
• Do not take together with other aluminium- or magnesium-containing antacid products at the same time, to avoid duplicating the same active ingredients and increasing the risk of side effects.
• Food does not generally reduce the effectiveness of this tablet and the product is in fact recommended to be taken after meals, but very high-fibre meals eaten at the same time may slightly reduce aluminium absorption-related interactions; no significant food-avoidance is required otherwise.
• People taking regular prescription medicines for chronic conditions should check with a pharmacist about timing this tablet around their other medicines.

• Chew the tablet thoroughly rather than swallowing it whole, so the antacid works more quickly.
• Take other oral medicines at least 1-2 hours apart from this tablet to avoid reduced absorption.
• Avoid using continuously for more than 2 weeks without checking with a doctor or pharmacist.
• Keep track of how many tablets you take in a day so you do not exceed the maximum stated dose.
• Store the strips in a cool, dry place and keep them out of reach of children.
• If you have kidney problems, check with a pharmacist before using this product regularly.

Precautions: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, elderly patients, and people with kidney disease should check with a doctor or pharmacist before regular use of Alucid Tablet, as aluminium and magnesium salts are cleared from the body by the kidneys. People on a low-sodium or fluid-restricted diet, or those with heart failure, should also seek advice first. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience unusual drowsiness, although this is uncommon with normal use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if symptoms of indigestion or bloating persist beyond a few days of regular use, if you experience severe or worsening abdominal pain, black or tarry stools, persistent vomiting, or if you need to use this product continuously for more than two weeks.