Drug Interactions between aluminum hydroxide / calcium carbonate / magnesium hydroxide / simethicone and felodipine

Citrate, or citric acid, can increase the absorption of aluminum hydroxide. This may lead to elevated blood levels of aluminum, particularly in individuals with reduced kidney function, since aluminum is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. Excess aluminum may deposit and cause problems in various tissues including bone, brain, heart, liver, muscles, and spleen. Over time, weak bones, bone pain, fractures, skeletal deformity, brain disorders, and anemia may develop. Talk to your doctor before using aluminum hydroxide if you have kidney impairment or are on hemodialysis. You should avoid or limit the consumption of citrate-containing foods and beverages (e.G., soft drinks, citrus fruits, fruit juices) during treatment with aluminum hydroxide. Be aware that some effervescent and dispersible drug formulations may also contain citrate and should be restricted as well. Even if you do not have kidney problems, it may be best to separate the dosing of aluminum hydroxide and citrate-containing products by 2 to 3 hours. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

When aluminum hydroxide is taken during enteral nutrition therapy (tube feeding), the tube may get clogged. Therefore, aluminum hydroxide should not be mixed with or given after high-protein tube feedings. The dose should be separated from the feeding by as much as possible, and the tube should be thoroughly flushed before administration of the dose.

You should avoid or limit the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice if you are receiving treatment with felodipine. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of medications like felodipine. You may be more likely to experience side effects such as headache, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, swelling, and fluid retention. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Calcium absorption may be increased by taking it with food. However, foods high in oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb), or phytic acid (bran and whole grains) may decrease calcium absorption. Calcium may be taken with food to increase absorption. Consider spacing calcium administration for at least 2 hours before or after consuming foods high in oxalic acid or phytic acid. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Felodipine and ethanol (alcohol) may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Using felodipine together with multivitamin with minerals can decrease the effects of felodipine. Talk with your doctor before using felodipine and multivitamin with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.