FDA has warned that people taking Maalox should be a little careful as five serious adverse events have occurred in people who took Maalox Total Relief taking it as Maalox antacid.

The two have similar labels that show the name Maalox which people associate with antacid. There however is a difference between the two drugs. Maalox Total Relief contains bismuth subsalicylate, a drug that initiates aspirin-like side effects, including stomach and intestinal bleeding. People who have complains of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding disorders should restrain from taking this drug.

Maalox Advanced Regular Strength and Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength have anti-gas ingredients.

Maalox antacids are for acid indigestion, sour stomach, heartburn, gas and upset stomach whereas Maalox Total Relief is meant to treat diarrhea, upset stomach, gas caused by overeating and heartburn.

Maalox products’ manufacturer Novartis has decided to drop the name Maalox from the label of Maalox Total Relief.

The FDA however warned that until this is done people should refer to the label properly before consuming the products.