When Maalox Isn't Maalox

When you do a good job at branding your product, it is a pretty good idea NOT to change it into something else. When I say Kleenex - you know I mean a tissue. When I say Saran Wrap - you do NOT think aluminum foil, you think plastic wrap.
So what do you think of when I say Maalox? Maybe that you need it if your stomach is burning a little and you are feeling bloated or gassy? YES? So Maalox is an antacid, like Tums and Rolaids - it is NOT something you take for diarrhea - right?? THAT would be Kaopectate. And it isn't what you take if you are vomiting - that is Emetrol.... So WHY did Novartis International which owns the brand, decide to make an anti-diarrhea medication called Maalox Total Relief?

Not sure, but the FDA just sent out a notice regarding several medical errors that have occurred because the liquid Maalox we reach for when we need an antacid is NOT this Maalox. In fact, it has an ingredient that is similar to aspirin that people with several conditions need to avoid. Seriously, if your stomach is burning - aspirin or its counterparts - not the best idea.

So be mindful - until the company changes the name of its product, because they will - Maalox Total Relief is for an upset stomach with diarrhea but only if you do not also take a blood thinner, have a history of ulcers or GERD, are a child who has recently had a viral infection, are someone taking medication to treat diabetes, OR someone who is taking an anti inflammatory (think ibuprofen). So I am wondering if Kaopectate has aspirin like substances in it, because this Maalox product doesn't seem user friendly for a great number of our population. {and of course, I had to check and indeed Kaopectate AND Pepto Bismal have that same chemical -bummer}