The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about Maalox Total Relief, an over-the-counter upset stomach relief and antidiarrheal product. Total Relief, a liquid, contains aspirin-related chemicals, and can cause side effects including gastrointestinal bleeding. Anyone with a history of serious gastrointestinal symptoms should avoid taking the product. Maalox Total Relief may also harm children with viral infections and may interact negatively with anticoagulants, oral antidiabetics and other anti-inflammatory medication.

The warning came after a number of patients with ulcers or bleeding disorders confused Maalox Total Relief with Maalox antacids. Maalox is commonly associated with antacid products, which help relieve common symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion or generic upset stomach. A number of patients suffered serious consequences from taking Maalox Total Relief in the belief that it was a common antacid medication.

Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. is a division of the drug giant, Novartis. It appears that warnings on Maalox Total Relief packaging need to be enhanced.