Why is it not a good idea to take tagamet with maalox?

Taking Tagamet (cimetidine) with Maalox (an antacid) is not recommended because Maalox can interfere with the absorption of Tagamet, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Antacids can alter the stomach's pH, affecting how well Tagamet is absorbed into the bloodstream. This interaction may lead to decreased therapeutic effects of Tagamet, which is used to treat conditions like ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's best to space out the timing of these medications to avoid such interactions.