Indications
Aluminium Hydroxide is an antacid used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach and the pain of stomach and duodenal ulcers. It is often combined with Magnesium Hydroxide, and sometimes with Simethicone for wind. Doctors may also use it to lower high phosphate levels in kidney disease, as prescribed.
How It Works
It neutralises stomach acid, which eases burning and pain. In the gut it also binds phosphate from food so that less is absorbed.
Dosage and Administration
Adults: take the dose on the product label, usually between meals or 1 to 3 hours after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Shake suspensions well before use; chew tablets well before swallowing. Do not use for more than 2 weeks without medical advice. Lowering phosphate in kidney disease and use in children: as prescribed.
Interactions
Antacids reduce the absorption of many medicines, including Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin), iron supplements, Levothyroxine, Digoxin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, bisphosphonates and Gabapentin. Take other medicines at least 2 hours before or after the antacid (4 hours for quinolones), unless your doctor says otherwise. Avoid taking it together with citrate products or effervescent tablets, as these increase aluminium absorption.
Contraindications
- Allergy to any ingredient.
- Low blood phosphate.
- Porphyria.
- Severe kidney disease, unless prescribed by a doctor.
- Infants, unless prescribed.
Side Effects
Common: constipation (combination products with Magnesium may cause diarrhoea instead), nausea and a chalky taste. Long-term or high-dose use can lower phosphate, causing weakness and bone pain, and can lead to aluminium build-up in people with kidney disease.
Get urgent medical help if you have:
- Black or tarry stools, or vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds.
- Severe or constant stomach pain, or severe constipation with a swollen stomach.
- Muscle weakness, bone pain or confusion during long-term use.
- Swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Occasional, short-term use at normal doses is generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid high doses or long-term use unless a doctor advises it.
Precautions and Warnings
Use with care if you have kidney disease, constipation or a low-phosphate diet, and in older people. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks, keep coming back, or come with weight loss, trouble swallowing, vomiting or black stools, as these may need investigation.
Overdose
Too much can cause severe constipation and, rarely, blockage of the bowel. In people with kidney disease, aluminium can build up and cause confusion and bone problems. Seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Antacid (also used as a phosphate binder).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children. Do not freeze suspensions; keep the bottle tightly closed.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.