Aluminium Hydroxide
Description
Aluminium Hydroxide is an antacid (a class of medicines that neutralizes the acid in your stomach) that is used in combination with other medication to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. This medicine may also be used to promote the healing of stomach ulcers and hyperphosphatemia (elevated level of phosphate in the blood) in people with certain kidney disorders. The topical form of Aluminium Hydroxide is used to treat skin irritation such as in cases of diaper rash or minor burns.
Aluminium Hydroxide may cause some side effects like diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, etc. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time.
Aluminium Hydroxide is available as an oral suspension, capsule, tablet and ointment form. Your doctor will prescribe the dose and duration.
Aluminium Hydroxide is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Before taking this medicine inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, severe constipation, dehydration, or if you drink alcohol frequently. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Aluminium Hydroxide
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Unusal tiredness
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Redness of skin
- Itching of skin
- Stomach pain
- Bloody or tarry stools
Uses of Aluminium Hydroxide
What is it prescribed for?
- Dyspepsia
- Peptic Ulcer
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Skin Irritation
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by Aluminium Hydroxide to show its effect is subject to vary based on the strength and form of administration.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Aluminium Hydroxide remains effective is subject to vary based on the strength and form of administration.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Aluminium Hydroxide.
- Usage in pregnancy?Aluminium Hydroxide is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with the doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Aluminium Hydroxide is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
Aluminium Hydroxide is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling of the face/tongue/throat, breathing difficulty, etc.
Constipation
Constipation is a condition wherein you have difficulty passing stools or have lesser than normal bowel movements. Aluminium Hydroxide is not recommended if you have severe constipation because this medicine may worsen your condition which can lead to intestinal obstruction (blockage of the small or large intestine that prevents gas and stool from passing through).
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Aluminium Hydroxide is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with the doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Aluminium Hydroxide is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Usage on skin
The topical form of Aluminium Hydroxide is meant for external use only. Do not apply this medicine to your eyes, deep or open wounds, infections, etc. If the condition worsens or does not improve within seven days, stop the use and consult your doctor immediately.
Increase in aluminum levels
Aluminium Hydroxide may increase the levels of aluminium in your blood. This risk is especially high if you have kidney troubles. An increase in aluminium levels may result in severe side effects such as weak bones, bone pain, fractures and brain disorders. Your doctor may monitor aluminium levels and prescribe an appropriate dose or replacement with a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Faecal impaction
Aluminium Hydroxide may cause faecal impaction; a large or hardened mass of stool that gets stuck in the rectum or lower colon due to chronic constipation. This risk is especially high in elderly people. Hence use this medicine with caution.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: If a dose of Aluminium Hydroxide is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Topical forms: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose of Aluminium Hydroxide.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Ciprofloxacin
Raltegravir
Sodium Citrate
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
It is generally recommended to avoid or limit the consumption of citrate-containing foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, citrus fruits and fruit juices, etc., during treatment with Aluminium Hydroxide. Consuming such foods and beverages in combination with this medication can potentially cause severe side effects.
To avoid this interaction, it is advisable to maintain a time gap of at least two to three hours between consuming such foods and beverages and taking a dose of Aluminium Hydroxide. This can help to minimize the risk of side effects and ensure that the medication is able to work effectively.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take Aluminium Hydroxide exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Topical forms: Apply the medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Aluminium Hydroxide combines with the acid produced in your stomach and neutralizes it. This, in turn, provides relief from symptoms such as heartburn, sour stomach, etc.
The topical form works by forming a protective barrier on the skin that helps to soothe and protect the affected area.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antacids, Phosphate binders
Schedule
OTC
Alu-Cap Capsules (P) - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 2 August 2018]. Available from:
Drugs, H., 2021. Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 11 November 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - DERMA GRAN- aluminium hydroxide ointment. [online] Available at: [Accessed 11 November 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 1 Mar 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.