Generic
Aluminium Hydroxide
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Aluminium Hydroxide is an antacid used to neutralize excess stomach acid and treat heartburn, indigestion, gastric hyperacidity and peptic ulcer disease.
Description
Aluminium Hydroxide is an antacid that neutralizes gastric hydrochloric acid (HCl) by forming aluminium chloride salt and water. It reduces gastric acidity and provides relief from acid-related indigestion and heartburn. It is also used to control hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic renal failure by binding to phosphate in the intestine and reducing its absorption.
Indications
Heartburn, indigestion (dyspepsia), gastric hyperacidity, peptic ulcer disease, hyperphosphataemia in chronic renal failure.
Therapeutic class
Antacid
Pharmacological class
Aluminium-based Antacid
Pharmacology
Aluminium hydroxide reacts with gastric hydrochloric acid to form aluminium chloride and water, reducing gastric acidity. It also binds to phosphate in the intestine, reducing phosphate absorption, which helps control hyperphosphataemia in chronic renal failure patients.
Mechanism of action
Aluminium hydroxide neutralizes gastric HCl to reduce acidity and relieve heartburn and indigestion. It also binds to phosphate to reduce phosphate absorption in the intestine.
Dosage
Adults (Antacid):
- Up to 1 g daily (usually with meals or as needed)
Hyperphosphataemia in Chronic Renal Failure:
- Dose adjusted to individual patient requirement
- Up to 10 g/day in divided doses with meals
- Maximum dose: 10 g daily in divided doses
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Administer 2-3 hours before or after other medications to minimize drug interactions.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common side effects: Constipation (most common side effect of aluminium hydroxide).
Serious (rare): Intestinal obstruction (with large doses), phosphate depletion (with prolonged or high-dose use), hypophosphataemia, osteomalacia (with long-term use).
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in chronic renal impairment (risk of aluminium accumulation)
- Caution in congestive heart failure, oedema, cirrhosis, and low sodium diets
- Caution in patients with recent gastrointestinal haemorrhage
- Maintain 2-3 hour gap with other medications (to avoid absorption interference)
- Caution during pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to aluminium salts
- Severe constipation
- Intestinal obstruction
Drug interactions
- Citrates or ascorbic acid: Increased aluminium absorption
- Allopurinol, tetracyclines, quinolones, cephalosporins, bisphosphonates, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, delavirdine, iron salts, imidazole antifungals, isoniazid, mycophenolate, penicillamine, phosphate supplements, phenytoin, phenothiazines, trientine: Decreased absorption
Food interactions
Calcium-rich foods (e.g., milk) may increase aluminium absorption. Citrus fruits increase aluminium absorption.
Use in pregnancy
There is insufficient information on the use of aluminium hydroxide during pregnancy. Use only if clearly needed with medical advice.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
There is insufficient information on the use of aluminium hydroxide during lactation. Use with caution.
Pediatric use
Use in children as directed by a physician.
Geriatric use
No dose adjustment needed for elderly patients; however, constipation risk is higher.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Caution in chronic renal impairment (risk of aluminium accumulation, encephalopathy, and osteomalacia).
Hepatic impairment: Caution in cirrhosis patients (may be on a low sodium diet).
Overdose effects
Overdose symptoms: severe constipation, intestinal obstruction, phosphate depletion. Treatment: drug discontinuation and symptomatic measures.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Al(OH)₃