What is the most important information I should know about aluminum hydroxide?
Before taking aluminum hydroxide, talk to your doctor if you take any other medicines.
Aluminum can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing
the acidity of the stomach or the urine.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.
What is aluminum hydroxide?
Aluminum is a naturally occurring substance. Aluminum hydroxide is the hydroxide salt
form of aluminum designed for oral ingestion.
Aluminum hydroxide is used to treat the symptoms of increased stomach acid in
conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and stomach ulcers.
Aluminum hydroxide is also used to treat, control, or manage high levels of phosphate in the
body. Aluminum hydroxide is also used with a low phosphate diet to prevent the formation of
phosphate urinary stones.
Aluminum hydroxide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
Who should not take aluminum hydroxide?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
You may not be able to take aluminum hydroxide or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
It is not known whether aluminum hydroxide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether aluminum hydroxide will harm an nursing baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take aluminum hydroxide?
Take aluminum hydroxide exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the
package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you.
Take the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.
To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of aluminum
hydroxide with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well
before measuring a dose. A dose of the liquid formulation can be followed with a drink of water
if you desire.
Store aluminum hydroxide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an aluminum overdose include weight loss, decreased appetite, general
feeling of sickness, muscle weakness, kidney failure, and softening of the bones.
What should I avoid while taking aluminum hydroxide?
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.
What are the possible side effects of aluminum hydroxide?
Stop taking aluminum hydroxide and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an
allergic reaction (
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or
hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take aluminum
and talk to your doctor if you experience constipation. Increased fluid intake may lessen
constipation.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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