Aluminum hydroxide (aluminum hydroxide): functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is the function of aluminum hydroxide?

Aluminum hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide is a natural mineral that belongs to the class of antacid drugs. Aluminum hydroxide is a drug used to treat symptoms due to increased stomach acid, such as heartburn, stomach pain, or indigestion.

This drug is able to work quickly to reduce acid in the stomach. In its use, aluminum hydroxide can also be combined with other drugs to reduce stomach acid production, such as cimetidine, ranitidine, and omeprazole.

Aluminum hydroxide can also be used for other purposes not listed in the medication guide, such as reducing phosphate levels in people with kidney problems.

How do you use aluminum hydroxide?

You can take this drug between meals or before bed. Adjust to your needs and health conditions.

If you are taking this medicine in a liquid form, don't forget to shake the bottle of the medicine first before measuring the dose. To make sure you get the right dose, use the measuring spoon provided instead of using a regular spoon.

Take this medication with a full glass of water. Don't take aluminum hydroxide for more than two weeks without your doctor's advice.

Aluminum hydroxide can make it difficult for you to absorb other drugs, so avoid using other drugs two hours before and after you take aluminum hydroxide.

Therefore, you must use this drug exactly according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging label, or exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not double your dose or take it for longer than recommended.

How to store aluminum hydroxide?

This medication should be stored at room temperature and kept out of direct sunlight. Also keep it away from damp places so don't store it in the bathroom and don't freeze it either.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for aluminum hydroxide for adults?

Adult dosage for indigestion (dyspepsia)

640 milligrams (mg), orally 5-6 times a day as needed after meals and before bed. Its maximum daily dose is 3840 mg and is used for up to two weeks.

Before using aluminum hydroxide, you must first shake the bottle and drink it with water if you need it.

Adult dosage for gastric ulcers

For moderately serious treatment: 320 mg, orally every hour.

For long-term treatment: 640 mg orally, one and three hours after meals and at bedtime.

For usual treatment: 640 mg orally, one and three hours after meals and at bedtime.

The length of time for treatment is four to six weeks until you have fully recovered.

Recurrent gastric ulcer: 640 mg orally, one to three hours after meals and at bedtime, taken for one week.

Adult dosage for erosive esophagitis

For the treatment of moderately serious erosive esophagitis: 320 mg, orally every hour.

For long-term treatment: 640 mg orally, one and three hours after meals and at bedtime.

For usual treatment: 640 mg orally, one and three hours after meals and at bedtime.

The length of time for treatment is four to six weeks until you have fully recovered.

Recurrent illness: 640 mg orally, one to three hours after meals and at bedtime, taken for one week.

Adult dosage for acid reflux disease

For the treatment of moderately serious acid reflux: 320 mg, orally every hour.

For long-term treatment of acid reflux: 640 mg orally, one and three hours after meals and at bedtime.

For regular stomach acid: 640 mg orally, one and three hours after meals and at bedtime.

The length of time for treatment is four to six weeks until you have fully recovered.

Recurrent stomach acid: 640 mg orally, one to three hours after meals and at bedtime, taken for one week.

Adult dosage for hyperphosphatemia

The dosage used for hyperphosphatemia is 1920 to 2560 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day. Adjusted to your health condition.

Adult dosage for surgical prophylaxis

The dose used for surgical prophylaxis is 640 mg orally, 30 minutes before anesthesia.

Adult dosage for gastrointestinal bleeding

The dose used for gastrointestinal bleeding is 640 mg orally, taken 5 to 6 times daily as needed after meals and at bedtime. The maximum daily dose is 3840 mg and can be taken for up to two consecutive weeks.

What is the dosage of aluminum hydroxide for children?

The dosage for this is still not known with certainty. Consult a doctor about the use of aluminum hydroxide in children.

In what dosage is aluminum hydroxide available?

Tablets, syrups and suspensions.

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to aluminum hydroxide?

Immediately stop use and check with a doctor if you experience signs of allergies such as:

• Nauseous vomit
• Sweating
• Itchy rash
• Difficulty in meditation
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Feel like you might pass out.

The most likely side effect when taking this medicine is constipation. However, if you use aluminum hydroxide which contains magnesium, these side effects may not occur.

However, if constipation persists, you should consume more mineral water and exercise. In addition, consult your doctor about other types of aluminum hydroxide that are more suitable for you, as well as laxatives that can reduce constipation.

In addition, if this aluminum hydroxide is taken for a long time and at high doses, it can make phosphate levels decrease. This condition will also cause side effects such as:

• Appetite
• Excessive fatigue
• Muscles that feel weak

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

While there are some serious side effects, although they are rare, you should be aware of the following symptoms:

• Dark stool
• Mood changes, like easily confused
• Sleeping for long periods of time
• Pain when urinating
• Dark vomit
• Serious stomach pain

Not everyone who takes aluminum hydroxide experiences the side effects that have been mentioned. There are some possible side effects that are not mentioned in this article.

If you are concerned about a certain health condition, do not hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist. Less serious side effects are more common and you may not experience any side effects at all.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using aluminum hydroxide?

Before using aluminum hydroxide (aluminum hydroxide), you should pay attention to the following:

• Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease such as kidney stones
• Tell your doctor if you consume alcohol frequently
• Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aluminum hydroxide or any other medicines
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using or will be using
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using aluminum hydroxide, call your doctor

Is aluminum hydroxide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category N according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

However, always consult your doctor about using aluminum hydroxide when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because this drug can reach your baby through the breastfeeding process.

Interaction

What other medicines may interact with aluminum hydroxide?

Drug interactions can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Aluminum hydroxide can interact with 382 types of drugs, and the most common are:

• Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin)
• allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim, Lopurin)
• Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
• Ginkgo Biloba (ginkgo)
• Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM (chondroitin / glucosamine / methylsulfonylmethane)
• Lasix (furosemide)
• magnesium carbonate (Dewees Carminative, Magonate, Mag-Carb)
• magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax Milk of Magnesia, Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax Chewable Tablets)
• MiraLax (polyethylene glycol 3350)
• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
• Pepcid (famotidine)
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• simethicone (Gas-X, Mylicon, Phazyme, Mylanta Gas, Mylanta Gas Maximum Strength, Bicarsim)
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Vitamin B Complex 100 (multivitamin)
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
• Zofran (ondansetron)

Can food or alcohol interact with aluminum hydroxide?

Citric acid can increase the absorption rate of aluminum hydroxide. This can increase the level of aluminum in the blood. If this happens, kidney function can decrease because it makes the kidneys work harder to reduce aluminum levels.

Large amounts of aluminum hydroxide can cause problems in the bone tissue, brain, heart, liver, muscles and spleen. Gradually, bone loss, brain problems, and anemia can appear and develop.

Therefore, avoid foods and drinks that contain citric acid while consuming aluminum hydroxide to avoid unwanted health problems.

Not only that, you also have to pay attention to the ingredients contained in the drug, because some drugs also contain citric acid so that their use must also be limited so that there is no interaction between citric acid and this drug.

What health conditions can interact with aluminum hydroxide?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as:

• Kidney disease, such as a history of kidney stones
• Severe constipation

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose from aluminum hydroxide use, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

Symptoms of a possible overdose of aluminum hydroxide may include severe constipation, weight loss, confusion, mood changes, or urinating less than usual or not at all.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Aluminum hydroxide is only used according to your needs and health conditions, so you may not be bound by time to consume it. However, if you have to eat it regularly, try to eat it with the right timing.

If you forget a dose of aluminum hydroxide, take that dose immediately. However, if it is near the time to take the next dose of this medication, skip the missed dose.

Take this drug at the same time every day. Do not force yourself to take the missed dose at the same time as the next dose. Double the dosage can harm your health condition.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.