Uses of Aluminum Hydroxide
Aluminum hydroxide is used for the relief of heartburn, sour stomach, and peptic ulcer pain and to promote the healing of peptic ulcers.
Side Effects of Aluminum Hydroxide
Aluminum hydroxide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- confusion
- unusual tiredness or discomfort
- muscle weakness
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking aluminum hydroxide:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aluminum hydroxide or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking with aluminum hydroxide, especially allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Mitran, and others), chloroquine (Aralen), cimetidine (Tagamet), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate, dexamethasone (Decadron and others), diazepam (Valium, Valrelease, and Zetran), diflunisal (Dolobid), digoxin (Lanoxin), ethambutol (Myambutol), famotidine (Pepcid), halazepam (Paxipam), hydrocortisone (Cortone, Hydrocortone), isoniazid (Laniazid, Nydrazid), levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, and others), lorazepam (Ativan), methylprednisolone (Medrol), oxazepam (Serax), penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), products containing iron, tetracycline (Sumycin, Tetracap, and others), ticlopidine (Ticlid), and vitamins.
- be aware that aluminum hydroxide may interfere with other medicines, making them less effective. Take your other medications 1 hour before or 2 hours after it.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hypertension, heart or kidney disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, call your doctor.
Dosage
Aluminum hydroxide comes as a capsule, a tablet, and an oral liquid and suspension. The dose and frequency of use depend on the condition being treated. The suspension needs to be shaken well before administration. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Other
Do not use aluminum hydroxide for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information on aluminum hydroxide has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
