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Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid that is taken to help relieve indigestion, heartburn, or a sour stomach. You may have constipation when taking aluminum hydroxide. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines you take.

Uses

What is aluminum hydroxide used for?

Aluminum hydroxide is commonly taken to help relieve the following symptoms. 

Aluminum hydroxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does aluminum hydroxide work (mechanism of action)?

Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid. It works by neutralizing stomach acid. This helps reduce indigestion, heartburn, or sour stomach.

How is aluminum hydroxide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Alternagel
  • Amphojel
  • Nephrox

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 320 mg/5 mL oral liquid

Aluminum hydroxide is commonly found in products that also contain other ingredients, such as magnesium hydroxide or simethicone.

How should I store aluminum hydroxide?

Aluminum hydroxide should be stored at room temperature, usually between about 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Do not freeze it. Store it with the lid closed in a cool, dry place. If you are unsure how to store aluminum hydroxide, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of aluminum hydroxide?

The most common side effect of aluminum hydroxide is constipation. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of aluminum hydroxide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of aluminum hydroxide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of aluminum hydroxide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aluminum hydroxide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking aluminum hydroxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use aluminum hydroxide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take aluminum hydroxide.

  • Alternagel
  • Aluminum
  • Amphojel
  • Nephrox
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific aluminum hydroxide products they stock.

What should I know about aluminum hydroxide before using it?

Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to take it properly. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not take aluminum hydroxide for more than two weeks unless your health care provider tells you to. Taking too much can cause side effects, such as low phosphate levels.

Keep aluminum hydroxide out of the reach of children.

You should shake aluminum hydroxide well before measuring your dose. This helps make sure you get the right amount of medicine. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of aluminum hydroxide. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Aluminum hydroxide may affect how other medicines or supplements work. You may need to take aluminum hydroxide at a different time than other medicines. Your health care provider can let you know when to take each medicine.

If your symptoms last for more than two weeks, stop taking aluminum hydroxide and talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using aluminum hydroxide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if aluminum hydroxide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Kidney Problems. Before taking aluminum hydroxide, tell your health care provider if you have any kidney problems. Taking aluminum hydroxide for a long time can cause problems if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. Do not take more than the recommended dose of aluminum hydroxide or take it for more than two weeks unless your health care provider tells you to. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Aluminum hydroxide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking aluminum hydroxide, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take aluminum hydroxide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take aluminum hydroxide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does aluminum hydroxide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between aluminum hydroxide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect aluminum hydroxide, but alcohol can lead to heartburn or other stomach problems. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink while you are taking aluminum hydroxide.

Does aluminum hydroxide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking aluminum hydroxide.

  • An antacid, supplement, or vitamin containing calcium, iron, phosphate, or phosphorus 
  • A bisphosphonate, such as alendronate (Binosto, Fosamax), ibandronate, or risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), which is a medicine commonly used for osteoporosis
  • A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), or sarecycline (Seysara), which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
  • A fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro and others), levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin, which is a medicine used to treat certain infections 

Aluminum hydroxide may affect the absorption of many other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with aluminum hydroxide. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much aluminum hydroxide?

If you or someone else has used too much aluminum hydroxide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of aluminum hydroxide?

Aluminum hydroxide is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it according to the product directions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.