aluminum hydroxide

(inorganic chemistry) Al₂O₃·3H₂O, or Al(OH)₃ A white powder; insoluble in water, soluble in hydrochloric or sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide; used in the manufacture of ceramic glasses and in paper coating. Also known as aluminum hydrate; aluminum hydroxide; hydrated alumina; hydrated aluminum oxide.

trade names: AlternaGEL, Alu-Cap, Alu-Tab, Amphojel, Dialume; drug class: antacid; action: neutralizes gastric acidity, binds phosphates in GI tract; uses: antacid, hyperphosphatemia in chronic renal failure.

Brand names: Aloh-Gel®Alternagel®Alu-Cap®Alu-Tab®Amphojel®Dialume®Gas Relief Extra Strength

Chemical formula:

Español:
• Hidróxido de Aluminio, Suspensión oral

Aluminum Hydroxide Oral suspension

What is this medicine?

ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE is an antacid. It is used to relieve the symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or stomach ulcers. It is also used to treat high phosphate levels in patients with kidney disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•constipation
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•on a sodium (salt) restricted diet
•stomach bleeding or obstruction
•an unusual or allergic reaction to aluminum hydroxide or other antacids, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor or health care professional. After taking the medication, drink a full glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

•antibiotics like tetracycline
•delavirdine
•gabapentin
•heart medicines, such as digoxin or digitoxin
•isoniazid
•medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole
•medicines for osteoporosis like alendronate, etidronate, risedronate, tiludronate
•medicines for seizures like ethotoin, phenytoin
•methenamine
•phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
•quinidine
•rosuvastatin
•sotalol
•tacrolimus
•thyroid hormones like levothyroxine
•vitamin D

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with this medicine for more than one week. See a doctor if you have black tarry stools, rectal bleeding, or if you feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice.

If you are taking other medicines, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.

To help reduce constipation, drink several glasses of water a day.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•bone or joint aches and pains
•confusion or irritability
•headache
•loss of appetite
•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•hemorrhoids

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.