Aluminum hydroxide oral suspension
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What is aluminum hydroxide oral suspension?
ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE (Amphojel®, AlternaGel®) is an antacid that neutralizes or reduces stomach acid It helps relieve symptoms of excessive stomach acidity in patients with indigestion, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or stomach or duodenal ulcers. Aluminum also binds with other salts, called phosphates, in the stomach and prevents them from being absorbed into the body. For this reason, aluminum hydroxide also can help to prevent dangerous increases in phosphates that tend to occur in patients with kidney disease. Generic aluminum hydroxide oral suspension is available.
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
• hemorrhoids
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood phosphate levels
• on a sodium (salt) restricted diet
• stomach bleeding or obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aluminum or other antacids, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take aluminum hydroxide oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription 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 always accurate. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime or as directed by your prescriber. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with aluminum hydroxide?
• acetaminophen
• alendronate
• antibiotics
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• captopril
• delavirdine
• etidronate
• gabapentin
• heart medicines, such as digoxin or digitoxin
• indomethacin
• iron salts
• isoniazid
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for stomach ulcers and stomach problems
• methenamine
• mycophenolate
• pancrelipase
• quinidine
• risedronate
• rosuvastatin
• sodium fluoride
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• sotalol
• sucralfate
• thyroid hormones (example: levothyroxine)
• tiludronate
• valproic acid
• vitamin D
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking aluminum hydroxide?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if aluminum hydroxide does not relieve your stomach pains; if you get black tarry stools; notice any rectal bleeding; or feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice.
Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with aluminum hydroxide for more than one week without consulting your prescriber or health care professional.
If you are taking other medications, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after dosing with aluminum hydroxide. If you are taking prescription medications check with a healthcare professional before taking aluminum hydroxide.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible constipation.
What side effects may I notice from taking aluminum hydroxide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• bone or joint aches and pains
• confusion or irritability
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle weakness
• unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• hemorrhoids
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F), do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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.
