Additional titles for this drug

What is this medicine?

ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE (a LOO mi num hye DROX ide) 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.