Aluminium Hydroxide: What It Does and How to Use It Safely

Aluminium hydroxide shows up in two places you might know: over-the-counter antacids and as an ingredient in some medical treatments. It neutralizes stomach acid fast and is often mixed with magnesium compounds to balance side effects. It’s also used as a phosphate binder in people with kidney disease and as an adjuvant in certain vaccines. That sounds like a lot — here’s what matters day-to-day.

As an antacid, aluminium hydroxide works quickly to ease heartburn, sour stomach, and indigestion. Many products pair it with magnesium hydroxide or simethicone to reduce constipation and gas. You’ll find it as chewable tablets, capsules, or liquid suspensions. Follow package directions or your pharmacist’s advice, and don’t use it every day for weeks without checking in with a clinician.

Main safety points

Short-term use is usually safe for most adults. The common side effect is constipation; combining with magnesium often eases this. The bigger concern is long-term use, especially in people with kidney problems. Kidneys clear aluminium from the body. If they can’t do that well, aluminium can build up and cause bone or brain problems over time. That’s why doctors prefer other phosphate binders for long-term kidney care when possible.

Drug interactions are important. Aluminium can reduce absorption of several medicines including tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and bisphosphonates. A simple rule: separate aluminium-based antacids from other oral drugs by about 2 to 4 hours unless your doctor says otherwise. That small timing change keeps your other meds working properly.

Practical tips for everyday use

Don’t guess doses. Read labels and ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure. If you take multiple medicines, make a list and check for interactions. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Ask your provider. For infants and young children, only use formulations and doses made for them and follow pediatric advice—don’t improvise from adult products.

If you have chronic kidney disease, talk to your nephrologist before using aluminium hydroxide. They may recommend different phosphate binders or limit how long you use aluminium. Watch for signs like increasing constipation, bone pain, confusion, or muscle weakness and report them to your clinician.

Finally, a quick note on vaccines: small amounts of aluminium salts are used safely as adjuvants to boost immune response in some vaccines. The amount is tiny and monitored closely by health authorities.

Storing the product is easy—room temperature, away from moisture. If symptoms persist or get worse after using an antacid, or if you need antacids often, see a healthcare professional to check for underlying issues like GERD or ulcers.

Need help figuring out if aluminium hydroxide is right for you? Ask your pharmacist or doctor — they can match the product to your health needs and make dosing simple.