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Aluminum Hydroxide

Pronounced

"a-LOO-mi-num hye-DROX-ide"

Common brand names:

Amphojel

Uses

This medication is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid that works quickly to lower the acid in the stomach. Liquid antacids usually work faster/better than tablets or capsules.

This medication works only on existing acid in the stomach. It does not prevent acid production. It may be used alone or with other medications that lower acid production (including H2 blockers such as cimetidine/ranitidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole).

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Aluminum hydroxide is also used to lower phosphate levels in certain kidney conditions (usually in capsule form).

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth between meals and at bedtime. Follow all the directions on the product package or use as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Shake the bottle well before each dose. Refrigerating the suspension may improve the flavor. Do not freeze. This medication works best if taken without other fluids. You can mix your dose with a little water if needed.

This product contains aluminum, which may react with other medications (including digoxin, iron, tetracycline antibiotics, pazopanib, quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), preventing them from being fully absorbed by your body. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to schedule your medications to prevent this problem.

If your acid problems last or get worse after you have used this product for 1 week, or if you think you have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. If you are using this medication regularly on a daily basis for more than 2 weeks, you may have a medical problem that needs different treatment. Ask your doctor if this is the right medication for you.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.