Aluminum hydroxide gel is indicated for symptomatic relief of the following conditions-

• Gastric acidity
• Dyspepsia
• Flatulence

Acidity

Dyspepsia

Flatulence

• Aluminum hydroxide is available as chewable tablets in combination with magnesium hydroxide.
• The usual dosage is 500 mg per day in two doses 1-3 hours after meal.

Side effects of aluminum hydroxide include-

• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• constipation
• taste disturbance (metallic taste, chalky taste)
• milk-alkali syndrome

Diarrhea

Abdominal Pain

Constipation

Taste disturbances

• Large doses of this product may trigger or aggravate intestinal obstruction and ileus in patients at higher risk, such as those with renal impairment or the elderly. Aluminium hydroxide may cause constipation, and magnesium salts overdose may cause hypomotility of the bowel; large doses of this product may trigger or aggravate intestinal obstruction and ileus in patients at higher risk, such as those with renal impairment or the elderly.
• Because aluminum hydroxide is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, systemic effects in persons with normal renal function are uncommon. Excessive or long-term use, or even standard doses in people on low-phosphorous diets, can cause phosphate depletion (due to aluminium-phosphate binding), which can lead to accelerated bone resorption and hypercalciuria, as well as osteomalacia. Long-term use or people who are at danger of phosphate deficiency should seek medical guidance.
• Aluminium and magnesium levels in the blood rise in people with renal impairment. Long-term exposure to large doses of aluminum and magnesium salts may cause encephalopathy, dementia, microcytic anemia, or exacerbate dialysis-induced osteomalacia in these patients.
• Patients with porphyria who are receiving hemodialysis may be at risk from aluminum hydroxide. Antacids should not be used for long periods of time in patients with renal failure.