DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: aluminum hydroxide (ah LOO mih num hi DROCK side)
Brand Names: Alternagel, Alu-Cap, Alu-Tab, Amphojel, Dialume

What is Alternagel (aluminum hydroxide)?

Aluminum is a naturally occurring substance. Aluminum hydroxide is the hydroxide salt form of aluminum designed for oral ingestion.

Aluminum hydroxide is used to treat the symptoms of increased stomach acid in conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and stomach ulcers. Aluminum hydroxide is also used to treat, control, or manage high levels of phosphate in the body. Aluminum hydroxide is also used with a low phosphate diet to prevent the formation of phosphate urinary stones.

Aluminum hydroxide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Alternagel (aluminum hydroxide)?

Before taking aluminum hydroxide, talk to your doctor if you take any other medicines. Aluminum can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.

Who should not take Alternagel (aluminum hydroxide)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;

• have any condition that causes slow emptying of the stomach; or

• take any other medicines.

You may not be able to take aluminum hydroxide or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether aluminum hydroxide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether aluminum hydroxide will harm an nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Alternagel (aluminum hydroxide)?

Take aluminum hydroxide exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of aluminum hydroxide with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. A dose of the liquid formulation can be followed with a drink of water if you desire. Store aluminum hydroxide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an aluminum overdose include weight loss, decreased appetite, general feeling of sickness, muscle weakness, kidney failure, and softening of the bones.

What should I avoid while taking Alternagel (aluminum hydroxide)?

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.

Alternagel (aluminum hydroxide) side effects

Stop taking aluminum hydroxide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take aluminum and talk to your doctor if you experience constipation. Increased fluid intake may lessen constipation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Alternagel (aluminum hydroxide)?

Before taking aluminum hydroxide, talk to your doctor if you take any other medicines. Aluminum can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine.

Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with aluminum hydroxide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about aluminum hydroxide.

• Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:02:01 PM.