USES: Aluminum hydroxide is used to lower phosphate levels in certain kidney conditions. It binds phosphate in the gut so less is absorbed into the body. Controlling phosphate levels helps prevent bone problems (renal osteodystrophy).This medication is also 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 (e.g., H2 blockers such as cimetidine/ranitidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole).
HOW TO USE: If you are using this medication to bind phosphate, take it by mouth, usually 3-4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. If you are using this medication as an antacid for self-treatment, 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 are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.If you are using the chewable tablets as an antacid, chew the tablets well before swallowing. Chewing the tablets helps the antacid work better. The capsules may be swallowed whole, but if you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.This product contains aluminum, which may react with other medications (e.g., digoxin, iron, tetracycline antibiotics, 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 persist or worsen after you have used this product for 1 week, or if you think you have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention. If you are using this medication regularly for self-treatment on a daily basis for more than 2 weeks, you may have a medical problem that needs different treatment. Ask your doctor whether this is the right medication for you.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid
contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn,
regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest. Causes of hiatal hernia are a larger than normal esophageal hiatus. There are two types of hiatal hernias, sliding, or para-esophageal. When symptoms of hiatal hernia appear, they are similar to GERD symptoms. Hiatal hernia treatment is generally surgery.
A peptic ulcer is an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking.
Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a functional disease in which the gastrointestinal organs, primarily the stomach and first part of the small intestine, function abnormally. It is a chronic disease in which the symptoms fluctuate infrequency and intensity. Symptoms of dyspepsia include upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, early satiety, and abdominal distention (swelling). These symptoms are most often provoked by eating.
A peptic ulcer is a hole in the gut lining of the stomach,
duodenum, or
esophagus. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric
ulcer; of the
duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal
ulcer. An
ulcer occurs when the lining of these organs is corroded by the
acidic
digestive juices which are secreted by the stomach cells.
Peptic ulcer
disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly. The
medical
cost of treating peptic ulcer and its complications runs in the
billions
of dollars annually. Recent medical advances have increased our
understanding of ulcer formation. Improved and expanded
treatment options
are now available.
What are the causes of peptic ulcers?
For many years, excess acid was believed to be the major cause
of ulcer
disease. Accordingly, treatment emphasis was on neutra...
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