aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide at a glance
Medicine class
Combination antacid
Usual role
Temporary relief of heartburn, indigestion, gastric hyperacidity and reflux-related symptoms
Who can use the selected product
Adults and children aged 12 years and over
Form
Peppermint-flavoured oral suspension; shake the bottle well before use
Important restriction
Do not use in kidney failure or severe debility
What is aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide used for?
The selected product is licensed for antacid treatment and symptom relief in adults and children aged 12 years and over.
Heartburn, gastric hyperacidity and indigestion
Gastritis symptoms
Antacid therapy in gastric or duodenal ulcer
Heartburn and dyspepsia associated with gastric reflux, hiatus hernia, reflux oesophagitis and similar conditions
How does aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide work?
Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide react with and neutralise stomach acid. This reduces acidity and temporarily eases acid-related irritation and discomfort without reducing production of new acid.
How to take aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide
Take the suspension by mouth as directed on its label or by a healthcare professional.
Shake the bottle well before each use.
Measure liquid accurately rather than using an ordinary kitchen spoon.
Do not take interacting medicines at the same time; ask a pharmacist how they should be separated.
Seek medical advice if symptoms persist, worsen or repeatedly require antacid treatment.
aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal pain; its frequency is not known.
- Constipation or diarrhoea can occur, although gastrointestinal effects are reported as uncommon with the selected formulation.
- Wind, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting can occur with antacids generally.
Get urgent medical advice
- A severe allergic reaction requiring emergency help.
- Very high blood magnesium levels have been reported very rarely after prolonged use in people with impaired kidney function.
aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide in pregnancy
There are no clinical pregnancy data for the selected product, although animal studies did not indicate reproductive harm. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber before use because some antacids are unsuitable during pregnancy and the product information recommends caution.
aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide while breastfeeding
Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium salts can generally be used while breastfeeding a full-term, healthy infant because little is absorbed and infant exposure is expected to be very low. Individual advice is appropriate for premature or unwell infants.
aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide interactions
Antacids can alter the absorption or elimination of other medicines. A pharmacist should check the full medicine list and advise on separation or alternatives.
Tetracycline antibiotics
The antacid can reduce antibiotic absorption, so they should not be taken together.
Vitamins and mineral supplements
Absorption may be reduced when taken at the same time; this is particularly relevant to iron and folic acid during pregnancy.
Salicylates, including aspirin
Urine alkalinisation caused by magnesium hydroxide can increase salicylate elimination.
Common questions about aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is aluminium hydroxide, dried + magnesium hydroxide used for?
It is used for temporary relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, gastric hyperacidity, gastritis and reflux-related dyspepsia, and as antacid therapy in gastric or duodenal ulcer.
Does it treat acid reflux itself?
It neutralises existing stomach acid and relieves symptoms temporarily; it does not correct the underlying cause of reflux.
Should the suspension be shaken?
Yes. Shake the bottle well before measuring and swallowing the suspension.
Can children take it?
The selected product is licensed from age 12 and should not be used in younger children.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.