Aluminum Antacids (Aluminum Hydroxide)

Aluminum Antacids (Aluminium hydroxide): Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid through decreasing gastric acid. May also bind bile acids and pepsin and promote the local synthesis of prostaglandin (PGE-1). Additionally, it binds inorganic phosphate in the GI tract, preventing its absorption.

Uses of Aluminium antacids (Aluminium hydroxide)

• Treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers.
• To reduce cats’ and dogs’ serum phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease

Dose of Aluminium antacids in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

All uses:

• Initially 10–30 mg/kg p.o. q6–8h (tablets) or 0.5–1.0 ml/kg (2–30 ml) p.o. q6–8h (gel) with or immediately after meals.

Side Effects of Aluminium antacids in Dogs and Cats

• Constipation may occur.
• Hypophosphataemia can develop.

Contraindications of Aluminium antacids in Dogs and Cats

Use It Carefully in animals susceptible to developing constipation

Some Notes:

• Thoroughly mix the drug with food to disperse it and to increase its palatability.
• It is recommended to avoid administering Aluminum Hydroxide with these drugs because it affect the effect and absorption of it:
  • Allopurinol
  • Digoxin
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Gabapentin
  • H2 Antagonists 
  • Iron Salts
  • Itraconazole
  • Mycophenolate
  • Tetracyclines
  • Thyroid Hormones