Aluminum is a naturally occurring mineral. Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid.

Aluminum hydroxide is used to treat heartburn, upset stomach, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. Aluminum hydroxide is also used to reduce phosphate levels in people with certain kidney conditions.

Aluminum hydroxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking aluminum hydroxide if you have kidney problems, severe constipation, if you are dehydrated, or if you drink alcohol frequently.

Aluminum hydroxide comes as a capsule, a tablet, and an oral liquid and suspension. The dose and frequency of use depend on the condition being treated. The suspension needs to be shaken well before administration. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Aluminum hydroxide is usually taken between meals or at bedtime.

Take aluminum hydroxide with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Do not take aluminum hydroxide for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• kidney disease, a history of kidney stones;

• severe constipation;

• if you are dehydrated; or

• if you drink alcohol frequently.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Since aluminum hydroxide is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe constipation, weight loss, confusion, mood changes, or urinating less than usual or not at all.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Avoid taking other medications within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take aluminum hydroxide.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain or constipation, loss of appetite;

• pain when you urinate;

• muscle weakness, tiredness;

• extreme drowsiness; or

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect aluminum hydroxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not use aluminum hydroxide for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.