Aluminum Hydroxide
An antacid that neutralizes excess stomach acid, Aluminum Hydroxide provides relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.
Aluminum Hydroxide is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A02AB01
- RxNorm
- 1256
- Generic
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Class
- atc-a02
- Brands
- Milantex, Gaviscon Chewable, Derma Gran, Maalox Plus, Almacone, Mintox Plus, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Acid Gone, Maalox Max, Comfort Gel
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 15
- Duration (h)
- 2
- Routes
- oral, topical
- Forms
- tablet, chewable tablet, oral suspension, gel, cream, ointment
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, Japan, India, Brazil
- Monitoring
- renal function, serum phosphate, aluminum levels
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, particularly avoid long-term use
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
short-term use only, avoid chronic administration
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid chronic use, short-term relief only
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
short-term use only, monitor infant for any adverse effects
observe infant for constipation or other GI changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing, consult pediatrician
use under medical supervision, avoid long-term use in children
monitor for constipation, monitor aluminum exposure from all sources
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants under 2 yearsuse only under medical supervision
not recommended for routine use in infants, only when specifically prescribed
close medical supervision required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65use lowest effective dose, consider renal function
avoid prolonged use, monitor for aluminum accumulation especially with reduced kidney function
periodic monitoring of serum aluminum levels in long-term users, monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentreduced dose may be needed
use with caution, monitor renal function regularly
monitor serum aluminum levels, monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentavoid prolonged use, significant dose reduction required
avoid chronic use, use only for acute symptom relief with extreme caution
regular monitoring of serum aluminum and renal function is essential
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid use
contraindicated in severe renal impairment due to high risk of aluminum accumulation and toxicity
avoid use, monitor aluminum levels if exposure has occurred
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentno specific dose adjustment needed
use as needed for symptom relief, no special precautions needed
standard monitoring
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid excessive use
avoid chronic use in alcohol users due to potential for increased gastric irritation and aluminum absorption
monitor for GI complications
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Common dosage forms
Available pharmaceutical formulations
Treatment of acid-related conditions including heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, gastritis, and hiatal hernia. Also used as a phosphate-binding agent to reduce elevated phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Acts as a buffering agent that neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the stomach, raising gastric pH and reducing acidity. This provides symptomatic relief from pain and discomfort caused by excess stomach acid.
May cause constipation and should be taken with adequate water. Can interfere with absorption of certain medications including antibiotics and iron supplements; separate dosing by 1-2 hours. Long-term use may lead to aluminum toxicity, particularly in patients with renal impairment. Avoid use in patients with severe kidney disease without medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy