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Hydrotalcite

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Hydrotalcite is an antacid that neutralizes excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and other acid-related digestive symptoms.

Quick summary

Hydrotalcite is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn and digestive discomfort.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
A02AD04
RxNorm
27221
Generic
Hydrotalcite
Class
atc-a02
Brands
—
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
suspension
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

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

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Doses significantly exceeding recommended amounts may lead to toxicity
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use of high doses may cause electrolyte imbalances and organ complications
Immediate actions
Gastric decontamination, supportive care, monitor electrolytes
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is primary treatment)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

7 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

avoid chronic use; use only for short-term symptom relief when benefits outweigh potential risks

Monitor

monitor for adverse effects

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose and shortest duration

Key Recommendations

avoid high doses and prolonged use; magnesium-aluminum containing antacids may affect fetal development

Monitor

regular prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

lactation

breastfeeding
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment typically required

Key Recommendations

compatible with breastfeeding; minimal excretion into breast milk expected

Monitor

no specific monitoring required

⚠

pediatric_age

children under 12
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing; reduce adult dose

Key Recommendations

use only under medical supervision; avoid prolonged use in children

Monitor

monitor for constipation or diarrhea, electrolyte balance

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

start with lower dose, monitor renal function

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to decreased renal function and risk of electrolyte imbalance; avoid long-term high-dose therapy

Monitor

monitor renal function, serum electrolytes, magnesium levels

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose and extend dosing interval

Key Recommendations

use with caution; monitor renal function and electrolytes; avoid in severe renal impairment

Monitor

regular monitoring of serum creatinine, electrolytes, renal function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
safe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment needed for mild-moderate impairment

Key Recommendations

generally safe; no dose adjustment required for mild-moderate hepatic impairment

Monitor

standard clinical monitoring

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1980s

General prescribing information for antacid medications

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Antacid

Drug class information for Hydrotalcite

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Heartburn, GERD, stomach ulcers, hyperacidity

Common therapeutic uses of Hydrotalcite

mechanismPharmacology databases
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Neutralizes gastric acid

How Hydrotalcite works in the body

Treatment of symptoms associated with gastric hyperacidity, including heartburn, acid reflux, sour stomach, and dyspepsia. May also be used as adjunctive therapy in peptic ulcer disease.

Hydrotalcite acts as a buffer and antacid, neutralizing gastric acid in the stomach to raise pH levels. It also forms a protective barrier on the gastric mucosa, helping to shield the stomach lining from acid irritation.

Should be taken as directed, typically after meals or at bedtime. Patients with renal impairment, phosphate deficiency, or on sodium-restricted diets should consult a healthcare provider before use. May affect absorption of other medications if taken simultaneously; spacing doses apart may be necessary. Not intended for long-term use without medical supervision.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy