Hidróxido de aluminio
Regulatory sources consulted
- WHO ATC/DDD Index
- General Clinical Pharmacology Knowledge
- Standard Medical Textbooks
Approved indications
- Symptomatic relief of gastric hyperacidity (heartburn, acid indigestion).
- Treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (phosphate binder).
Contraindications
Absolute
- Hypophosphatemia.
- Hypersensitivity to aluminum hydroxide.
Clinical warnings
- Major warning · Risk of aluminum toxicity in patients with renal impairment, especially with chronic use. May cause or worsen osteomalacia, encephalopathy, and microcytic anemia. — Clinical Knowledge
- Prolonged use of high doses can cause hypophosphatemia, even in patients with normal renal function. — Clinical Knowledge
Drug interactions
- HighTetracyclinesJ01AA
Mechanism: Formation of non-absorbable chelates in the gastrointestinal tract, drastically reducing the antibiotic's bioavailability.
Recommendation: Administer the tetracycline at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after aluminum hydroxide.
Clinical Pharmacology Textbook
- HighFluoroquinolonesJ01MA
Mechanism: Chelation by aluminum cations, which significantly reduces the absorption of the fluoroquinolone.
Recommendation: Administer the fluoroquinolone at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after aluminum hydroxide.
Clinical Pharmacology Textbook
- ModerateLevothyroxineH03AA01
Mechanism: Reduced absorption of levothyroxine due to adsorption or chelation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Recommendation: Separate administration of both drugs by at least 4 hours.
Clinical Pharmacology Textbook
Adverse events
Common (≥1%)
constipation · chalky taste · fecal impaction
Rare but serious
aluminum toxicity (encephalopathy, osteomalacia) · severe hypophosphatemia · neurotoxicity
Pregnancy and lactation
FDA category: C (interpretado)
Use with caution during pregnancy and only for short-term, low-dose use if strictly necessary. Chronic or high-dose use is discouraged due to the theoretical risk of aluminum absorption.