Aluminium Hydroxide: Uses, Alternatives, and What You Need to Know

When your stomach feels too acidic, aluminium hydroxide, a common antacid that neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion. Also known as aluminum hydroxide, it's one of the oldest and most widely used ingredients in over-the-counter stomach remedies. You’ll find it in brands like Maalox and Mylanta, often mixed with magnesium hydroxide, another antacid that works fast and helps prevent constipation to balance out side effects. Together, they give quick relief without making you too constipated or too loose.

Aluminium hydroxide doesn’t just calm acid—it also coats the stomach lining, offering a bit of extra protection. That’s why it’s used not just for occasional heartburn, but sometimes for long-term conditions like gastritis or ulcers. But it’s not perfect. Too much can cause constipation, and if you’re on other meds—like antibiotics or thyroid pills—it can block their absorption. That’s why timing matters: take it at least two hours before or after other drugs. It’s also why doctors sometimes recommend switching to calcium carbonate, a stronger, faster-acting antacid found in Tums and Rolaids, especially if you need quick, powerful relief.

People often ask if aluminium hydroxide is safe long-term. For most, yes—but not if you have kidney problems. Your kidneys help clear aluminium from your body, and if they’re not working well, it can build up. That’s why it’s not recommended for people on dialysis. Also, while it’s not linked to Alzheimer’s (a myth that’s been debunked), it’s still smart to use it only as needed. If you’re taking it daily for weeks, it’s time to talk to a doctor about what’s really causing the acid.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons: how aluminium hydroxide stacks up against other antacids, what works better for chronic reflux, and why some people switch to proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers. You’ll also see how magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and even natural options like ginger or apple cider vinegar play into the picture. No fluff. Just clear, practical info to help you decide what’s right for your stomach.