Aluminium Hydroxide Uses: What It Does, How It Works, and What to Know

When you need quick relief from heartburn or an upset stomach, aluminium hydroxide, a common antacid that neutralizes stomach acid. It's often found in over-the-counter medicines and is one of the most widely used ingredients for short-term digestive discomfort. Unlike some other antacids, it doesn’t cause gas or bloating, which makes it a go-to for people who’ve tried others and got worse symptoms. It’s also not absorbed much by the body, so it stays in the gut where it’s needed.

Aluminium hydroxide rarely works alone. You’ll usually find it paired with magnesium hydroxide, another antacid that helps prevent constipation caused by aluminium hydroxide. Together, they balance each other out—aluminium hydroxide can slow bowel movements, while magnesium hydroxide keeps things moving. This combo is in brands like Maalox and Mylanta, and it’s why you don’t end up stuck on the toilet after taking an antacid. It’s not just chemistry—it’s smart design.

It’s also used in some phosphate binders for people with kidney disease. When kidneys can’t remove excess phosphorus, aluminium hydroxide helps trap it in the gut so it gets flushed out instead of building up in the blood. That’s a different use than for heartburn, but it’s the same active ingredient doing a different job. Not everyone knows this, but if you’re on dialysis or have chronic kidney issues, your doctor might have prescribed it for this reason.

There are limits, though. Long-term use can lead to aluminium buildup, especially in people with poor kidney function. That’s why it’s not meant for daily, ongoing use. If you’re taking it more than two weeks straight, you should talk to a doctor. It can also interfere with how other medications are absorbed—like antibiotics or thyroid meds—so timing matters. Take it at least two hours before or after other pills.

It’s not a cure for GERD or ulcers. It just masks the symptoms. If you’re having heartburn every day, you might have something deeper going on—like a hiatal hernia, H. pylori infection, or even Barrett’s esophagus. Antacids like aluminium hydroxide are a band-aid, not a fix. But for occasional acid reflux after spicy food or a big meal? It’s fast, cheap, and effective.

People often confuse it with other antacids. Calcium carbonate (like Tums) works faster but can cause rebound acidity. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) coats the stomach and helps with nausea too. Aluminium hydroxide doesn’t do that. It’s pure acid neutralizer. That’s why it shows up in so many combination products—it’s predictable, stable, and doesn’t irritate the gut lining.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons, side-by-side breakdowns, and practical advice on how aluminium hydroxide stacks up against other options. You’ll see how it fits into larger treatment plans, what alternatives actually work better for certain cases, and when skipping antacids altogether might be the smarter move. No fluff. Just clear, tested info on what helps, what doesn’t, and why.