Aluminum Hydroxide
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Medicinally, aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3 is often used as an antacid to decrease stomach acidity and relieve "heartburn". It can causes constipation as a side effect, so it is often combined with magnesium hydroxide to counteract this effect. The hydroxide reacts with excess acid in the stomach, reducing its acidity. Aluminum hydroxide is also used as an adjuvant in vaccines. Aluminum is a naturally occurring mineral, and aluminum hydroxide is converted to aluminum oxide and used in the process of manufacturing aluminum metal. Large studies have shown that aluminum is not associated with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease or Parkinson's Disease, as once thought.
Some examples of medications containing Aluminum Hydroxide
- Coumadin 3 mg
- Coumadin 7.5 mg
- Coumadin 5 mg
- Coumadin 4 mg
- Coumadin 2 mg
- Coumadin 6 mg
- Coumadin 2.5 mg
- Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 50 mg
- Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride 15 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride 5 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Rifater 50 mg / 300 mg / 120 mg
References
- Drugs.com. Aluminum hydroxide. Accessed 1/10/2014. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/aluminum-hydroxide.html
- Khan, A. Aluminium and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Society. 2008-09-01. Retrieved 2012-03-08. http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=102
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.