Aluminium Hydroxide: Pharmacology and brands

As the name indicates, antacids are ‘anti-acids.’ Chemically, the drugs of this class are basic compounds that aid in neutralizing the released gastric acid and raise the pH of gastric contents. Under this condition, pepsin activity gets reduced if the pH rises above 4; since pepsin gets secreted as a complex with an inhibitory terminal part that dissociates below pH 5. The optimum peptic activity is in the pH 2 to 4. This article explains the pharmacology of Aluminium Hydroxide.

Aluminum hydroxide gel (Aldurox tab.)– It is a slow-reacting, bland, and weak antacid. When stored for a long time, it polymerizes into lesser reactive forms. Thus, the ANC of any aluminum hydroxide preparation declines gradually.

Parameters	Details
Category of Drug	Aluminium Hydroxide is an Antacid
Mechanism of Action	1. Aluminum hydroxide acts by neutralizing hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions. 2. It increases pH, thus may inhibit the action of pepsin.
Molecular details	1. Molecular Formula- AlH3O3 or Al(OH)3 2. Molecular Weight- 78.004 g/mol
IUPAC Name	aluminum tri-hydroxide
Structure
Indications	1. Ulcer 2. Non-ulcer dyspepsia 3. GERD 4. hyperphosphataemia
Well Known Pharmaceutical Brands	1. MUCAINE GEL (PFIZER)- ALUMINIUM HYDROXIDE + MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE + OXETACAINE 2. GELUSIL-MPS (PFIZER)- ALUMINIUM HYDROXIDE + DIMETICONE + MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE
Storage conditions	1. Protect from moisture 2. Do not exceed temp. 30⁰C. 3. Do not freeze Gel
Available dosage forms	1. Tablet 2. Suspension 3. Gel 4. Syrup
Dose	Adults: 1 to 2 tablets; 4 times daily or 5 to 10 ml suspension four times daily Kids: 5 ml suspension three times daily
Contraindications	1. Hypophosphataemia 2. Undiagnosed gastrointestinal bleeding 3. Appendicitis 4. porphyria 5. Hypersensitivity to aluminum salts
Precautions	1. Impaired renal function 2. hepatic impairment 3. Constipation 4. Dehydration 5. Gastrointestinal disorders 6. Cirrhosis and low sodium diets
Adverse Effects	1. Constipation, 2. hypophosphatemia 3. hypercalciuria 4. hyper albuminemia 5. Encephalopathy 6. loss of appetite
Pregnancy Category	Category C

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