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What are the side effects of Aluminum Hydroxide?

Updated Sep 7, 20261 min readAnswer
On this pageShort answer Side effects of aluminum hydroxide: what to do Common questions Related questions Sources
Short answer

**Constipation is the most common side effect of aluminum hydroxide, and occasional short term use causes no other problems for most people.**

Some people also notice a chalky taste, nausea, or less appetite. Combination products that pair aluminum with magnesium tend to cause less constipation, because magnesium loosens stools instead. Frequent or high dose use over weeks can lower blood phosphate, which shows up as muscle weakness, bone pain, or unusual tiredness. Aluminum hydroxide binds other medicines in your stomach, so spacing doses apart matters more than most people realize.

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Side effects of aluminum hydroxide: what to do

1Space out other medicines:Take antibiotics, levothyroxine, iron, and similar drugs at least 2 hours before or after your antacid.
2Manage the constipation:Add fluids and fiber, or switch to a product that combines aluminum with magnesium.
3Keep use short:Antacids are meant for occasional relief, so talk to a clinician if you need them most days for more than 2 weeks.
4Check your kidneys first:Tell a clinician about any kidney problem before using aluminum hydroxide regularly, since your body clears aluminum through the kidneys.
5Read the full label:Follow the maximum daily dose on the package and count every antacid product you take, since many contain the same ingredient.
6Get seen for warning signs:Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain need medical care right away.

Common questions

What are the side effects of Aluminum Hydroxide?

The most common side effect of aluminum hydroxide is constipation. Some people also notice a chalky taste, nausea, or reduced appetite. Products that combine aluminum with magnesium balance this out, since magnesium tends to loosen stools. Taking it often or at high doses for weeks can lower blood phosphate, which may cause muscle weakness, bone pain, or fatigue. If you have kidney disease, aluminum can build up in your body, so check with a clinician before regular use. Aluminum hydroxide also blocks absorption of some medicines, including certain antibiotics, levothyroxine, and iron, so separate those doses by at least 2 hours.

About this page. Written and maintained by the Pymander Health team. Last updated September 7, 2026.

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