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Short answer What aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are used for Common questions Related questions SourcesAluminum hydroxide with magnesium hydroxide is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach, usually within minutes.
The dose depends on the product, since liquids and chewable tablets differ in strength, so follow the label on the bottle you actually have. Relief is fast but short, generally a few hours, which is why labels direct you to take it after meals and at bedtime. Antacids also bind other medicines in the stomach, so separate them from antibiotics, levothyroxine, and iron by several hours. If you need it most days for more than 2 weeks, or you have kidney disease, talk with a clinician about a longer term plan.
What aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are used for
Common questions
What is Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide used for?
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide is a combination antacid. It works in the stomach to neutralize acid that is already there, so it eases heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and the burning that follows a large or fatty meal. Relief usually starts within minutes and lasts a few hours. The two ingredients are paired on purpose: aluminum tends to cause constipation and magnesium tends to loosen stools, so together the bowel effects largely balance out. Some versions add simethicone for gas. It relieves symptoms but does not fix the cause, so needing it daily for more than 2 weeks is a reason to talk with a clinician.