Aluminium Hydroxide Safety: What You Need to Know About Uses, Risks, and Alternatives

When you reach for an antacid for heartburn, you might not realize you're swallowing aluminium hydroxide, a common ingredient in over-the-counter antacids that neutralizes stomach acid. Also known as aluminum hydroxide, it's been used for decades to ease indigestion, but its long-term safety isn't as simple as the label suggests. It works fast—binding to excess acid in your stomach and giving quick relief. But that same chemical action can cause problems if you use it too often or for too long.

One big concern is aluminium hydroxide side effects, including constipation, reduced phosphate levels, and potential buildup in the body. People with kidney disease are especially at risk because their bodies can't flush out excess aluminium. Studies have shown that prolonged use can lead to low phosphate levels, which weakens bones and causes muscle pain. And while the link between aluminium and Alzheimer’s is still debated, many doctors avoid prescribing it for long-term use just to be safe.

That’s why many people switch to magnesium hydroxide, a gentler antacid that doesn’t cause constipation and is safer for regular use. It’s often paired with aluminium hydroxide in products like Maalox or Mylanta to balance out side effects—aluminium causes constipation, magnesium causes loose stools, so together they cancel each other out. But even then, you shouldn’t use these combos daily for months without checking in with a doctor.

There are better options if you need daily acid control. Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or H2 blockers like famotidine don’t just mask symptoms—they reduce acid production at the source. They’re more effective for GERD, ulcers, and chronic heartburn. Antacids like aluminium hydroxide are fine for occasional use, like after a spicy meal, but they’re not a long-term fix.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical guides on how aluminium hydroxide fits into the bigger picture of digestive health. You’ll see how it compares with other antacids, what the research says about its risks, and why some people stop using it altogether. There’s also advice on what to do if you’ve been taking it for years, how to spot signs it’s harming you, and safer alternatives that actually work. No fluff. Just what you need to decide if aluminium hydroxide is still right for you—or if it’s time to move on.