Is Aluminium Hydroxide Safe? What You Need to Know

When you reach for an antacid for heartburn or upset stomach, aluminium hydroxide, a common active ingredient in over-the-counter antacids that neutralizes stomach acid. Also known as aluminum hydroxide, it's been used for decades to ease discomfort—but is it really safe to keep using it?

Aluminium hydroxide works fast. It binds to excess acid in your stomach and turns it into harmless salt and water. That’s why you’ll find it in products like Maalox, Mylanta, and many generic brands. But here’s the catch: if you take it daily for weeks or months, your body can start absorbing small amounts of aluminium. That’s not a problem for healthy kidneys—they flush it out. But if you have kidney disease, that aluminium can build up. Studies show high aluminium levels in people with kidney failure are linked to bone weakness, brain changes, and even muscle problems. It’s rare, but it’s real.

Another thing to watch: aluminium hydroxide can mess with how your body absorbs other meds. It can block iron, thyroid pills, antibiotics like tetracycline, and even some osteoporosis drugs. If you’re on any regular medication, taking aluminium hydroxide at the same time could make your treatment less effective. The fix? Space them out by at least two hours. And don’t use it for more than two weeks without talking to your doctor. Persistent heartburn isn’t just "indigestion"—it could be GERD, an ulcer, or something else that needs real treatment.

Some people worry about aluminium and Alzheimer’s. There’s been a lot of noise about this, but major health organizations—including the WHO and FDA—say there’s no solid proof that aluminium from antacids causes dementia. The real concern is long-term use in people with poor kidney function, not occasional use in healthy adults.

Children, pregnant women, and older adults can use aluminium hydroxide safely in short bursts, but dosing matters. Too much can cause constipation, nausea, or even low phosphate levels, which weakens bones over time. If you’re using it for acid reflux, consider switching to an H2 blocker or PPI after a couple of weeks. They’re more effective for long-term control and don’t carry the same aluminium risks.

What you’ll find below are real-world guides that dig into how aluminium hydroxide fits into everyday care—from how it interacts with other drugs to when it’s the right choice and when it’s not. You’ll see comparisons with other antacids, tips for avoiding side effects, and what to do if you’ve been using it too long. No fluff. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there and doctors who’ve seen the results.