Aluminium hydroxide

Antacid
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Aluminium hydroxide is a antacid found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Gelusil MPS, Mucaine Gel, Digene. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Neutralises stomach acid to relieve acidity and heartburn.

How it works

An antacid that neutralises stomach acid within minutes. It tends to cause constipation, so it is usually paired with magnesium hydroxide, which has the opposite effect.

How to take it

Chew tablets or take the liquid 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines.

Common side effects

  • Constipation
  • Chalky taste
  • Nausea

Get medical help straight away if

  • Symptoms last more than 2 weeks, difficulty swallowing or weight loss
  • Bone pain or weakness with long use and kidney disease

Be careful

Can cause constipation; separate from other medicines by 2 hours.

Other medicines and interactions

Reduces absorption of many medicines, including iron, ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, tetracyclines, levothyroxine, digoxin and fexofenadine. Separate by at least 2 hours (4 for quinolones).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Short-term use of antacids is considered fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Combination medicines that contain Aluminium hydroxide (3)

DigeneGelusil MPSMucaine Gel

Common questions

What is Aluminium hydroxide used for?

Neutralises stomach acid to relieve acidity and heartburn.

How does Aluminium hydroxide work?

An antacid that neutralises stomach acid within minutes. It tends to cause constipation, so it is usually paired with magnesium hydroxide, which has the opposite effect.

How should I take Aluminium hydroxide?

Chew tablets or take the liquid 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines.

What are the side effects of Aluminium hydroxide?

Common: Constipation, chalky taste, nausea. Get help straight away for: Symptoms last more than 2 weeks, difficulty swallowing or weight loss, bone pain or weakness with long use and kidney disease.

Does Aluminium hydroxide interact with other medicines?

Reduces absorption of many medicines, including iron, ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, tetracyclines, levothyroxine, digoxin and fexofenadine. Separate by at least 2 hours (4 for quinolones).

Is Aluminium hydroxide safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Short-term use of antacids is considered fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Aluminium hydroxide need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Aluminium hydroxide?

Digene, Gelusil MPS, Mucaine Gel.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.