Pharmacological Effects Of Aluminum Hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide is a typical and commonly used antacid, which has the functions of antacid, adsorption, local hemostasis and protection of ulcer surface. Aluminum hydroxide has a chemical reaction that neutralizes or buffers the existing gastric acid in the stomach, but has no direct effect on the secretion of gastric acid, and its antacid effect is slow and long-lasting. The neutralizing and buffering effect of aluminum hydroxide can lead to an increase in the pH of the gastric contents, thereby relieving symptoms of hyperacidity. But it should be pointed out that its ability to neutralize acid is lower than that of magnesium-containing preparations and calcium carbonate, and higher than that of aluminum carbonate and sodium dihydroxyaluminum carbonate. When aluminum hydroxide interacts with gastric acid, the resulting aluminum chloride has astringent effect and can locally stop bleeding, but it may also cause constipation. Aluminum hydroxide is also mixed with gastric juice to form a gel, which covers the ulcer surface to form a protective film and plays a mechanical protective role. In addition, since aluminum ions are combined with phosphate in the intestine to form insoluble aluminum phosphate and excreted in the feces, the absorption of intestinal phosphate can be reduced in patients with uremia after taking large doses of aluminum hydroxide, thereby reducing acidemia (but at the same time The aforementioned side effects should be noted).