aluminum hydroxide/magnesium trisilicate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Both aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate are alkaline substances that neutralize excess stomach acid. They react with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form salts and water, raising the stomach’s pH level and reducing acidity. 

The primary action of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate is their antacid effect. By neutralizing stomach acid, they help alleviate heartburn symptoms, such as a burning sensation, acid reflux, and discomfort in the chest. 

Spectrum 

aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate can effectively relieve symptoms associated with various gastrointestinal conditions, including acid indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach. They are often used to relieve these symptoms temporarily and are considered safe for short-term use. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Chalky taste 

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Constipation 

Fecal impaction 

Stomach cramps 

aluminum intoxication 

Chalky taste 

Constipation 

Hypomagnesemia 

Hypophosphatemia 

Osteomalacia 

Fecal impaction 

aluminum intoxication 

Hypomagnesemia 

Stomach cramps 

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Hypophosphatemia 

Osteomalacia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• Kidney disease 
• Allergic reactions 
• Medication interactions 
• Electrolyte imbalances 
• Chronic use 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy category: C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

The excretion of the drug in breast milk is unknown; hence, utilize it cautiously.  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: No data for the drug under this category is available. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate are commonly used in antacid preparations to alleviate symptoms associated with excess stomach acid. It reacts with hydrochloric acid in the gut to form aluminum chloride and water, raising the pH level and reducing acidity. 

magnesium trisilicate also acts as an acid-neutralizing agent. It reacts with hydrochloric acid to form magnesium chloride and silicon dioxide, raising the pH level and reducing acidity. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Both aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate act as antacids by raising the pH level in the stomach. They react with hydrochloric acid to form salts and water, reducing the acidity of gastric secretions. This helps to alleviate symptoms associated with excess stomach acid, such as heartburn and indigestion. 

Reduction of Pepsin Activity: Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down stomach proteins. Elevated stomach acid levels can activate pepsin and contribute to tissue damage. By neutralizing gastric acid, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate can help reduce pepsin activity, thereby decreasing the potential for tissue irritation and promoting healing. 

Pharmacokinetics:  

Pharmacokinetics studies how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. The following parameters can describe the pharmacokinetics of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate: 

Absorption 

The drug is minimally absorbed 

Distribution 

Protein-bound is variable 

Metabolism 

The liver primarily metabolizes the drug 

Elimination and Excretion 

aluminum hydroxide is excreted 95% in feces and 5 % in urine 

magnesium trisilicate is excreted 70% in feces and 30% in urine

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Take aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate precisely as prescribed or according to the recommended dosage instructions. Stay within the recommended dose unless instructed by a healthcare professional. 

The usual route of administration for aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate is oral. They are taken by mouth with water or as directed. Some formulations may need to be shaken well before use, especially suspensions, to ensure proper mixing of the ingredients. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate  

Pronounced: a-LOO-mi-num-HYE-drox-IDE-AND-mag-NEE-zee-um-TRYE-sil-i-kate 

Why do we use aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate? 

aluminum hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate are commonly used as antacids to help alleviate symptoms associated with excess stomach acid. It helps in acid neutralization, protection of gastric lining, bile acid binding, and relief of dyspeptic syndromes.