hydrotalcite

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

hydrotalcite is an antacid medication that acts by neutralizing excess stomach acid. It belongs to a class of medications known as antacids. hydrotalcite’s spectrum of action includes relieving symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach by reducing the acidity in the stomach. It can also be used to prevent stomach ulcers in certain situations, such as when taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Diarrhoea  

vomiting 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There is no black box warning associated with hydrotalcite. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Allergy: If you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to hydrotalcite or any of its ingredients, you should avoid using this medication. 
• Kidney Disease: Individuals with severe kidney disease or impaired kidney function should use hydrotalcite with caution, as excessive use may lead to the accumulation of aluminum in the body. 
• Hypercalcemia: hydrotalcite contains aluminum, which can contribute to elevated blood calcium levels. If you have a medical condition that causes high blood calcium levels, consult your healthcare provider before using this medication. 
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While hydrotalcite is considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Caution: 

• Kidney Function: If you have kidney problems or impaired kidney function, you should use hydrotalcite with caution. Prolonged use of antacids like hydrotalcite can lead to the accumulation of aluminum in the body, which may be harmful to individuals with kidney issues. 
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: While hydrotalcite is commonly used to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen despite using the medication. 
• Interaction with Other Medications: If you are taking other medications, especially prescription medications, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using hydrotalcite. It is possible that hydrotalcite could interact with other drugs, affecting their absorption or effectiveness. 
• Phosphate-Restricted Diet: Some formulations of hydrotalcite may contain phosphorus. If you are on a phosphate-restricted diet, check with your healthcare provider before using hydrotalcite.

Comorbidities: 

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Individuals with GERD have chronic acid reflux, which can lead to frequent heartburn and may require more comprehensive treatment than antacids alone. 
• Peptic Ulcers: Peptic ulcers can cause symptoms like stomach pain and heartburn. hydrotalcite may help alleviate some discomfort, but the underlying ulcer requires specific treatment. 
• Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia can contribute to acid reflux symptoms. Managing the hernia and avoiding triggers may be necessary in addition to antacid use. 
• Obesity: Excess body weight may have an increased risk of heartburn and acid reflux. Lifestyle modifications, including weight management, may be recommended alongside antacid use. 
• Stress: Psychological stress can sometimes exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. Stress management techniques may be helpful in addition to medication. 
• Dietary Factors: Certain foods and beverages, such as spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol, can trigger heartburn or acid indigestion. Dietary modifications may be necessary. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: Not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or 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: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

hydrotalcite is an aluminum-magnesium antacid that works by neutralizing excess stomach acid. Its pharmacology revolves around its ability to raise the pH level in the stomach, reducing acidity and alleviating symptoms such as heartburn and acid indigestion.

When ingested, hydrotalcite reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form harmless salts and water, effectively neutralizing gastric acidity. It also has a protective coating effect on the gastric mucosa, providing some relief from irritation. hydrotalcite’s rapid onset of action and minimal systemic absorption make it a safe and effective choice for the short-term relief of various gastrointestinal symptoms.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Neutralization of Gastric Acid: hydrotalcite contains aluminum and magnesium ions that react with excess hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, leading to the formation of water and salts (aluminum chloride, magnesium chloride). This reaction effectively raises the pH level in the stomach, neutralizing excessive acidity. 
• Relief from Acid-Related Symptoms: By neutralizing stomach acid, hydrotalcite provides relief from symptoms of acid indigestion, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It reduces the burning sensation and discomfort associated with excess stomach acid. 
• Gastric Mucosal Protection: hydrotalcite may also have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa. It forms a physical barrier on the stomach lining, which can help shield it from further irritation caused by acid exposure. 
• Rapid Onset of Action: hydrotalcite acts quickly, providing rapid relief from symptoms after ingestion. 
• Minimal Systemic Absorption: hydrotalcite is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, which reduces the risk of systemic side effects.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

hydrotalcite is an antacid taken orally. It typically does not undergo significant absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, it acts locally in the stomach to neutralize excess acid. Due to its limited absorption, it has a minimal systemic effect. 

Distribution 

Since hydrotalcite is not absorbed into the bloodstream to a significant extent, it does not distribute throughout the body as most medications do. It stays within the gastrointestinal tract. 

Metabolism 

hydrotalcite is not metabolized by the body. It functions as an antacid by directly interacting with gastric acid in the stomach. 

Elimination and excretion 

hydrotalcite is primarily excreted from the body through feces. Any unabsorbed or unchanged hydrotalcite is eliminated with the undigested food and waste in the stool. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Dosage: Follow your healthcare provider’s or the medication label’s instructions regarding the appropriate dosage. The dosage varies based on the specific product and the condition being treated. 
• Chewable Tablets: If you are using chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. You can take them with or without food, but it is often recommended to take them after meals or at bedtime for best results. 
• Suspension: If you are using a liquid suspension, shake the bottle well before each use. Measure the prescribed amount using a dosing device provided with the medication or a calibrated measuring spoon. 
• Duration: The duration of hydrotalcite use will depend on your specific medical condition. It may be prescribed for short-term relief of symptoms or for longer-term management of certain gastrointestinal conditions. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on the duration of treatment. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: hydrotalcite 

Pronounced: (hy-dro-tal-site)  

Why do we use hydrotalcite? 

• Heartburn Relief: hydrotalcite can help alleviate the burning sensation and discomfort of heartburn, which is often caused by stomach acid refluxing into esophagus. 
• Dyspepsia: It is used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, which can include abdominal pain, bloating, and a feeling of fullness after eating. 
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): In cases of GERD, where there is chronic acid reflux, hydrotalcite can be used to manage symptoms & reduce the acidity of stomach contents that flows back into esophagus. 
• Peptic Ulcers: hydrotalcite may be prescribed to individuals with peptic ulcers to help neutralize stomach acid, promoting healing and reducing pain. 
• Gastritis: For people with gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, hydrotalcite can provide relief from the associated discomfort and pain.