Aluminum Hydroxide
Also known as: Amphojel, AlternaGEL, Dialume, Maalox (when combined with Magnesium)
* Oral aluminum hydroxide products are available without a prescription (OTC), but should **always be used under the supervision of a veterinarian**. * **Administration:** Give either just before feeding or mixed directly into the food. This is essential for the drug to bind to the phosphorus in the diet. * **Formulations:** Bulk powders, tablets, or capsules (which may be compounded) are generally much easier to administer than human liquids or suspensions, which often have mint flavoring that pets dislike. * > **Warning:** Report any unusual neuromuscular signs such as weakness, difficulty walking, or stumbling to your veterinarian immediately, as this could indicate aluminum toxicity.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Hyperphosphatemia
- As an antacid
- As an antacid
- Adjunctive gastroduodenal ulcer therapy in foals
- General
- General
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Adjunctive therapy for gastric ulcers
- Adjunctive therapy for gastric ulcers
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Constipation
- Aluminum toxicity (neuromuscular weakness, microcytosis) with chronic use or severe renal impairment
- Hypophosphatemia (if over-supplemented)
Cautions & contraindications
- Use with caution in patients with delayed gastric emptying or severe constipation
- Use with caution in patients with severe renal failure due to risk of aluminum accumulation
- Use with caution in patients with renal failure due to the risk of aluminum accumulation and toxicity. Monitor for neuromuscular signs and progressive decreases in mean cell volume (MCV) or microcytosis. Human liquid suspensions are often flavored (e.g., mint) and poorly accepted by animals.
Drug interactions
- Isoniazid: Decreased absorption; separate oral doses by two hours
- Penicillamine: Decreased absorption; separate oral doses by two hours
- Phenothiazines: Decreased absorption; separate oral doses by two hours
- Tetracyclines: Decreased absorption; separate oral doses by two hours
- Thyroid Hormones: Decreased absorption; separate oral doses by two hours
Frequently asked questions
What is Aluminum Hydroxide used for in pets?
* Oral aluminum hydroxide products are available without a prescription (OTC), but should **always be used under the supervision of a veterinarian**. * **Administration:** Give either just before feeding or mixed directly into the food. This is essential for the drug to bind to the phosphorus in the diet. * **Formulations:** Bulk powders, tablets, or capsules (which may be compounded) are generally much easier to administer than human liquids or suspensions, which often have mint flavoring that pets dislike. * > **Warning:** Report any unusual neuromuscular signs such as weakness, difficulty walking, or stumbling to your veterinarian immediately, as this could indicate aluminum toxicity.
Is Aluminum Hydroxide safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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