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Differences Between Alu-Cap & Aluminum Hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide is the sole and active ingredient in Alu-Cap, a brand name capsule form of aluminum hydroxide primarily used to treat heartburn. In short, Alu-Cap is aluminum hydroxide. Alu-Cap is manufactured by Meda Pharmaceuticals and sold without a prescription.

  1. How It Works

    • Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid and works by decreasing the stomach's acidity. It does this by binding to and neutralizing stomach acid. However, the medication doesn't stop acid production and only works on the acid that's in the stomach at the moment the capsule is ingested. It's used to treat symptoms of increased stomach acid such as heartburn, sour stomach, upset stomach and acid indigestion.

    Potential Side Effects

    • Potential mild side effects of aluminum hydroxide, as observed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), include constipation and loss of appetite. If these side effect persist, you should consult your doctor. More serious side effects of aluminum hydroxide observed by the NLM are rare, but if you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately: confusion, unusual fatigue or discomfort and muscle weakness. It's also possible to be allergic to aluminum hydroxide.

    Directions

    • Aluminum hydroxide needs to be taken between meals and before bed up to four times a day. The medicine is orally ingested; use water if you have difficulty swallowing pills. Read the directions found on the box. If you need to take this medication regularly for self-treatment and the problem doesn't go away after two weeks, talk to a doctor.

    When Not to Take Alu-Caps

    • Do not take aluminum hydroxide with other medication unless you have consulted with a pharmacist or a doctor beforehand. During pregnancy, antacids are considered safe; however, no study is available to prove this, according to the Endowsec website. Heartburn is quite common during pregnancy, and mitigating with aluminum hydroxide will surely provide relief, but if you're uncertain about whether you should take it or not, talk to your physician. Avoid aluminum hydroxide if you have low phosphate blood levels, because it will only lower them further.

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