Alu-Cap

Aluminium hydroxide decreases the acidity of the stomach's juices by binding to and neutralising excess acid. This helps to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

Aluminium hydroxide is also used as a phosphate binder in situations where there is too much phosphate in the blood, for example in kidney failure. The aluminium hydroxide binds to phoshate in the gut, which reduces the absorption of phosphate into the body.

What is it used for?

- As an antacid for heartburn and indigestion
- As a phosphate binder for high blood phosphate levels (hyperphosphataemia) in kidney failure

Warning!

- People taking phosphate binders should have regular blood tests to monitor the level of phosphate in their blood.
- Aluminium hydroxide is not recommended for use as an antacid in children.

Not to be used in

- Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)
- Low blood phosphate levels (hypophosphataemia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Constipation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Antacids, including the aluminium hydroxide in this medicine, may affect the absorption from the gut of various other medicines. If you are taking any other medicines, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this one as well. In general, any interactions can be avoided by leaving an interval of about two hours between taking this medicine and any other medicine. This is particularly important for tetracycline-type antibiotics, such as doxycycline.

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