Hydrotalcite - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Hydrotalcite is a drug to relieve symptoms of heartburn, heartburn, stomach ulcers (gastritis), or gastric ulcer. This drug belongs to the class of antacids.

Hydrotalcite is also known as aluminum magnesium carbonate hydroxide hydrate. Hydrotalcite works by lowering the level of acidity in the stomach. Thus, symptoms such as heartburn and a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), can subside. Please note, this drug can not reduce the production of stomach acid.

Hydrotalcite trademark: Promag

What is Hydrotalcite

groupFree medicine
CategoryAntacids
BenefitRelieves symptoms of dyspepsia or heartburn
Consumed byChildren aged 6 years to adults
Hydrotalcite for pregnant and lactating womenCategory N: Not categorized.

Hydrotalcite content can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not take this medicine before consulting your doctor.

Drug formChewable tablets and liquid suspension

Precautions Before Taking Hydrotalcite

Although sold freely, hydrotalcite should not be used carelessly. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrotalcite.
  • Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea, constipation, intestinal obstruction, liver disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or kidney disease, including kidney stones.
  • Some hydrotalcite suspension products may contain aspartame, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking hydrotalcite.

Dosage and Instructions for Use Hydrotalcite

In general, the following is the dosage of hydrotalcite to treat dyspepsia or stomach ulcers according to age and the dosage form of the drug:

Suspension shape

  • Children >12 years old and adults: For a suspension containing 500 mg hydrotalcite/5 ml, the dosage is 10 ml, taken between meals and at bedtime.
  • Children aged 6–12 years: For a suspension containing 500 mg hydrotalcite/5 ml, the dosage is 5 ml taken between meals and at bedtime.

Tablet form

  • Mature: 1-2 tablets, 3-4 times a day.

How to Take Hydrotalcite Correctly

Consumption of hydrotalcite according to the doctor's recommendations or the instructions for use contained in the package. Hydrotalcite chewable tablets need to be chewed first and taken with a glass of water, while hydrotalcite in the form of a liquid suspension needs to be shaken before consumption.

If you need to take other drugs, take them 1-4 hours after taking hydrotalcite. Hydrotalcite is usually taken when symptoms develop, after meals, or before bed. Make sure to be in an upright position for 1-2 hours after taking the medicine.

Hydrotalcite can generally be consumed within a maximum period of 2 weeks. If your condition does not improve, consult a doctor immediately.

If you forget to take hydrotalcite, take it immediately if the interval between the next consumption time is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.

Store hydrotalcite at room temperature in a dry and cool place. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Hydrotalcite Interaction with Other Drugs

The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur if hydrotalcite is used with certain drugs:

  • Decreased absorption and effectiveness of tetracycline, quinolone, or iron class of antibiotics
  • Increased levels of magnesium in the blood (hypermagnesemia) especially in patients with impaired kidney function when used with vitamin D3
  • Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances when used with albuterol

Side Effects and Hazards of Hydrotalcite

The following are side effects that can occur after using hydrotalcite:

  • Nauseous
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

  • Dizzy
  • Black stool
  • Stomach ache
  • Slow breathing or short breath
  • mood swings (mood swings) and changes in mental state
  • Pain when urinating
  • Vomit that is the color of coffee grounds
  • Symptoms of low phosphate levels, which are characterized by loss of appetite, excessive fatigue, or muscle weakness
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Faint