aluminum carbonate

Before taking aluminum carbonate, talk to your doctor if you take any other medicines. Aluminum can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.

Aluminum is a naturally occurring substance. Aluminum carbonate is the carbonate salt form of aluminum designed for oral ingestion.

Aluminum carbonate is used to treat the symptoms of increased stomach acid in conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and stomach ulcers. Aluminum carbonate is also used to treat, control, or manage high levels of phosphate in the body. Aluminum carbonate is also used with a low phosphate diet to prevent the formation of phosphate urinary stones.

Aluminum carbonate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;
• have any condition that causes slow emptying of the stomach; or
• take any other medicines.

You may not be able to take aluminum carbonate or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether aluminum carbonate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether aluminum carbonate will harm an nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take aluminum carbonate exactly as directed by your doctor or on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.

To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure the liquid form of aluminum carbonate with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. Mix the liquid form of aluminum carbonate with water or fruit juice as directed.

Store aluminum carbonate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an aluminum overdose include weight loss, decreased appetite, general feeling of sickness, muscle weakness, kidney failure, and softening of the bones.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.

Stop taking aluminum and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take aluminum and talk to your doctor if you experience constipation. Increased fluid intake may lessen constipation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking aluminum carbonate, talk to your doctor if you take any other medicines. Aluminum can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine.

Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with aluminum carbonate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines.

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about aluminum carbonate.