In the pharmaceutical industry, the combination of Dried Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide is a classic, synergistic antacid formulation. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view this pairing as the “gold standard” for gastric acid management because it utilizes two different mineral salts to achieve rapid relief while neutralizing each other’s digestive side effects.

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, this Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) is a high-volume “Essential Medicine” SKU, often produced as chewable tablets or oral suspensions for both domestic pharmacy chains and international B2B export.

Dried Aluminium Hydroxide & Magnesium Hydroxide

Primary Clinical Indications

• Heartburn and Indigestion: Provides immediate symptomatic relief from “acid stomach” and dyspepsia by neutralizing excess hydrochloric acid.

• GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease): Manages the painful burning sensation of acid reflux by raising the pH of the gastric contents.

• Peptic and Duodenal Ulcers: Acts as an adjunct therapy to protect the stomach lining and reduce corrosive irritation, allowing the mucosa to heal.

• Hyperphosphatemia Management: Specifically, the aluminium component can be used in chronic renal failure to bind phosphate in the gut and prevent its absorption.

Mechanism: The Synergistic Neutralizer

This combination works through a “balanced neutralization” pathway to provide both speed and duration of action.

Chemical Neutralization: Both ingredients react with stomach acid ($HCl$) to produce water and neutral salts (magnesium chloride and aluminium chloride), which immediately reduces gastric acidity.

The “Speed vs. Duration” Balance: Magnesium Hydroxide acts quickly to neutralize acid almost instantly, while Aluminium Hydroxide dissolves more slowly, providing a longer-lasting buffering effect throughout the digestive process.

Bowel-Neutral Effect: This is the primary reason for the combination. Aluminium salts alone tend to cause constipation, while Magnesium salts alone act as a laxative. By combining them in a precise ratio, they counteract each other to maintain normal bowel function for the patient.

The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”

• The “Two-Hour” Absorption Gap: Antacids significantly interfere with the absorption of many critical drugs, including Tetracyclines, Quinolones, Iron supplements, and Digoxin. Patients must wait at least 2 hours before or after taking other medications.

• Renal Function Caution: Patients with severe kidney impairment must avoid chronic use, as accumulated magnesium and aluminium can lead to toxicity (hypermagnesemia and neurological issues).

• The “Chew Thoroughly” Requirement: For tablets to work effectively, they must be chewed completely before swallowing to maximize the surface area for the chemical reaction in the stomach.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:

• The “Suspension vs. Tablet” Strategy: On your marketplace, highlight your Oral Suspension versions. Suspensions generally have a higher “Acid Neutralizing Capacity” (ANC) and work faster than tablets because the active ingredients are already dispersed.

• Stability for Export: Aluminium Hydroxide is stable but Magnesium Hydroxide can be sensitive to carbon dioxide in the air. Utilizing Alu-Alu blister packaging or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles is essential for maintaining a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.

• Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s registration in international tenders, especially for hospital supply and retail pharmacy networks in the UK, Africa, and SE Asia.