drug-medicine : alu-cap capsules

Patient Information Leaflet

What you need to know about ALU-CAP capsules

Please read this carefully before you start to take your medication. This leaflet only provides a summary of the information available on your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of your medication is ALU-CAP capsules

The name of the active ingredient is aluminium hydroxide. Each capsule contains 475 mg of Dried Aluminium Hydroxide Gel Ph. Eur. and is green and red, and marked 3M. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: polyethylene glycol, purified talc, Solka Floc BW 100, E104, E110, E127, E131. The original pack contains 120 capsules.

What your medication is prescribed for

Aluminium hydroxide can be used to reduce the amount of phosphate ions absorbed by the body from the diet. This helps to reduce the levels of phosphate in the blood which is important in patients with certain kidney diseases.

Aluminium hydroxide may also be used as an antacid for the relief of indigestion. It neutralises the acid in the stomach and helps to protect the stomach lining from acid irritation.

Important points to note before taking ALU-CAP capsules

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, or are taking other medications, please tell your doctor before taking these capsules.

You should not take these capsules if you have low levels of phosphate in your blood (hypophosphataemia) or you suffer from porphyria (blood disorder).
These capsules should not be used as an antacid in children under 12 years of age.
If you see any other doctor or dentist, please tell them that you are taking Alu-cap capsules.

What to do if you are taking other medication

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, in particular antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines), as aluminium hydroxide may reduce their absorption into your body. Please follow any advice they may give you about how to take your medicines.

Use of ALU-CAP capsules during pregnancy and breast feeding

Like most other medications, aluminium hydroxide should not normally be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor tells you to.

How to take ALU-CAP capsules

Please follow your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor will have chosen a dose which best suits your condition.

The capsules should be taken with meals with a glass of water.

For phosphate-binding:
For adults and children the usual dose is one capsule taken four times per day. This may be increased to five capsules four times per day (a total of 20 capsules per day).

As an antacid:

The usual dose in adults is one capsule four times during the day and one at bedtime.
If you are not sure how many capsules to take or when to take them, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. Then carry on taking the capsules as recommended by your doctor.

What to do in case of accidental overdosage

Please contact your nearest hospital casualty department, or tell your doctor, immediately.

What might happen when you are taking ALU-CAP capsules

Aluminium hydroxide, like most other medicines may cause some side-effects. These may include constipation.
From time to time your doctor may wish to take a blood sample to check your phosphate or aluminium level.
If you notice any other side-effects, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If any side-effects continue for more than a few days, please tell your doctor.

Storing your medication

Store the capsules in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
Store the capsules below 30°C out of direct sunlight.
Do not use this product after the expiry date printed on the original container.
If your doctor decides to stop treatment, return any unused capsules to your doctor or pharmacist.

Remember:This medication is only for YOU. Never give it to others. It may harm them even if their symptoms seem to be the same as yours.

The information in this leaflet only provides a summary of the information available on Alu-cap capsules. Further information is available from your doctor or pharmacist.