Aluminum hydroxide adverse effects

A variety of adverse effects have been reported following the use of antacids. If sodium bicarbonate is absorbed, it can cause systemic alkalization and sodium overload. Calcium carbonate may induce hypercalcemia and a rebound increase in gastric secretion secondary to the elevation in circulating calcium levels. Magnesium hydroxide may produce osmotic diarrhea, and the excessive absorption of Mg++ in patients with renal failure may result in central nervous system toxicity. Aluminum hydroxide is associated with constipation serum phosphate levels also may become depressed because of phosphate binding within the gut. The use of antacids in general may interfere with the absorption of a number of antibiotics and other medications. 

As shown in Eq. (6), aluminum hydroxide, which can form AFm(Cr), is expected to remain in its hydrate form. Thus, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) was added to increase the amount of AFm(Cr) generated. Table 2 shows the effect of Ca(OH)2 addition on the residual concentration of chromium ions. Both 20 mg of C14A5Z6 and either 10 or 20 mg of Ca(OH)2 were added to 10 mL of ca. 100 mg/L-Cr[VI] solution. The reaction time required for the removal of chromium was effectively shortened moreover, the amount removed was increased by the addition of Ca(OH)2, which is evident from Eq. (7). However, the addition of amounts greater than 20 mg can have an adverse effect on the immobilization of Cr[VI] with increase in pH to 12.4 or more as shown in Figure 3. 

Skin damage has been observed in female TF, Carworth mice, New Zealand rabbits, and Large White pigs following the application of 10% aluminum chloride (0.005-0.1 g Al) or aluminum nitrate (0.006-0.013 g Al) for 5 days but not from aluminum sulfate, hydroxide, acetate, or chlorhydrate (Lansdown 1973). The damage consisted of hyperplasia, microabscess formation, dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and occasional ulceration. These results suggest that the development of adverse dermal effects from exposure to aluminum depends upon its chemical form. 

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