Introduction
Aluminum carbonate is a carbonate of aluminum. It needs to be better described; according to one expert, simple aluminum carbonates do not exist. The basic sodium aluminum carbonate mineral dawsonite and the hydrated basic aluminum carbonate minerals scarbroite and hydroscarbroite are examples of related compounds. Research does not support the formation of aluminum carbonate in double displacement reactions; soluble carbonates are sufficiently alkaline to precipitate aluminum hydroxide and generate carbon dioxide.
Aluminum carbonate has the physical description of powder. They resemble white powder. In typical circumstances, aluminum carbonate cannot occur. To store it, an extremely intricate system would be necessary. High chemical activity or other environmental conditions are to blame for this. It is an aluminum carbonate salt with the chemical formula Al2(CO3)3, which does not normally exist. It can be produced at a temperature near absolute zero and under high carbon dioxide pressure.
Even though aluminum carbonate is very unstable, when the aluminum oxide is exposed to carbon dioxide, carbonate species quickly develop on the surface.
What Is Aluminum Carbonate?
Aluminum is a substance that occurs naturally. The aluminum salt suited for oral intake is called aluminum carbonate.
In cases of heartburn, acid reflux, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and stomach ulcers, aluminum carbonate alleviates the symptoms of elevated stomach acid. High phosphate levels in the body can also be treated, managed, or controlled with aluminum carbonate. To avoid the development of urinary phosphate stones, aluminum carbonate is also used in conjunction with a low-phosphate diet.
What Should the Patient Particularly Keep In Mind Before Taking Aluminum Carbonate?
If the patient takes any other medications, they must discuss them with their doctor before taking aluminum carbonate. Aluminum might lessen its effects by attaching to other drugs or altering the stomach or urine's acidity. Do not use this medication over what is advised.
Who Should Not Consume Aluminum Carbonate?
Inform the physician before taking this drug if you have the following:
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Patients with kidney diseases.
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Possess a condition that causes the stomach to empty slowly.
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Take any additional medication.
Suppose the patient has any of the conditions mentioned above. In that case, they might not be able to take aluminum carbonate or could need a dosage change or particular monitoring during your therapy. The potential danger of aluminum carbonate to an unborn child is unknown. If the patient is pregnant, they should avoid using this drug without first consulting their doctor. Whether aluminum carbonate will affect a nursing infant is unknown. If breastfeeding a child, avoid using this medication without consulting the doctor.
How to Consume Aluminum Carbonate?
Follow the manufacturer's or the doctor's instructions for taking aluminum carbonate strictly. Ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain these instructions if the patient needs help understanding them.
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Administer the drug by mouth with a glass of water.
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Measure the liquid form of aluminum carbonate with a dose-measuring spoon or cup rather than an ordinary table spoon to be sure the patient obtains the correct dosage.
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One can purchase dose-measuring equipment from a pharmacy. Before measuring a dose, give the suspension a thorough shake.
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Aluminum carbonate in liquid form should be combined with water or fruit juice.
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Aluminum carbonate should be kept at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
What Happens if the Patient Misses a Dose of Aluminum Carbonate?
The missed dose should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. But if it is almost time for the subsequent dose, skip the one they missed and accept the following amount as scheduled. Unless the doctor instructs the patient to do differently, do not take a duplicate dose of this medication.
What Happens if the Patient Overdoses Aluminum Carbonate?
Obtain immediate medical help. The signs of aluminum carbonate overdose are given below:
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A decreased appetite.
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A general feeling of malaise.
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Bone softening.
What Are the Side Effects of Aluminum Carbonate?
The following are the side effects of aluminum carbonate:
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If the patient has an adverse response, stop taking aluminum and get medical help immediately; otherwise, it can result in difficulty breathing, closing the throat, and swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or hives.
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There may be a higher likelihood of other, less severe side effects. For example, the patient could experience constipation, so keep taking aluminum and consult the doctor. Constipation may be helped by consuming more fluids.
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Other side effects not covered here could also happen. Any adverse impact that seems odd or is particularly irritating should be discussed with the doctor.
How Can Other Drugs Affect Aluminum Carbonate?
If the patient takes any other medications, discuss them with the doctor before taking aluminum carbonate. Aluminum might lessen its effects by attaching to other drugs or altering the stomach or urine's acidity.
Along with one disease interaction and one alcohol/food interaction, 218 drugs and the aluminum carbonate have been known to interact with one another. Drug interactions as a whole occur in three categories:
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Fourteen major.
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One hundred thirteen moderate.
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Ninety-one minor.
There is a list of fourteen significant drug interactions below:
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Calcium citrate.
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Cholecalciferol.
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Dolutegravir.
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Doxercalciferol.
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Infigratinib.
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Paricalcitol.
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Patiromer.
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Potassium citrate.
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Raltegravir.
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Selpercatinib.
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Sodium citrate.
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Sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
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Sotorasib.
There is one disease encountered with aluminum carbonate, which includes:
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Constipation.
What to Do if the Patient Faces Adverse Drug Interaction?
These divisions are merely guidelines. It might be challenging to assess the applicability of a specific pharmacological interaction to a particular person. Always speak with the doctor before beginning or discontinuing any drug.
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Major: Clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the interaction's risk outweighs its potential benefit.
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Moderate: Clinically meaningful in a reasonable way. Combinations should generally be avoided; only use them in exceptional cases.
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Minor: Clinical significance is merely marginal. Reduce risk by evaluating it, thinking about a different medication, taking action to avoid the interaction risk, and implementing a monitoring strategy.
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Unknown: There is no information on interactions.
Conclusion
Aluminum carbonate can be toxic if not taken under the proper guidance of a doctor. It can cause kidney failure, weight loss, and constipation.
