Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take aluminum hydroxide exactly as directed. If on a regular dosing schedule and a dose is missed, take as soon as remembered if not almost time for next dose; do not double doses

» Advise patient not to take aluminum hydroxide within 1–2 hr of other medications without consulting health care professional

» Advise patients to check label for sodium content. Patients with CHF or hypertension, or those on sodium restriction, should use low-sodium preparations

» Inform patients of potential for constipation from aluminum hydroxide

• Hypophosphatemia: Patients taking aluminum hydroxide for hyperphosphatemia should be taught the importance of a low-phosphate diet

• Antacid: Caution patient to consult health care professional before taking antacids for more than 2 wk if problem is recurring, if taking other medications, if relief is not obtained, or if symptoms of gastric bleeding (black tarry stools, coffee-ground emesis) occur

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