Mineral salts

Aluminium salts
Drug Indication They have both acid neutralizing and astringent-demulcent effects
Precautions Due precaution should be observed in case of impaired renal function and renal dialysis, hepatic impairment, constipation, dehydration, fluid restriction and gastrointestinal disorders with decreased bowel motility or obstruction
Contra-Indications Hyposphotaemia, undiagnosed gastrointestinal or rectal bleeding, appendicitis, porphyria
Side Effects Constipation, intestinal obstruction, osteomalacia in patients on low phosphate diet, encephalopathy, dementia and microcytic anaemia

Calcium salts
Side Effects Milk-alkali syndrome that could result in renal failure, alkalosis and hypercalcaemia; alkalosis; kidney stones following hypercalcaemia and constipation
Special Information Calcium salts are markedly absorbed; they can induce rebound acid secretion; prolonged high doses can cause hypercalcaemia and alkalosis.
Magnesium salts
Contra-Indications Renal impairment and hepatic impairment
Side Effects Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, flushing of skin, thirst, hypotension, drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, bradycardia, coma and cardiac arrest.
Special Information Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) is both an antacid and a laxative; magnesium silicate is less potent than magnesium hydroxide but it has a longer duration of action