Aluminum hydroxide in the symptomatic treatment of infants with chronic diarrhea

Two neonates with milk intolerance and two older infants, one with acute gastroenteritis and the other with prolonged malnutrition, developed chronic diarrhea. Despite bowel rest, total parenteral nutrition, and alterations in the protein and carbohydrate content of the milk preparations used, every attempt to feed them resulted in diarrhea. All four patients were given aluminum hydroxide because of its bile salt-binding activity and its tendency to cause constipation. Coincident with its administration the diarrhea stopped and the enteral feedings were successfully reinstituted. The only complication seen was the development of constipation in two of the infants; this responded to lowering of the dose of the aluminum hydroxide.