Decreased serum salicylate concentrations in children with rheumatic fever treated with antacid.

To determine if the common practice of giving antacids to patients on salicylate therapy has an effect on serum salicylate concentrations, we gave a widely used antacid, aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, and aspirin concomitantly to three children with rheumatic fever. Urinary pH increased appreciably, and serum salicylate concentrations decreased by 30 to 70 per cent. In five healthy adult volunteers concomitant administration of antacid had no effect on the bioavailability of aspirin. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that the antacid-induced decrease of serum salicylate concentrations was due to increased renal clearance of salicylate caused by the rise in urinalry pH.