How should antacids containing aluminum salts be administered concerning antipsychotic medications?

Antacids containing aluminum salts should be administered one hour before or two hours after antipsychotic medications to ensure optimal effectiveness of both treatments. The reason for this timing relates to the way certain antacids can affect the absorption of medications. Aluminum salts can bind to the antipsychotic medications in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing their bioavailability and effectiveness. By allowing a time gap between the administration of the antacid and the antipsychotic, the absorption of the antipsychotic medication is maximized, ensuring that the therapeutic effects of the antipsychotic are not compromised. This approach is particularly important in managing the therapeutic regimen for patients who may be on antipsychotics, as maintaining effective drug levels is crucial for symptom management.