Generic
Magnesium Hydroxide
14 brands available in the market
At a glance
Magnesium Hydroxide is a mildly acting antacid and laxative used for heartburn, constipation, indigestion, and gastrointestinal hyperacidity.
Description
Magnesium Hydroxide is popularly known as Milk of Magnesia. It is poorly and slowly absorbed and acts by its osmotic properties in the luminal fluid which causes retention of fluid in the bowel. In the stomach, it reacts with hydrochloric acid to form magnesium chloride without producing carbon dioxide.
Indications
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Gastrointestinal hyperacidity
- Osmotic laxative
- Acute and long-acting constipation due to hyperacidity, peptic ulcer or stomatitis
Therapeutic class
Antacids with Laxative Action
Pharmacological class
Osmotic Laxative & Antacid
Pharmacology
Magnesium hydroxide increases peristaltic activity causing osmotic retention of fluids, resulting in bowel evacuation. It also reduces stomach acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid to form magnesium chloride.
Mechanism of action
Neutralizes stomach acid and relieves constipation.
Dosage
Constipation (Adults): 30-60 mL/day (400 mg/5 mL), at bedtime or in divided doses
Acid Indigestion (Adults): 5-15 mL PO q4hr; no more than 4 doses per 24-hour period
Children (6-11 years): 15-30 mL/day; (2-5 years): 5-15 mL/day; <2 years: safety not established
Administration
- Take with water
- Use as needed
Missed dose
Not generally applicable (use as needed); consult doctor if needed.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Hypotension
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory depression
- Hypermagnesemia (in patients with renal impairment)
- Paralytic ileus
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in colostomy or ileostomy patients
- Caution in electrolyte imbalance
- Monitor for toxicity in patients with impaired renal function
- Caution in pregnancy
Contraindications
- Intestinal obstruction
- Faecal impaction
- Renal failure
- Appendicitis
Drug interactions
- Decreases absorption of tetracyclines and biphosphonates
- Separate administration of these and other drugs by about 2 hours
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Magnesium Hydroxide is unsafe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Use with caution during pregnancy; consult your doctor.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Use in nursing mothers appears to be safe.
Pediatric use
Safety not established in children under 2 years; doses established for children 2-12 years.
Geriatric use
Safe for elderly; no special precautions needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Monitor for toxicity in impaired renal function; long-term treatment contraindicated.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause hypermagnesemia.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Magnesium Hydroxide