Magnesium Hydroxide
Description
Magnesium Hydroxide is a medication commonly used as a stool softener for the treatment of constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water in the intestines, which helps to soften and prevent dry, hard stools, and promotes bowel movements. Magnesium Hydroxide is also used to relieve symptoms such as heartburn, acidity, and flatulence. By neutralizing excess stomach acid, magnesium hydroxide can help alleviate discomfort associated with these conditions.
Magnesium Hydroxide may cause some side effects like loose, watery, or more frequent stools, abdominal pain, etc. consult your doctor if these side effects persist for a long time or become severe.
Magnesium Hydroxide is available in liquid and tablet forms. Before using the liquid, shake the bottle well before each use. The chewable tablet should be chewed before swallowing. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluid during the course of your treatment with this medicine.
Magnesium Hydroxide should not be taken for more than seven days. Inform your doctor if you do not see any improvement in your condition.
Magnesium Hydroxide should not be taken if you are allergic to it or have had stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines for other conditions like heart, kidney or liver troubles. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Magnesium Hydroxide
- Stomach upset
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle weakness
Uses of Magnesium Hydroxide
What is it prescribed for?
- Constipation
- Dyspepsia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Magnesium Hydroxide can be observed within 30 minutes to six hours when taken as a laxative.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Magnesium Hydroxide remains effective is subject to vary based on the strength and form of administration.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Magnesium Hydroxide.
- Usage in pregnancy?Magnesium Hydroxide is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Magnesium Hydroxide is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid using Magnesium Hydroxide if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if there are major allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of intestinal disorders that cause pain and swelling of the digestive tract. Magnesium Hydroxide is not recommended in such conditions as it may cause colonic perforation (a puncture, or tear in the wall of the large intestine).
Intestinal obstruction disorders
Intestinal obstruction is a condition in which there is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. Magnesium Hydroxide is not recommended if you have intestinal obstruction since it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Magnesium Hydroxide is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Magnesium Hydroxide is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Hypermagnesaemia
Hypermagnesemia is a disorder in which there is a high level of magnesium in your blood. Use Magnesium Hydroxide with caution as it may increase the magnesium levels in your blood. The risk is especially high if you have kidney problems. Inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms such as flushing of the skin, increased thirst, difficulty in breathing, changes in heart rate, etc.
Other medicines
Inform your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Some medicines may affect or be affected by Magnesium Hydroxide.
Prolonged use
Do not use Magnesium Hydroxide for more than seven 7 days, inform your doctor if you do not see any improvement in your symptoms.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Magnesium Hydroxide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose of Magnesium Hydroxide.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Ciprofloxacin
Raltegravir
Cefpodoxime
Disease interactions
Kidney dysfunction
Do not use Magnesium Hydroxide if you have severe kidney problems as an impaired kidney can not clear this medicine completely and lead to its accumulation. It may cause serious side effects.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Magnesium Hydroxide exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed.
Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects.
Ensure that the course of treatment is completed.
Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Magnesium Hydroxide reduces the amount of stomach acid and acts as an antacid. As a laxative, it increases the amount of water in your intestines and promotes bowel movements.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antacids, Laxatives
Schedule
OTC
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE liquid. [online] Available at: [Accessed 8 November 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Magnesium Hydroxide: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 8 November 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Phillips' Milk of Magnesia - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc). [online] Available at: [Accessed 8 November 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 28 Feb 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.