Magnesium Hydroxide

Indications

Magnesium Hydroxide is used for: Heartburn, Constipation, Indigestion, Gastrointestinal hyperacidity, Osmotic laxative

Adult Dose

Constipation Magnesium hydroxide (400 mg/5 mL): 30-60 mL/day PO at bedtime or in divided doses Acid Indigestion Magnesium hydroxide (400 mg/5 mL): 5-15 mL PO q4hr; no more than 4 doses per 24-hour period

Child Dose

Constipation <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established Suspension 2-6 years: 5-15 mL/day of regular-strength liquid PO at bedtime or in divided doses 6-12 years: 15-30 mL/day (400 mg/5 mL) >12 years: 30-60 mL/day (400 mg/5 mL) Acid Indigestion Liquid <12 years: Not recommended >12 years: 5-15 mL (400 mg/5 mL) PO q4hr; no more than 4 doses per 24-hour period

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

Intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction; renal failure; appendicitis.

Precautions

Colostomy, ileostomy; electrolyte imbalance. Monitor for toxicity in patients with impaired renal function. Pregnancy. Lactation: Use in nursing mothers appears to be safe

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy category: A Lactation: Use in nursing mothers appears to be safe

Interactions

Decreases absorption of tetracyclines and biphosphonates. Separate administration of these and other drugs by around 2 hr.

Side Effects

Side effects of Magnesium Hydroxide : Abdominal cramping, Diarrhea, Electrolyte imbalance, Hypotension, Muscle weakness, Respiratory depression, Hypermagnesaemia (in patients with renal impairment). Paralytic ileus.

Mode of Action

Magnesium hydroxide increases peristaltic activity causing osmotic retention of fluids, thus resulting in bowel evacuation. It also reduces stomach acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid to form Mg chloride.