Magnesium Hydroxide: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Magnesium Hydroxide is a mineral-based medicine commonly used to relieve occasional constipation by acting as a laxative. It is also used as an antacid to relieve symptoms like indigestion, stomach acid, and heartburn.

Magnesium hydroxide decreases stomach acid and increases the amount of water in the intestines, which may induce bowel movements.

What are the Uses of Magnesium Hydroxide?

Magnesium hydroxide offers multiple health advantages, especially for digestive and metabolic support. It provides quick relief for several common conditions and helps correct magnesium deficiencies in certain health issues. Here are some key magnesium hydroxide benefits:

• Constipation relief: One of the primary benefits of magnesium hydroxide is its laxative effect. It helps to make bowel movements easier by bringing water into the intestines.
• Heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion: It works as an antacid by neutralising excess stomach acid, helping relieve discomfort from acid-related conditions.
• Magnesium deficiency: It helps treat and prevent low magnesium levels caused by different health issues. Magnesium deficiency usually occurs when people have
• Liver disorders
• Heart failure
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Kidney dysfunction
• other conditions
• High blood pressure in pregnancy: It's given through a vein to lower high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) during pregnancy and prevent seizures.

How Does Magnesium Hydroxide Work (Mechanism of Action)?

Magnesium Hydroxide works by balancing fluids and neutralising acid to relieve constipation and stomach discomfort.

• It pulls water into the intestines, making stool softer and easier to pass.
• As an antacid, it neutralises stomach acid, reducing acidity and burning sensations.
• It also helps restore magnesium levels in the body when they are low.

Magnesium Hydroxide Dosage

Magnesium Hydroxide is available in Liquid Form, Chewable Tablets, Oral Tablets and Intravenous (IV) Form.

Always follow your doctor's advice when taking Magnesium Hydroxide, especially regarding the right dose and duration.

How to use Magnesium Hydroxide Suspension?

• Take it by mouth as instructed. If it's chewable, chew it thoroughly before swallowing. For the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose.
• Use a special measuring device or spoon to measure your dose carefully. Avoid using a regular household spoon, as it may not give the correct dose.
• If you're using it for constipation, drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 millilitres) with each dose.
• Follow all the directions on the product package or as directed by your doctor.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Magnesium Hydroxide?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to the time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.

What Happens in Case of an Overdose?

Taking too much Magnesium Hydroxide can cause serious symptoms and should be treated immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Severe diarrhea or dehydration
• Muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Breathing difficulties
• Irregular heartbeat
• Electrolyte imbalance

Seek medical attention right away if you suspect an overdose.

Remember:

• Using it for a long time or too frequently for constipation may lead to reliance on laxatives and ongoing constipation.
• If your condition persists or worsens, inform your doctor. Bowel movements may take between 30 minutes and 6 hours to relieve constipation.
• Don't use this or other laxatives regularly for more than a week without consulting your doctor.
• If you have stomach acid issues, don't take the maximum dose for more than two weeks unless directed by your doctor.

What are the Side Effects of Magnesium Hydroxide?

While this medicine is generally safe when used correctly, some people may experience side effects.

Common side effects

• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Loose watery frequent stools

Rare but serious side effects

• Muscle weakness
• Respiratory depression (trouble breathing)
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Fast breathing
• Persistent weakness

If any symptoms worsen or don't go away, consult your doctor promptly.

Precautions Before Taking Magnesium Hydroxide

• Inform your doctor about any allergies you have to magnesium hydroxide or any other medications, as well as any ingredients in magnesium hydroxide products.
• Let your doctor know about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you're taking or plan to take. They may need to adjust your doses or monitor you for side effects.
• If you're taking other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or after taking magnesium hydroxide.
• Inform your doctor if you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or sudden changes in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks. Also, disclose any history of kidney disease.
• If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. Contact your doctor if you become pregnant while using magnesium hydroxide.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Magnesium Hydroxide?

Magnesium hydroxide should be used with caution in both children and the elderly. In children, it is generally recommended only under medical supervision, as improper use may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. In older adults, there is a risk of side effects such as diarrhea or weakness, especially if they have kidney problems. Dosage should always be adjusted based on age and overall health condition.

Food, Alcohol, and Medicine Interactions

It's important to know how Magnesium Hydroxide might interact with food or other medications you are taking.

• Take other medicines 2 hours before or after using magnesium hydroxide to avoid absorption issues.
• Avoid taking it with high-fat meals unless directed.
• No significant interaction with alcohol, but excessive use should be avoided.

Drug Interactions with Magnesium Hydroxide

Combining this medicine with other drugs or supplements may reduce their effectiveness or increase side effects.

Inform your doctor if you're taking:

• Antibiotics
• Blood pressure medicines
• Diuretics
• Herbal products or supplements

Always let your doctor know about all the medications you're taking to avoid unwanted interactions.

How Should Magnesium Hydroxide Be Stored?

Proper storage ensures the medicine remains effective and safe to use.

• Store at room temperature (20-25°C).
• Keep away from heat and sunlight.
• Close the bottle tightly and keep it out of reach of children.
• Avoid storing in damp areas like bathrooms.

What Happens If Magnesium Hydroxide Is Not Stored Properly?

Poor storage can reduce its effectiveness or even make the product unsafe.

• Exposure to moisture or sunlight can cause the medicine to spoil.
• Improper storage may lead to clumping or a change in taste.

Magnesium hydroxide vs Magnesium oxide

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