Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium Hydroxide is a antacid and osmotic laxative medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Relief of heartburn, acid indigestion and sour stomach.
• Short-term relief of occasional constipation, when used in laxative preparations.

Adult dosing depends on the product strength, formulation and whether it is being used as an antacid or as a laxative. Follow the product label or the dose prescribed by a registered doctor or pharmacist. Shake suspensions well before use, measure the dose accurately, and take with water when used for constipation. Do not use for longer than directed without medical advice.

• Diarrhoea or loose stools, especially with higher or repeated doses.
• Abdominal cramps, nausea or bloating.
• Electrolyte disturbances or dehydration with excessive use.
• High magnesium levels, particularly in people with kidney impairment; symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat or breathing difficulty.
• Allergic reactions are rare but require urgent medical help if rash, swelling or breathing difficulty occurs.

Use caution in people with kidney disease, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden change in bowel habit, rectal bleeding, or constipation lasting more than a few days. Older adults and people taking multiple medicines should seek advice before use. Use Magnesium Hydroxide under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist, especially if symptoms persist or recur.

• May reduce absorption of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics; separate doses as advised by a healthcare professional.
• May reduce absorption of iron, levothyroxine, bisphosphonates and some antifungal or antiviral medicines; dose separation may be needed.
• Other magnesium-containing medicines or laxatives can increase the risk of diarrhoea and high magnesium levels.
• Use with medicines affecting kidney function may increase the risk of magnesium accumulation in susceptible patients.

• Known hypersensitivity to magnesium hydroxide or any component of the product.
• Severe kidney impairment unless specifically directed by a doctor.
• Suspected bowel obstruction, severe abdominal pain, appendicitis-like symptoms, or unexplained nausea/vomiting unless assessed by a doctor.
• Do not use as a laxative when rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after laxative use occurs; seek medical advice.

Magnesium hydroxide is generally considered to have low systemic absorption when used occasionally as directed, but pregnant or breastfeeding women should use it only after advice from a doctor or pharmacist, particularly for repeated use or laxative dosing.

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed, do not freeze suspensions, and keep out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.