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Magnesium Hydroxide: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Magnesium Hydroxide is indicated for: Antacid use (established, FDA-approved OTC indication): relief of occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms and more.

Forms:Oral SuspensionSyrup

About Magnesium Hydroxide

Indications of Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium Hydroxide is indicated for:

  • Antacid use (established, FDA-approved OTC indication): relief of occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms, typically used at lower doses.
  • Laxative use (established, FDA-approved OTC indication): relief of occasional constipation, typically used at higher doses (commonly known as "Milk of Magnesia").

Magnesium Hydroxide is intended for short-term, occasional use for either indication rather than long-term daily therapy.

Dosage & Administration of Magnesium Hydroxide

As an Antacid

PopulationDose
Adults and children 12 years and olderUsual oral suspension dose is 5-15 mL (or per product labeling), up to 4 times daily as needed, or as directed by a physician.
Children under 12 yearsConsult a physician before use.

As a Laxative (occasional constipation)

PopulationDose
Adults and children 12 years and older30-60 mL of oral suspension (400 mg/5 mL), usually taken once daily, preferably at bedtime or with a full glass of water/liquid.
Children 6-11 years15-30 mL of oral suspension, under adult supervision.
Children 2-5 years5-15 mL of oral suspension, only on the advice of a physician.
Children under 2 yearsUse only on the advice of a physician.

Shake the oral suspension well before each use. Do not use as a laxative for more than 1 week, and do not use as an antacid for more than 2 weeks, without consulting a physician.

Side Effects of Magnesium Hydroxide

Common side effects of Magnesium Hydroxide, especially at laxative doses, include:

  • Diarrhea (common, dose-related)
  • Abdominal cramping or discomfort
  • Nausea

Hypermagnesemia: Excessive or prolonged use of Magnesium Hydroxide, or use in patients with impaired renal function, can lead to elevated blood magnesium levels. Symptoms range from mild (nausea, lethargy, facial flushing) to severe (muscle weakness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory depression), particularly in patients with renal impairment. This is a genuine, well-established safety concern requiring caution — see Contraindications and Precautions.

Contraindications of Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium Hydroxide is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to magnesium hydroxide or any component of the formulation.
  • Severe renal impairment (due to a well-established risk of magnesium accumulation and hypermagnesemia).
  • Appendicitis, or undiagnosed abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting suggestive of appendicitis or another acute abdominal condition — Magnesium Hydroxide should not be used as a laxative in this setting, as it may worsen an underlying surgical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Magnesium Hydroxide

What is Magnesium Hydroxide used for?

Magnesium Hydroxide is used as an antacid to relieve occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach, and as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation, depending on the dose used.

How long can I take Magnesium Hydroxide?

Magnesium Hydroxide is meant for short-term, occasional use. Do not use it as a laxative for more than 1 week or as an antacid for more than 2 weeks without consulting a physician, as prolonged use can mask an underlying condition or increase the risk of side effects.

Can I take Magnesium Hydroxide with other medicines?

Magnesium Hydroxide can reduce the absorption of several medicines, including tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, iron supplements, bisphosphonates, and digoxin. As a general rule, take other oral medicines at least 2 hours before or after Magnesium Hydroxide unless your doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise.

Is Magnesium Hydroxide safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Magnesium Hydroxide is generally considered acceptable for occasional use during pregnancy and breastfeeding because very little magnesium is absorbed into the bloodstream in people with normal kidney function. However, it should be used only if clearly needed, and regular or prolonged use should be discussed with a physician first.

Who should not take Magnesium Hydroxide?

Magnesium Hydroxide should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to it, by people with severe kidney impairment (due to the risk of magnesium buildup in the blood), or as a laxative in people with appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

What should I do if I take too much Magnesium Hydroxide?

Taking too much Magnesium Hydroxide can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and dangerously high blood magnesium levels, which may cause muscle weakness, low blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat, especially in people with kidney problems. Seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center if an overdose is suspected.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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