Monograph: |
Magnesium Hydroxide
A fine white amorphous powder. Practically insoluble in wa-
ter and alcohol; dissolves in dilute acids. A solution in water
is alkaline to phenolphthalein. Store in airtight containers.
Adverse Effects, Treatment, and Precautions
Magnesium hydroxide, in common with other mag-
nesium salts , may cause diarrhoea. Hy-
permagnesaemia may occur in patients with
impaired renal function.
There have been reports of hypermagnesaemia in
infants given magnesium-containing antacids."
Interactions
Antacids, including magnesium salts, interact with many other
drugs both by alterations in gastric pH and emptying, and by
formation of complexes that are not absorbed. Inter-
actions can be minimised by giving the antacid and
any other medications 2 to 3 hours apart.
Uses and Administration
Magnesium hydroxide is an antacid
that is given in doses of up to about I g by mouth. It
is often given in conjunction with aluminium-con-
taining antacids such as aluminium hydroxide
which counteract its laxative effect.
Magnesium hydroxide is also given as a laxative in
doses of up to about 5 g by mouth and as a magne-
sium supplement in deficiency states.
Magnesium hydroxide is also used as a food additive.
Renal calculi. Magnesium salts' have been used in the
prophylaxis of recurrent renal calculi .
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