Magnesium is a natural mineral. Magnesium hydroxide decreases stomach acid and increases the amount of water in the intestines, which may induce bowel movements. Magnesium hydroxide is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation and as an antacid to relieve indigestion, stomach acid, and heartburn.
Uses of Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide is primarily used for:
Occasional constipation: It helps to make bowel movements easier by bringing water into the intestines.
Heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion: It works like an antacid, reducing stomach acid to ease discomfort.
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.
Magnesium Hydroxide Side Effects
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Electrolyte imbalance
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Muscle weakness
Respiratory depression
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Weakness
Lightheadedness
Fast breathing
Loose watery frequent stools
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 carefully measure your dose. 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 milliliters) with each dose.
Follow all the directions on the product package or as directed by your doctor.
Remember:
Using it for a long time or too frequently for constipation may lead to reliance on laxatives and ongoing constipation.
Overuse can cause persistent diarrhea, dehydration, and mineral imbalance.
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.
Precautions To Follow
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.
Magnesium hydroxide Vs Magnesium oxide
Magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium oxide
Inorganic compound
White hygroscopic solid mineral
Formula: Mg(OH)2
Formula: MgO
As a laxative, magnesium hydroxide is used to alleviate frequent constipation.
This drug is a mineral supplement that is used to avoid low levels of magnesium in the blood and to treat it.
