Magnesium hydroxide

About Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium Hydroxide is used as a laxative to treat constipation. It is also used as an antacid to neutralise excess acid in the stomach.

Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel you need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some pain killers, can also cause constipation. Magnesium Hydroxide is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the bowel, which softens stools, making them easier to pass out of the body.

Antacids are taken by mouth to relieve indigestion, heartburn and other stomach upsets. Acid occurs naturally in the stomach and is produced in response to the presence of food which it helps to break down or digest. Sometimes an excess of acid is produced which irritates the lining of the stomach. Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach irritates the tube that leads from the mouth into the stomach (the oesophagus). Antacids, such as Magnesium Hydroxide, neutralise the acid and relieve the discomfort of indigestion and heartburn.

Magnesium Hydroxide is available in oral liquid form.

Before Taking Magnesium Hydroxide

Before taking Magnesium Hydroxide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from lower tummy pain, cramping, bloating, nausea or vomiting
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Magnesium Hydroxide

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Magnesium Hydroxide exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If taking Magnesium Hydroxide as an antacid it is best taken one to three hours after food and at bedtime.
• Magnesium Hydroxide is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Magnesium Hydroxide contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not take Magnesium Hydroxide for more than two weeks unless directed by your doctor. If your stomach problem is not helped by this medicine or if it keeps returning, then check with your doctor.
• Do not take this medicine within two to three hours of taking other medicines as it may stop the other medicine working.
• Many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they should go to the toilet every day. This is not the case as for many people it is normal not to go to the toilet every day.
• A well balanced diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with 6 to 8 full glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function. For people who have problems with constipation, food such as pastries, puddings, sugar, sweets, cheese and cake can make matters worse.
• Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) or alcohol can make constipation worse as they have a diuretic effect, which means they cause a loss of fluid from the body, causing dehydration.

Can Magnesium Hydroxide cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, tummy pain, bloating or belching.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Magnesium Hydroxide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 22/02/2005