Magnesium Hydroxide suspension is used in constipation, heartburn, gas, and nausea. It is also indicated in acute and long-acting constipation due to hyperacidity and peptic ulcer or stomatitis.

Magnesium Hydroxide is popularly known as Milk of Magnesia. It is a mildly acting antacid and laxative. It is poorly and slowly absorbed and acts by its osmotic properties in the luminal fluid, which causes retention of fluid in the bowel. It is useful for emptying the bowel prior to surgical, radiological, and colonoscopic procedures and can help to eliminate parasites following appropriate therapy and toxic material in some cases of poisoning. Magnesium Hydroxide is converted into Magnesium Chloride in the stomach without forming carbon dioxide.

As Laxative:

• Adults: 2-4 Tablespoonful with a full glass of water.
• Children: 6-11 years: 1-2 Tablespoonful with a full glass of water. 2-5 years: 1-3 Teaspoonful with a full glass of water.

As Antacid:

• Adults: 1-3 teaspoonful (5 to 15 ml) up to 4 times daily with water.
• Children: 1-3 years: ¼ teaspoonful. 3-6 years: ¼-½ teaspoonful. 6-12 years: ½-1 teaspoonful

Magnesium hydroxide can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as digoxin, mycophenolate, phosphate supplements (e.g., potassium phosphate), tetracycline antibiotics, certain azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), and quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).

Magnesium Hydroxide should not be administered where the use of a laxative is contraindicated. Long-term treatment with Magnesium Hydroxide is contraindicated in patients with renal failure.

Magnesium Hydroxide, in common with other magnesium salts, may cause diarrhea.

The drug should be avoided if possible in patients with renal and hepatic failure and in those with heart block and myocardial disease. The drug may be used cautiously in pregnancy.

Antacid with laxative action

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.