Magnesium hydroxide is used to treat constipation or other conditions caused by increased stomach acid, such as heartburn. This drug is available in tablet and syrup form.
As a laxative or laxative, magnesium hydroxide works by softening the stool, so that bowel movements become smoother. The use of this drug as a laxative is not recommended for long periods of time. In addition, this drug can also neutralize stomach acid, thereby preventing complaints due to increased gastric acid levels.
Trademark: Laxasium
What's that Magnesium Hydroxide?
| group | Antacids and laxatives |
| Medicine category | Free medicine |
| Benefit | Neutralize stomach acid and overcome constipation |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Magnesium Hydroxide for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not yet categorized Magnesium hydroxide can be used to treat stomach acid disease for pregnant women according to a doctor's prescription. Magnesium hydroxide can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Syrup and tablets |
Precautions Before Using Magnesium Hydroxide:
- Do not take magnesium hydroxide if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, are on a low-magnesium diet, or have gastrointestinal problems, colitis or intestinal obstruction.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, vitamins, or herbal products.
- If an allergic reaction or overdose occurs after taking magnesium hydroxide, see a doctor immediately.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Magnesium Hydroxide
The dose of magnesium hydroxide for each patient can be different. The following are common doses of magnesium hydroxide based on their function:
To deal with stomach acid rising
- Adults: maximum dose of 1 g per day, usually with other antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide.
To treat constipation
- Adult: 2.4–4.8 g per day in a single dose or in divided doses.
- Children 6–11 years: 1.2–2.4 g per day, taken as a single dose or divided into separate doses.
- Children 2–5 years: 0.4–1.2 g per day, taken as a single dose or divided into separate doses.
How to Consume Magnesium Hydroxide correctly
Use magnesium hydroxide according to the instructions on the package or doctor's instructions. When used as a laxative, magnesium hydroxide will work within 30 minutes to 6 hours after taking it.
Magnesium hydroxide is not just used when needed. Do not use this medication for more than 7 days, unless directed by your doctor.
Chew magnesium hydroxide in tablet form, then swallow it with the help of a glass of water. If you are taking magnesium hydroxide in syrup form, shake it well before consuming it.
We recommend using a spoon or a special measuring cup included in the liquid suspension package. Do not use a regular tablespoon because the measurements can be different.
If you forget to take magnesium hydroxide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the distance to the next scheduled use of the drug is too close, ignore the dose and do not double the dose.
Store magnesium hydroxide at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. In order for the drug to work properly, give a gap of at least 2 hours between taking magnesium hydroxide with other medications.
Interaction Magnesium Hydroxide with other drugs
There are several interaction effects that may occur when magnesium hydroxide is used together with other medicines, namely:
- Decreased effectiveness of aspirin
- Decreased ability of the body to absorb bisphosphonates, digoxin, gabapentin, quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline, or supplements containing phosphates, such as potassium phosphate
- Increased levels of magnesium in the blood when used with cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, or magnesium oxide
- Increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance when used with furosemide or other laxatives
Side Effects and Dangers Magnesium Hydroxide
The side effect that patients can experience while using magnesium hydroxide is diarrhea. Although rare, these antacids can also cause serious side effects, such as high levels of magnesium in the body.
High levels of magnesium are characterized by muscle weakness, heart rhythm disturbances, confusion. Increased levels of magnesium (hypermagnesemia) often occurs in patients who have impaired kidney function.
Stop taking magnesium hydroxide and call your doctor if you experience any persistent or serious side effects. If you experience an allergic reaction to the drug, immediately go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.