• Basic Info
• Top Questions

What is this medicine?

MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE (mag NEE zhum hye DROX ide) is a laxative and an antacid. It is used to treat constipation. It is also used to treat acid indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bowel, intestinal, or stomach disease
• change in bowel habits for more than 14 days
• kidney disease
• low magnesium diet
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain or blockage
• an unusual or allergic reaction to magnesium hydroxide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. After taking this medicine, drink a full glass of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• antibiotics
• delavirdine
• gabapentin
• lactulose
• medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole and ketoconazole
• medicines for osteoporosis like alendronate, etidronate, risedronate and tiludronate
• medicines for seizures like ethotoin and phenytoin
• methenamine
• other magnesium-containing antacids, laxatives or supplements
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• quinidine
• rosuvastatin
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• sotalol
• vitamin D

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat yourself for constipation with this medicine for more than 1 week. See a doctor if you have black tarry stools, rectal bleeding, or if you feel unusually tired. Do not change to another laxative product without advice.

If you are taking other medicines, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.

To help reduce constipation, drink several glasses of water a day.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• confusion
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• rectal bleeding
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• chalky taste
• diarrhea
• stomach cramps

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.