• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Interactions

How should I take magnesium hydroxide?

Take magnesium hydroxide exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.

Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing them.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of magnesium with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Do not use magnesium hydroxide as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium hydroxide should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium hydroxide and contact your healthcare provider. Do not take more magnesium hydroxide than is directed. Store magnesium hydroxide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an magnesium hydroxide overdose include nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma, and death.

What should I avoid while taking magnesium hydroxide?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking magnesium hydroxide unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of magnesium hydroxide?

Stop taking magnesium hydroxide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take magnesium hydroxide and talk to your doctor if you experience diarrhea or an upset stomach.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect magnesium hydroxide?

Before taking magnesium hydroxide, talk to your doctor if you are taking

• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others);

• a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), and others;

• penicillamine (Cuprimine);

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or

• nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, others).

You not be able to take magnesium hydroxide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with magnesium hydroxide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about magnesium hydroxide written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Magnesium hydroxide is available over-the-counter generically and under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.