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Magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, otherwise known as milk of magnesia, is commonly used as an antacid or a laxative. The mineral form of magnesium hydroxide is known as brucite. Magnesium hydroxide interferes with the absorption of folic acid and iron. Magnesium hydroxide is used on a short-term basis to treat constipation.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. It can be prepared by three general ways:
Mg3N2(s) + H2O(l) --> 2NH3(g) + Mg(OH)2(aq)
Solid Magnesium nitride + Water = Ammonia + Aqueous Magnesium Hydroxide
MgO(s) + H2O(l) --> Mg(OH)2(aq)
Solid Magnesium oxide + Water = Aqueous Magnesium Hydroxide
Mg(s) + 2H2O --> Mg(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
Solid Magnesium + Water = Aqueous Magnesium Hydroxide + Hydrogen Gas
What is the most important information I should know about magnesium hydroxide?
Before taking magnesium hydroxide, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium hydroxide may not be recommended in some situations.
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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking magnesium hydroxide?
Do not take magnesium hydroxide without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease. 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.
Before taking magnesium hydroxide, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium hydroxide may not be recommended in some situations.
It is not known whether magnesium hydroxide will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take magnesium hydroxide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether magnesium hydroxide will be harmful to an nursing baby. Do not take magnesium hydroxide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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.
Source: www.drugs.com
en.wikipedia.org/
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