Drug Reference
Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium compounds
OTC
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Magnesium compounds
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
AlmaconeComfort GelDuo FusionGelusilInon Ace SolutionInon Ace TabletMaalox MaxMaalox PlusMilantexMintox PlusMirafastPedia-Lax ChewablePepcid CompletePhillips Milk of MagnesiaRolaids Reformulated Aug 2006Tums Dual Action
Available as
83 MG/ML · Oral Suspension600 MG · Oral Tablet200 MG · Oral Tablet30 MG/ML · Oral Solution160 MG · Chewable Tablet1000 MG · Chewable Tablet200 MG/ML · Oral Suspension1330 MG · Chewable Tablet80 MG/ML · Oral Suspension50 MG · Oral Tablet160 MG/ML · Oral Suspension700 MG · Chewable Tablet1200 MG · Chewable Tablet120 MG/ML · Oral Suspension311 MG · Oral Tablet550 MG · Chewable Tablet40 MG/ML · Oral Suspension100 MG/ML · Oral Suspension44 MG/ML · Oral Suspension600 MG · Chewable Tablet1250 MG · Chewable Tablet800 MG · Oral Capsule800 MG · Chewable Tablet200 MG · Chewable Tablet
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Uses relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours
How to use / dosing
Directions shake well before use do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose in a 24 hour period dose may be taken once a day preferably at bedtime, in divided doses, or as directed by a doctor drink a full glass (8 oz) of liquid with each dose for accurate dosing, only use the dosing cup provided mL = milliliter age dose adults and children 12 years and over 30 mL to 60 mL children 6 to 11 years 15 mL to 30 mL children under 6 years ask a doctor
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyConsult your doctor
…you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…Warnings Ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease a magnesium-restricted diet stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 14 days Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are presently…
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease a magnesium-restricted diet stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 14 days Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are presently taking a prescription drug. This product may interact with certain prescription drugs. Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after using this product. These could be signs of a serious condition. you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- MILK OF MAGNESIA MINT (MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE) LIQUID [PREFERRED PHARMACEUTICALS INC.]
- PEPCID COMPLETE (FAMOTIDINE, CALCIUM CARBONATE, AND MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE) TABLET, CHEWABLE [SELECT CONSUMER GROUP]
- MILK OF MAGNESIA (MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE) SUSPENSION [KROGER COMPANY]
- CALCIUM CARBONATE, MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE TABLET, CHEWABLE [CONTRACT PHARMACAL CORP.]
- MAG-AL PLUS (ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE, AND SIMETHICONE) SUSPENSION [CARDINAL HEALTH 107, LLC]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.