What is this medication?
MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE (mag NEE zhum hye DROX ide) treats occasional constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water your intestine absorbs. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, Phillips Milk of Magnesia
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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
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 medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. After taking this medication, drink a full glass of water. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication 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.
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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 medication?
- Antibiotics
- Delavirdine
- Gabapentin
- Lactulose
- Medications for fungal infections like itraconazole and ketoconazole
- Medications for osteoporosis like alendronate, etidronate, risedronate and tiludronate
- Medications 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.
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What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat yourself for constipation with this medication for more than 1 week. See your care team 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 medications, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this medication.
To help reduce constipation, drink several glasses of water a day.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High magnesium level—confusion, drowsiness, facial flushing, redness, sweating, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
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.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
