Magnesium Hydroxide oral suspension

What is this medicine?

MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE (mag NEE zhum hye DROX ide) is a laxative. It is used to treat constipation.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine 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 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.

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

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

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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 medicine after the expiration date.

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

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.