Magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide is an over-the-counter osmotic laxative and antacid. It works by drawing water into the bowel to facilitate stool movement and by neutralizing excess stomach acid to relieve indigestion.
Dosage by Body Weight
Take with a full glass of water. Dosage depends on age and the condition being treated. For constipation, do not use for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Extremely high risk of hypermagnesemia. Do not use in infants.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not administer to infants under 2 years of age unless directed by a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mL to 5 mL (of 400 mg/5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Once daily, preferably at bedtime
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 0.5 to 1 teaspoon. Follow with a full glass of liquid. Consult a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 5 mL to 15 mL (of 400 mg/5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Once daily, preferably at bedtime
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 1 to 3 teaspoons. Ensure adequate hydration.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Extremely high risk of hypermagnesemia. Do not use in infants. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Do not administer to infants under 2 years of age unless directed by a pediatrician. |
| 8-10 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Consult a healthcare provider before use. |
| 11-15 kg | 2.5 mL to 5 mL (of 400 mg/5 mL suspension) | Once daily, preferably at bedtime | Equivalent to 0.5 to 1 teaspoon. Follow with a full glass of liquid. Consult a pediatrician. |
| 16-20 kg | 5 mL to 15 mL (of 400 mg/5 mL suspension) | Once daily, preferably at bedtime | Equivalent to 1 to 3 teaspoons. Ensure adequate hydration. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation and as an antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion.
Generic Name
Magnesium hydroxideBranded Drug Names
Magnesium hydroxide is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.