MAGNESIA

Drug Name: MAGNESIA

MAGNESIA DESCRIPTION:
MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE - ORAL (mag-NEE-zee-um hi-DROX-ide)

COMMON MAGNESIA BRAND NAME(S):
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia

MAGNESIA SIDE EFFECTS:
MAGNESIA may cause diarrhea. If diarrhea persists or worsens, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if the following effects occur: black/tarry stools or rectal bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MAGNESIA:
MAGNESIA: Take MAGNESIA as prescribed. Use only temporarily to relieve constipation. When regularity returns, stop using the medication. Prolonged or continued use may result in laxative dependence. To be effective, chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing followed by a full glass of water. Shake liquid forms well before pouring each dose. Do not take any other medication within 1 to 2 hours of taking MAGNESIA. Since magnesium hydroxide coats the stomach, it can prevent other drugs from being absorbed properly if taken at the same time.

MAGNESIA USES:
MAGNESIA is used to treat occasional episodes of constipation. It acts to produce a bowel movement within 6 hours of taking a dose. MAGNESIA is also used for upset stomach caused by heartburn, acid indigestion or sour stomach; for peptic ulcer, hiatal hernia or other conditions caused by excess stomach acid; and to prevent ulcers or bleeding from ulcers.

MAGNESIA PRECAUTIONS:
Do not take magnesium hydroxide before consulting your doctor if you have the following conditions: kidney disease, stomach/abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Do not give MAGNESIA to a child under six years of age without first consulting a doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if magnesium hydroxide is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before using this medicine.

MAGNESIA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: antibiotics, quinidine, sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MAGNESIA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

MAGNESIA NOTES:
Refrigerating the liquid may improve the taste. (Do not freeze). The liquid form works faster and is more effective than the other forms. However, chewable tablets may be more convenient.

MISSED MAGNESIA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

MAGNESIA STORAGE:
Store capsule and tablet forms at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of MAGNESIA.