n.
A white powder, Mg(OH)2, used as an antacid and a laxative.
magnesium hydroxide
| Dictionary: magnesium hydroxide |
n.
| 5min Related Video: magnesium hydroxide |
| Chemistry Dictionary: magnesium hydroxide |
A white solid compound, Mg(OH)2; trigonal; r.d. 2.36; decomposes at 350°C. Magnesium hydroxide occurs naturally as the mineral brucite and can be prepared by reacting magnesium sulphate or chloride with sodium hydroxide solution. It is used in the refining of sugar and in the processing of uranium. Medicinally it is important as an antacid (milk of magnesia) and as a laxative.
| Drug Info: Magnesium Hydroxide |
Brand names: Dulcolax® Milk of MagnesiaEx-Lax® Milk of MagnesiaFreelax™Milk of MagnesiaPhillips® Milk of Magnesia
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Magnesium Hydroxide chewable tablets (below)
- Magnesium Hydroxide Chewable tablet
- Magnesium Hydroxide Oral suspension
- Magnesium Hydroxide Soft chew
- Español:
- Tabletas masticables de hidróxido de magnesio
- Hidróxido de magnesio, Tableta masticable
- Hidróxido de magnesio, Suspensión oral
- Hidróxido De Magnesio, Tableta masticable blanda
Magnesium Hydroxide chewable tablets
What are magnesium hydroxide chewable tablets?
MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE (Phillip's® Milk of Magnesia, Ex-Lax® Milk of Magnesia, and others) is a laxative used to temporarily relieve occasional constipation. It is sometimes used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion or heartburn. Generic magnesium hydroxide chewable tablets are available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• colostomy
• dehydration
• diarrhea
• intestinal problems like colitis or diverticulitis
• kidney disease
• stomach bleeding or obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to magnesium , foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take magnesium hydroxide by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Chew the tablets well in your mouth before swallowing. After taking the medication, drink a full glass of water. If used as a laxative, magnesium hydroxide works best if taken before bedtime or in the morning. If used as an antacid it is usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your prescriber. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
Magnesium hydroxide is only taken when needed for constipation or stomach upset. It is usually not recommended for continued use. Missing a dose is usually not harmful. Do not take double or extra doses because this may cause too harsh of a laxative effect.What drug(s) may interact with magnesium hydroxide?
• acetaminophen• alendronate
• antibiotics
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• captopril
• delavirdine
• etidronate
• gabapentin
• heart medicines, such as digoxin
• iron salts
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• medicines for stomach ulcers and stomach problems
• misoprostol
• mycophenolate
• other magnesium-containing antacids, laxatives or supplements
• pancrelipase
• penicillamine
• phenytoin
• quinidine
• risedronate
• rosuvastatin
• sodium fluoride
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• sotalol
• sucralfate
• tiludronate
• valproic acid
• vitamin D
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking magnesium hydroxide?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if magnesium hydroxide does not relieve your constipation or upset stomach; if you get black tarry stools; notice any rectal bleeding; or feel unusually tired.Do not treat yourself for constipation or stomach problems with magnesium hydroxide for more than 2 weeks without consulting your prescriber or health care professional.
If you are taking other medications, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after dosing with magnesium hydroxide. If you are taking prescription medications check with a healthcare professional before taking magnesium hydroxide.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to relieve constipation and prevent dehydration.
What side effects may I notice from taking magnesium hydroxide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• confusion, decreased alertness
• drowsiness or dizziness
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• chalky taste
• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F), do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
| Architecture: magnesium hydroxide |
A white powder which is slightly soluble in water; in dolomitic-type limes used in plaster, its presence helps the lime to spread more easily.
| Wikipedia: Magnesium hydroxide |
| Magnesium hydroxide | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| IUPAC name |
|
| Other names | Milk of Magnesia |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [] |
| PubChem | |
| RTECS number | OM3570000 |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | Mg(OH)2 |
| Molar mass | 58.3197 g/mol |
| Appearance | White solid |
| Density | 2.3446 g/cm3 |
| Melting point |
350 °C (decomp.) |
| Solubility in water | 1.2 mg/100 mL |
| Solubility product, Ksp | 1.5 x10-11 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.559 [1] |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of formation ΔfH |
−925 kJ/mol |
| Standard molar entropy S |
63 J K−1 mol−1 |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | External MSDS |
| EU Index | Not listed |
| NFPA 704 |
 0
1
0
|
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Related compounds | |
| Other anions | Magnesium oxide |
| Other cations | Beryllium hydroxide Calcium hydroxide Strontium hydroxide Barium hydroxide |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references |
|
Magnesium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Mg(OH)2. As a suspension in water, it may be referred to as Milk of Magnesia. The solid mineral form of magnesium hydroxide is known as brucite.
Magnesium hydroxide is common component of antacids and laxatives. Magnesium hydroxide interferes with the absorption of folic acid and iron.[2]
Magnesium hydroxide is not very soluble in water, with a Ksp of 1.5x10-11. While the solubility of magnesium hydroxide is low, all of the magnesium hydroxide that does dissolve in the water does dissociate. Since the dissociation of this small amount of dissolved magnesium hydroxide is complete, magnesium hydroxide is considered a strong base.
Preparation
Magnesium hydroxide is commercially available and there is no need to prepare it in the laboratory. It can be precipitated by the metathesis reaction between magnesium salts and sodium, potassium, or ammonium hydroxide:
- Mg2+ (aq) + 2OH− (aq) → Mg(OH)2 (s)
Uses
Magnesium hydroxide has a variety of uses.
Magnesium hydroxide, in the form of Milk of Magnesia, is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid, and a laxative. The diarrhea caused by magnesium hydroxide carries away much of the body's supply of potassium, and failure to take extra potassium may lead to muscle cramps.[3] In addition it can be used as a non antiperspirant underarm (armpit) deodorant.[4] It is also used in bleaching solutions to whiten clothes.[5]
Magnesium hydroxide is used industrially as a non-hazardous alkali to neutralise acidic wastewaters.[6]
Magnesium hydroxide takes part in the Biorock method of building artificial reefs.
Magnesium hydroxide also has smoke suppressing and fire retarding properties. This is due to the endothermic decomposition it undergoes at 332°C (630°F) :
The heat absorbed by the reaction acts as a retardant by delaying ignition of the associated substance. The water released dilutes any combustible gases and inhibits oxygen from aiding the combustion. Common uses of magnesium hydroxide as a fire retardant include plastics, roofing, and coatings.
References
- ^ Pradyot Patnaik. Handbook of Inorganic Chemicals. McGraw-Hill, 2002, ISBN 0070494398
- ^ http://health.med.umich.edu/healthcontent.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=detail&AEProductID=HW_CAM&AEArticleID=hn-1431002
- ^ Magnesium Hydroxide - Revolution Health
- ^ Milk of Magnesia Makes Good Antiperspirant
- ^ http://www.sandonoakhill.com/documents/Grooming_Tips.pdf
- ^ http://www.wateronline.com/article.mvc/The-Use-Of-Magnesium-Hydroxide-Slurry-For-Bio-0001?VNETCOOKIE=NO
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 | Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide |
| Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide; Simethicone |
| milk of magnesia |
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Related answers
- What is Magnesium hydroxide hydrochloric acid magnesium chloride water symbol?
- How do you Convert magnesium oxide to magnesium hydroxide?
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Mentioned in
- Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide
- Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide; Simethicone
- milk of magnesia
- brucite
- Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Carbonate
- Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Trisilicate
- Dow process
- antacids
- magaldrate
- hydrotalcite (mineralogy)
- high-calcium lime
- Magnesium Hydroxide chewable tablets
- Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide; Simethicone oral suspension
- Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide; Simethicone tablets
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