Magnesium Hydroxide Tablets 500mg Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Tablets

Available Strengths: 500mg

Reference Brands:

Category: Gastrointestinal Drugs

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium hydroxide reduces stomach acid and increases water in the intestines which may induce bowel movements. Magnesium hydroxide is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Magnesium hydroxide is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn.

Product Description:

Magnesium hydroxide has two dose-dependent uses. At lower doses it neutralises gastric acid, relieving heartburn and indigestion. At higher doses much of the magnesium stays unabsorbed in the gut, where it draws water in by osmosis and stimulates release of cholecystokinin, increasing bowel movements — the basis of its long use as a laxative, familiar as milk of magnesia.

As an antacid it acts quickly and lasts moderately long; it is often combined with aluminium hydroxide to offset its laxative effect. As a laxative it usually works within a few hours. Diarrhoea and abdominal cramping are the expected adverse effects at laxative doses. About a tenth of the magnesium is absorbed, and in renal impairment it can accumulate to cause hypermagnesaemia, with weakness, hypotension and, in severe cases, cardiac effects. It reduces absorption of tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, iron and levothyroxine, so doses are separated.

Sourcing notes. A commodity with many manufacturers. Labelling must reflect intended use — antacid or laxative — because dosing differs and some markets register the two uses separately. Chewable tablets need acceptable taste and mouthfeel. Magnesium content per tablet should be stated for renal patients, and heavy-metal limits apply to the raw material.