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.

Magnesium hydroxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use magnesium hydroxide without a doctor's advice if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Magnesium hydroxide come as a chewable tablet, tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It usually is taken as a single daily dose (preferably at bedtime) or you may divide the dose into two or more parts over one day. Magnesium hydroxide usually causes a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours after taking it. Follow the directions on the package or on your product label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take magnesium hydroxide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are giving magnesium hydroxide to your child, read the package label carefully to make sure that it is the right product for the age of the child. Do not give children magnesium hydroxide products that are made for adults. Check the package label to find out how much medication the child needs. Ask your child's doctor if you don't know how much medication to give your child.

Take the suspension, chewable tablets, and tablets with a full glass (8 ounces [240 milliliters]) of liquid.

Do not take magnesium hydroxide for longer than 1 week without talking to your doctor.

Shake the oral suspension well before each use.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need to shake the oral suspension before each use.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

When taken as a laxative, magnesium hydroxide should produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with magnesium hydroxide does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this medicine.

Do not use magnesium hydroxide for longer than 7 days without medical advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use magnesium hydroxide without a doctor's advice if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if magnesium hydroxide is safe to use if:

• you have kidney disease;

• you are on a low-magnesium diet; or

• you have a sudden change in bowel habits that has been ongoing for longer than 2 weeks.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Since magnesium hydroxide is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe diarrhea, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and little or no urination.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze the suspension.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Magnesium hydroxide may cause serious side effects. Stop using magnesium hydroxide and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• no bowel movement after using the medicine as a laxative;

• rectal bleeding; or

• worsening symptoms.

Common side effects of magnesium hydroxide may include:

• diarrhea; or

• a decreased sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect magnesium hydroxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about magnesium hydroxide.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.