Also indexed as: Milk of Magnesia, MOM
Magnesium hydroxide is used as an antacid
for short-term relief of stomach upset and as
a laxative for short-term treatment of
constipation. Magnesium hydroxide is available in nonprescription products alone and in
combination with other nonprescription ingredients to relieve stomach upset.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Folic Acid
Iron*
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Potassium
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Folic
acid
Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize
vitamin B12. Antacids, including magnesium hydroxide, inhibit folic acid
absorption.1 People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid.
Iron
Antacids, including magnesium hydroxide, may
reduce the absorption of dietary iron. Iron supplements do not require stomach acid for
absorption and one human study found that a magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide antacid did not decrease
supplemental iron absorption.2
Potassium
Individuals taking potassium-depleting
diuretics and those who are otherwise at risk of developing potassium deficiency (such as
people with chronic diarrhea or vomiting) may
experience a fall in serum potassium levels if they take magnesium without taking additional
potassium.3 This could lead to muscle cramps or, in individuals taking digoxin or digitalis, more serious problems such as cardiac arrhythmias. Individuals who have a
history of potassium deficiency and those who are at risk of developing potassium deficiency,
as well as people taking digoxin or digitalis, should consult a physician before taking
magnesium-containing products.
References:1. Russell RM, Golner BB, Krasinski SD, et al. Effect of antacid and H2
receptor antagonists on the intestinal absorption of folic acid. J Lab Clin Med
1988;112:458–63.
2. O’Neil-Cutting MA, Crosby WH. The effect of antacids on the
absorption of simultaneously ingested iron. JAMA 1986;255:1468–70.
3. Dyckner T, Wester PO. Ventricular extrasystoles and intracellular
electrolytes before and after potassium and magnesium infusions in patients on diuretic
treatment. Am Heart J 1979;97:12–8.