Megalax Laxative
Megalax Laxative Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Magnesium hydroxide increases peristaltic activity causing osmotic retention of fluids, thus resulting in bowel evacuation. It also reduces stomach acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid to form Mg chloride.
As an antacid, magnesium hydroxide suspension neutralizes gastric acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form magnesium chloride and water. It is practically insoluble in water and does not have any effect until it reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. There, it decreases the direct acid irritant effect and increases the pH in the stomach leading to inactivation of pepsin. Magnesium hydroxide enhances the integrity of the mucosal barrier of the stomach as well as improving the tone of both the gastric and esophageal sphincters.
As a laxative, the magnesium hydroxide works by increasing the osmotic effect in the intestinal tract and drawing water in. This creates distension of the colon which results in an increase in peristaltic movement and bowel evacuation.
| Trade Name | Megalax Laxative |
| Generic | Magnesium Hydroxide |
| Magnesium Hydroxide Other Names | Hidroxido de magnesio, Magnesii hydroxidum, Magnesio hidróxido, Magnesium dihydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, Milk of magnesia |
| Type | Liquid |
| Formula | H2MgO2 |
| Weight | Average: 58.32 Monoisotopic: 57.990521206 |
| Protein binding | Magnesium hydroxide does not have any protein binding properties. |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | Antacid with laxative action |
| Manufacturer | Torque Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Available Country | India |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Acid regurgitation, Constipation, Gastric ulcer, Gastrointestinal hyperacidity, Heartburn, Indigestion, Non ulcer dyspepsia, Osmotic laxative
Megalax Laxative is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acid indigestion, Colic, Constipation, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gastric Ulcer, Heartburn, Upset stomach, Antacid therapy, Gastric Acid Suppression
How Megalax Laxative works
The suspension of magnesium hydroxide is ingested and enters the stomach. According to the amount ingested, the magnesium hydroxide will either act as an antacid or a laxative.
Through the ingestion of 0.5-1.5 grams (in adults) the magnesium hydroxide will act by simple acid neutralization in the stomach. The hydroxide ions from the magnesium hydroxide suspension will combine with the acidic H+ ions of the hydrochloric acid made by the stomachs parietal cells. This neutralization reaction will result in the formation of magnesium chloride and water.
Through the ingestion of 2-5 grams (in adults) the magnesium hydroxide acts as a laxative in the colon. The majority of the suspension is not absorbed in the intestinal tract and will create an osmotic effect to draw water into the gut from surrounding tissues. With this increase of water in the intestines, the feces will soften and the intraluminal volume of the feces will increase. These effects still stimulate intestinal motility and induce the urge to defecate. Magnesium hydroxide will also release cholecystokinin (CKK) in the intestines which will accumulate water and electrolytes in the lumen and furthermore increase intestinal motility.
Dosage
Megalax Laxative dosage
Gastrointestinal hyperacidity:
- Adult: Up to 1 g daily, usually given in conjunction with an aluminium-containing antacid eg, aluminium hydroxide.
Osmotic laxative:
- Adult: 2.4-4.8 g daily as a single dose or in divided doses.
- Child: 6-11 yr: 1.2-2.4 g daily; 2-5 yr: 0.4-1.2 g daily. Doses may be given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Side Effects
GI irritation, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps; hypermagnesaemia (in patients with renal impairment). Paralytic ileus.
Toxicity
LD50=8500 mg/kg (rat, oral)
Common side effects include drowsiness or flushing (warmth, redness or tingly feeling).
Daily use of magnesium hydroxide can result in fluid and electrolyte disturbances.
Excessive use of the laxative effects of magnesium hydroxide may result in abdominal cramping, nausea and/or diarrhea.
In overdose, symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation and/or watery diarrhea may occur.
Magnesium hydroxide poisoning can result in hypermagnesemia which includes symptoms of: nausea, vomiting, flushing, thirst, hypotension, drowsiness, confusion, loss of tendon reflexes, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, coma and cardiac arrest.
Not to be used in individuals with any form of kidney disease or renal failure, a magnesium restricted diet or with any sudden changes in bowel movement lasting over two weeks. Also not to be used in those individuals with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis or myocardial damage, heart block, fecal impaction, rectal fissures, intestinal obstruction or perforation or renal disease. Not to be used in women who are about to deliver as magnesium crosses the placenta and is excreted in small amounts in breast milk.
Using magnesium hydroxide with aluminum hydroxide can decrease the absorption rate of these drugs.
Magnesium hydroxide can react with digoxin, dicoumerol and cimetidine.
Use of ibuprofen with magnesium hydroxide can increase the absorption of the ibuprofen.
Use of magnesium hydroxide with penicallamine, bisphosphates, ketoconazole, quinolones or tetracycline can decrease the absorption of these drugs.
Enteric-coated tablets can be prematurely released when taken with magnesium hydroxide.
It is important to routinely monitor levels of serum magnesium and potassium in patients using magnesium hydroxide. Serum magnesium levels are necessary to determine how much magnesium is being absorbed and how much is being excreted by the kidneys. Excessive diarrhea can occur from use of magnesium hydroxide and thus it is important to also monitor serum potassium levels to ensure hypokalemia does not occur.
Precaution
Colostomy, ileostomy; electrolyte imbalance. Monitor for toxicity in patients with impaired renal function. Pregnancy.
Interaction
Decreases absorption of tetracyclines and biphosphonates. Separate administration of these and other drugs by around 2 hr.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Volume of Distribution
The peak action and distribution of magnesium hydroxide are variable.
Elimination Route
About 15%-50% of magnesium hydroxide is absorbed very slowly through the small intestine.
Half Life
N/A
Clearance
Magnesium hydroxide is mainly excreted in the urine by the kidneys. Since the kidneys play a major role in its clearance, individuals with renal failure are at risk of hypermagnesemia with long term consumption as the appropriate amounts of magnesium may not be excreted.
Elimination Route
After oral administration, up to 50% of the magnesium hydroxide suspension may be absorbed as magnesium ions through the small intestines and then rapidly excreted in the urine through the kidneys. The unabsorbed drug is mainly excreted in the feces and saliva.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy category- A.
Contraindication
Intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction; renal failure; appendicitis.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Megalax Laxative
Megalax Laxative contains Magnesium Hydroxide see full prescribing information from innovator Megalax Laxative Monograph, Megalax Laxative MSDS, Megalax Laxative FDA label
FAQ
What is Megalax Laxative?
Magnesium hydroxide is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula Mg(OH)2. It occurs in nature as the mineral brucite. It is a white solid with low solubility in water (Ksp = 5.61×10−12). Magnesium hydroxide is a common component of antacids, such as milk of magnesia.
What is Megalax Laxative used for?
Megalax Laxative reduces stomach acid, and increases water in the intestines which may induce bowel movements. Megalax Laxative is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Megalax Laxative is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn.
Is it safe to take Megalax Laxative daily?
It's recommended to only take a daily Megalax Laxative supplement that provides more than 350 mg while under medical supervision. Though magnesium toxicity is rare, taking certain magnesium supplements at high doses may cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping.
What is the common side effect of Megalax Laxative?
Megalax Laxative side effects are severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; no bowel movement after using the medicine as a laxative; rectal bleeding; or. worsening symptoms.
Is Megalax Laxative a natural product?
Magnesium hydroxide is an inorganic compound. It is naturally found as the mineral brucite. Megalax Laxative can be used as an antacid or a laxative in either an oral liquid suspension or chewable tablet form.
When is the best time to take Megalax Laxative?
Megalax Laxative 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.
Is magnesium and Milk of Magnesia the same thing?
Milk of magnesia contains magnesium, which is a naturally occurring mineral. The human body requires magnesium to help many of its systems function properly, most notably the muscles and the nerves. Milk of magnesia is also known as magnesium hydroxide, which is its chemical name.
What are the symptoms of low magnesium in the body?
As magnesium deficiency worsens, symptoms may include:
- numbness.
- tingling.
- muscle cramps.
- seizures.
- muscle spasticity.
- personality changes.
- abnormal heart rhythms.
What medications should not take with Megalax Laxative?
Taking Megalax Laxative along with tetracyclines might decrease the effectiveness of tetracyclines. To avoid this interaction take calcium 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking tetracyclines. Some tetracyclines include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin).
Is Megalax Laxative harmful to skin?
Concentrated Sodium Hydroxide, Calcium Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide are strong irritants and corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system if ingested.
Who should not take Megalax Laxative?
People with diabetes, intestinal disease, heart disease or kidney disease should not take Megalax Laxative before speaking with their health care provider. Overdose. Signs of a Megalax Laxative overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
What does Megalax Laxative do to poop?
Megalax Laxative helps to increase the amount of water in the intestines, which can help with bowel movements. It may be used as a laxative due to these properties, or as a supplement for magnesium deficiency.
What fruit is highest in magnesium?
Bananas. Bananas are among the most popular fruits in the world. They're best known for their high potassium content, which can lower blood pressure and is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease (40). But they're also rich in magnesium one large banana packs 37 mg, or 9% of the RDI (41).
Is Megalax Laxative safe during pregnancy?
Megalax Laxative is safe to use during pregnancy. But, keep in mind that just like any other drug, there are still some risks. For instance, it's possible for this laxative to interact with some of your other medications and supplements.
Is Megalax Laxative safe during breastfeeding?
Small amounts of magnesium may also make its way into breast milk, but again, doctors do not know the safety of this. As such, the general advice is to avoid using milk of magnesia when pregnant or breastfeeding.
