.
Combination drugs: Advanced Formula Di-Gel® Tablets, Calcium Rich Rolaids®, Co-Magaldrox, Maalox Plus®, Maalox®, Mucaine®, Mylanta®, Tempo® Tablets
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.
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.
Summary of Interactions for Magnesium Hydroxide
| Depletion or interference | Folic Acid Iron* |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Other (see text) | Potassium |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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.
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