In the pharmaceutical industry, Magnesium Hydroxide (often formulated as Milk of Magnesia) is a classic osmotic laxative and antacid. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify its safety for daily use based on the intended purpose and the patient’s renal health.While it is generally safe for short-term relief, “daily use” beyond two weeks can lead to electrolyte imbalances and “laxative dependency,” where the bowels lose their natural muscle tone.
Safety Profile by Clinical Indication
| Use Case | Daily Safety Status | Pharmacist’s Guidance |
| Occasional Constipation | Safe (Short-term) | Generally limited to 7 consecutive days. |
| Antacid (Heartburn) | Safe (Short-term) | Should not be used at maximum dose for more than 2 weeks. |
| Chronic Use | Caution / Monitor | Risk of Hypermagnesemia, especially in the elderly. |
| Renal Impairment | Contraindicated | Nearing total restriction if $GFR < 30$ mL/min. |
Mechanism: The Osmotic Pull
Magnesium Hydroxide works through two primary pathways depending on the dose.
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Osmotic Effect (Laxative): It is poorly absorbed from the intestinal tract. It draws water from the surrounding tissues into the colon via osmosis. This increase in water volume softens the stool and stretches the intestinal wall, triggering peristalsis (the movement that pushes stool out).
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Neutralization (Antacid): It reacts chemically with stomach acid (Hydrochloric Acid) to form Magnesium Chloride and Water, rapidly raising the gastric pH.
Critical Risks of Daily Use
As a manufacturer and pharmacist, you should be aware of the “Magnesium Accumulation” risk:
Hypermagnesemia: If used daily, especially in patients with undiagnosed kidney issues, magnesium levels in the blood can rise to toxic levels. This can cause muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Electrolyte Depletion: Constant osmotic “flushing” can lead to the loss of Potassium ($K^+$) and Sodium ($Na^+$), which are critical for heart and nerve function.
The “Laxative Habit”: Chronic daily use can lead to a “lazy bowel,” where the body becomes unable to produce a bowel movement without the osmotic trigger.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint at your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai:
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Marketing Accuracy: When listing Magnesium Hydroxide (as a liquid suspension or tablet) on your digital platforms, ensure the “Warnings” section highlights Renal Impairment. This technical precision builds high levels of trust with international buyers.
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Formulation Stability: Magnesium Hydroxide suspensions are prone to “caking” (settling at the bottom). Highlight your advanced homogenization and suspension technology to B2B clients to prove superior shelf-life and dosing accuracy.
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Packaging for Export: Liquid formulations are heavy for export. Cross-promoting your Magnesium Hydroxide Chewable Tablets on your marketplace is a great way to offer a lightweight, cost-effective alternative for international shipping.
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Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to help you register your brand in various global markets, supporting its use as an essential over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.