Magnesium hydroxide Health Dictionary

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Magnesium Hydroxide: From 1 Different Sources

a magnesium salt used as an osmotic *laxative to treat constipation. It is also combined with *aluminium hydroxide in antacid preparations.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Magnesium

Magnesium is a light metallic element; it is one of the essential mineral elements of the body, without which the body cannot function properly. The adult body contains around 25 grams of magnesium, the greater part of which is in the bones. More than two-thirds of our daily supply comes from cereals and vegetables; as most other foods also contain useful amounts, there is seldom any di?culty in maintaining an adequate amount in the body. Magnesium is also an essential constituent of several vital enzymes (see ENZYME). De?ciency leads to muscular weakness and interferes with the e?cient working of the heart. The salts of magnesium used as drugs are the hydroxide of magnesium, the oxide of magnesium – generally known as ‘magnesia’ – and the carbonate of magnesium, all of which have an antacid action; also the sulphate of magnesium known as ‘Epsom salts’, which acts as a purgative.

Uses Compounds of magnesia are used to correct hyperacidity of the stomach and as a laxative (see LAXATIVES).... magnesium

Magnesium Trisilicate

A white powder with mild antacid properties (see ANTACIDS) and a prolonged action, it is used for treating peptic ulceration – commonly combined with quickly acting antacids. It has a mild laxative e?ect (see LAXATIVES).... magnesium trisilicate

Magnesium Sulphate

A magnesium compound used as a laxative drug and an anticonvulsant drug.... magnesium sulphate

Aluminium Hydroxide

a safe slow-acting antacid. It is administered (often in combination with magnesium hydroxide) in the treatment of indigestion, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and reflux *oesophagitis.... aluminium hydroxide

Magnesium Carbonate

a weak *antacid used to relieve indigestion. It is taken alone or combined with other compounds in mixtures, powders, and tablets.... magnesium carbonate

Sodium Hydroxide

(caustic soda) a powerful alkali in widespread use as a cleaning agent. It attacks the skin, causing severe chemical burns that are best treated by washing the area with large quantities of water. When swallowed it causes burning of the mouth and throat, which should be treated by giving water, milk, or other fluid to dilute the stomach contents and by gastric lavage.... sodium hydroxide

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