For anyone who is interested...
Magnesium Hydroxide
CASRN: 1309-42-8
For other data, click on the Table of Contents
Drug Levels and Effects:
Summary of Use during Lactation:
Magnesium hydroxide is acceptable to use during breastfeeding.
Drug Levels:
Maternal Levels. Ten pre-eclamptic mothers were given 4 grams of magnesium sulfate intravenously followed by 1 gram per hour until 24 hours after delivery. Average colostrum magnesium levels at the time of discontinuation of the infusion were 64 mg/L in treated women and 48 mg/L in the controls. By 48 hours after discontinuation, colostrum magnesium levels were only slightly above control values and by 72 hours they were virtually identical to controls.[1] The maternal serum magnesium levels with intravenous magnesium sulfate are much higher than would be expected with magnesium hydroxide orally.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants:
Fifty mothers who were in the first day postpartum received 15 mL of either mineral oil or an emulsion of mineral oil and magnesium hydroxide equivalent to 900 mg of magnesium hydroxide, although the exact number who received each product was not stated. Additional doses were given on subsequent days if needed. None of the breastfed infants were noted to have any markedly abnormal stools, but all of the infants also received supplemental feedings.[2]
Possible Effects on Lactation:
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
AAP Category:
Not listed, but magnesium sulfate is rated as usually compatible with breastfeeding.[3]
Alternate Drugs to Consider:
Bisacodyl, Docusate, Psyllium, Senna
References:
- Cruikshank DP , Varner MW, Pitkin RM. Breast milk magnesium and calcium concentrations following magnesium sulfate treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1982;143:685-8. PMID: 7091241
- Baldwin WF. Clinical study of senna administration to nursing mothers. Can Med Assoc J. 1963;89:566-7.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. The transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001;108:776-89. PMID: 11533352
Substance Identification:
Substance Name: Magnesium Hydroxide
CAS Registry Number: 1309-42-8
Drug Class:
Antacids
Cathartics
Gastrointestinal Agents
Magnesium Compounds
Administrative Information:
LactMed Record Number:
463
Last Revision Date:
20071227
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.