Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Phillips Magnesia. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Phillips Magnesia with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Phillips Magnesia. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• nausea
• Diarrhea
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• signs of kidney problems (e.g., thirst, flushing, dizziness, muscle weakness, confusion)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., Hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, tongue, face, or throat)

Tablets
Each chewable tablet contains 311 mg of magnesium hydroxide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dextrates, magnesium stearate, peppermint oil, silicon dioxide, starch, sucrose, and maltodextrin.

Suspension
Each mL of suspension contains 80 mg of magnesium hydroxide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose, cherry flavour (cherry only), citric acid, D&C Red No. 28 (cherry only), ethanol, glycerin, menthol, microcrystalline cellulose, mineral oil, peppermint flavouring (mint only), sodium saccharin, sodium citrate, sodium hypochlorite, sucrose, water, and xanthan gum.

Do not take magnesium hydroxide if you:

• are allergic to magnesium hydroxide or any ingredients of the medication
• have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• have heart block
• have seriously reduced kidney function

There may be an interaction between magnesium hydroxide and any of the following:

Do not take other medications 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium hydroxide may reduce the effectiveness of other medications.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Phillips Magnesia. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Phillips Magnesia.

Digestive tract symptoms: Fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or bloating could be symptoms of Appendicitis. Speak with your doctor before taking magnesium hydroxide if you have any of these symptoms.

If you have an ileostomy or colostomy, it is recommended that you avoid magnesium hydroxide and other laxatives.

Heart disease: Magnesium can cause a condition called heart block, a slowing down of the heart rate. Due to this side effect, magnesium hydroxide is generally not recommended for people with heart block.

Kidney function: If you have decreased function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Phillips Magnesia may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Phillips Magnesia, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Long-term use: Phillips Magnesia should not be taken daily for more than one week. Long-term use can make your bowels dependent on Phillips Magnesia to function. If you experience constipation for more than one week, contact your doctor.

Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes specific muscle weakness. Magnesium hydroxide may cause the symptoms of myasthenia gravis to get worse. If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how Phillips Magnesia may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Phillips Magnesia, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Rectal bleeding or lack of bowel movement: If you experience rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using Phillips Magnesia, contact your doctor. These symptoms may mean you have a more serious condition.

Sudden change in bowel habits: If you've noticed a sudden, persistent change in your bowel habits over the last 2 weeks, talk to your doctor before taking Phillips Magnesia.

Pregnancy: Occasional use of magnesium hydroxide is considered safe during pregnancy. If you have concerns, talk your doctor about whether you should continue to take magnesium hydroxide.

Breast feeding: Occasional use of magnesium hydroxide is considered safe while breast feeding. If you are a breast-feeding mother and have concerns, talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast feeding.