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Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: The cathartic action of magnesium hydroxide is believed to result from osmotically mediated water retention, which then stimulates peristalsis. Other mechanisms may contribute to their effects, including the production of inflammatory mediators. Magnesium hydroxide may stimulate the release of cholecystokinin, which leads to intraluminal fluid and electrolyte accumulation and to increased intestinal motility. It is estimated that for every additional mEq of Mg2+ in the intestinal lumen, fecal weight increases by about 7g.
The usual dose of magnesium salts contains 40 to 120 mEq of Mg2+ and produces 300 to 600ml of stool within 6 hours.
Pharmacokinetics: Magnesium hydroxide, taken orally, reacts relatively rapidly with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form magnesium chloride and water. About 30% of the magnesium ions are absorbed from the small intestine as magnesium salts.
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