NAME
MAGNESIA S.PELLEGRINO
PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC CATEGORY
Antacids.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES
Magnesium hydroxide.
EXCIPIENTS
90% powder for oral suspension. Without flavor: sucrose; lemon flavor: sucrose, natural lemon flavor. 45% effervescent powder. Without flavor: sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, sucrose; anise flavor: sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, sucrose, anethole; fruit flavor: sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, sucrose, natural fruit flavor; lemon flavor: sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, sucrose, natural lemon flavor; mandarin flavor: sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, sucrose, natural mandarin flavoring.
INDICATIONS
Short-term treatment of occasional constipation; antacid.
CONTRAINDICATIONS / SECONDARY EFFECT
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients; laxatives are contraindicated in subjects with acute abdominal pain or of unknown origin, nausea or vomiting, intestinal obstruction or stenosis, rectal bleeding of unknown origin, severe dehydration; generally contraindicated during pregnancy; generally contraindicated in pediatric age; severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL / min).
DOSAGE
Adults: 1 teaspoon as an antacid; as a laxative 1 teaspoon '; as a purgative 1 tbsp. Children between 6 and 12 years: half of the doses. Dilute the powder in half a glass of water and swallow. The correct dose is the minimum sufficient to produce an easy evacuation of soft faeces. It is advisable to initially use the minimum doses provided. When necessary, the dose can then be increased, but without ever exceeding the maximum indicated. Take preferably in the evening. Laxatives should be used as infrequently as possible and for no more than seven days. Use for longer periods of time requires a doctor's prescription after adequate evaluation of the individual case. Ingest together with an adequate quantity of water (a large glass). A diet rich in liquids favors the effect of the medicine. It is not recommended to administer the drug to children younger than 6 years.
STORAGE
90% powder for oral suspension without flavor: store at a temperature below 25 degrees C; lemon flavor: this medicine does not require any special storage conditions. Effervescent powder 45% without flavor: this medicine does not require any special storage conditions; anise flavor: this medicine does not require any special storage conditions; fruit taste: this medicine does not require any particular storage conditions; lemon flavor: store at a temperature below 25 degrees C; gustomandarino: store at a temperature below 25 degrees C.
WARNINGS
The abuse of laxatives (frequent or prolonged use or with excessive doses) can cause persistent diarrhea with consequent loss of water, mineral salts (especially potassium) and other essential nutritional factors. In the most severe cases the onset of dehydration or hypokalaemia is possible which can cause cardiac or neuromuscular dysfunctions, especially in the case of simultaneous treatment with cardiac glycosides, diuretics or corticosteroids. The abuse of laxatives, especially contact laxatives (stimulant laxatives), can cause addiction (and, therefore, possible need to gradually increase the dosage), chronic constipation and loss of normal intestinal functions (intestinal atony). In children under the age of 12 the medicine can 'be used only after medical consultation. The treatment of chronic or recurrent constipation always requires the intervention of the doctor for the diagnosis, the prescription of drugs and the surveillance during the course of therapy. Consult your doctor when the need for the laxative derives from a sudden change in previous bowel habits (frequency and characteristics of bowel movements) that has lasted for more than two weeks or when the use of the laxative fails to produce effects. It is also advisable that elderly people or those in poor health conditions consult their doctor before using the medicine. To be used only on medical prescription in case of kidney disease. In case of diabetes or low-calorie diets, it must be borne in mind that the product contains sucrose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase deficiency should not take the medicine. For the effervescent powder: in the case of low-sodium diets, it must be borne in mind that the product contains sodium salts.
INTERACTIONS
Laxatives can reduce the time spent in the intestine, and therefore the absorption, of other drugs administered simultaneously orally. Therefore, avoid taking laxatives and other drugs at the same time: after taking a medicine, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before taking the laxative. Magnesium hydroxide, like all antacids, should not be taken at the same time as antibiotics of the tetracycline class as it reduces their absorption. Milk or antacids can change the effect of the medicine; leave an interval of at least an hour before taking the laxative. >> Association to be avoided. Tetracyclines: formation of insoluble complexes with a reduction in the absorption and activity of these antibiotics. >> Association not recommended. Quinidine: increased plasma rates of quinidine and risk of overdose due to decreased excretion. Associations requiring precautions for use: indomethacin, phosphorus, dexamethasone, digitalis, iron salts, nitrofurantoin, lincomycin: decreased absorption in the digestive system.
SIDE EFFECTS
Occasionally: diarrhea, isolated cramping pains or abdominal colic, more frequent in cases of severe constipation.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The medicine should be used only in case of need ', after evaluating the expected benefit to the mother in relation to the possible risk to the fetus. Magnesium is considered compatible with breastfeeding.