With its core advantages of being a “mild antacid, metabolically safe, and synergistically multi-functional,” Magnesium Hydroxide has become the preferred raw material for medical antacids. Its pharmaceutical-grade applications focus on three core scenarios: antacid, laxative, and magnesium supplementation. These applications require strict adherence to purity and compliance standards. The specific applications are as follows:
I. Core Application 1: Core Raw Material for Medical Antacids — Mild Stomach Protection
This is its primary pharmaceutical application, designed for the treatment of acid-related disorders.
- Mechanism of Action: As a weak base (pH 9-10), it reacts slowly with gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) to produce magnesium chloride and water. Each gram can neutralize approximately 25 mmol of hydrochloric acid, precisely alleviating symptoms caused by excess stomach acid, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach pain.
- Product Forms: Formulated into suspensions, chewable tablets, and gels. Examples include Magnesium Hydroxide Suspension (10% concentration) and Magnesium Hydroxide Chewable Tablets (0.3g/tablet), adapted to different patient consumption habits.
- Core Advantages: The reaction is gentle and does not produce gas, avoiding gastric distension and belching. It does not burn the gastric mucosa and can form a mild protective film on the mucosal surface, making it suitable for long-term, mild use in patients with chronic gastritis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). There is no risk of residue, as metabolic byproducts are naturally excreted.
II. Core Application 2: Raw Material for Mild Laxatives — Suitable for Sensitive Groups
Relying on an osmotic laxative mechanism, it serves as a gut-friendly raw material for relief.
- Logic of Action: Magnesium ions not absorbed by the intestines create osmotic pressure that draws water into the gut, softening stool and promoting intestinal peristalsis. It involves no chemical irritation, preventing intestinal dependency.
- Applicable Scenarios: Used for functional constipation, post-operative constipation, and bowel preparation before colonoscopy. It is typically formulated as high-dose suspensions or powders (5-10g/dose), taken before bed for results the next day.
- Safety Features: Suitable for intestinal-sensitive groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and children. Bowel function recovers quickly after discontinuation, and it does not disrupt the balance of intestinal flora.
III. Core Application 3: Raw Material for Magnesium Supplements — Balancing Nutrition and Efficacy
Serving as a safe carrier for magnesium supplementation, it is suitable for the prevention and treatment of magnesium deficiency.
- Absorption Advantage: The intestinal mucosa can absorb 30%-40% of the magnesium ions. Once in the blood, they participate in physiological activities such as nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and bone formation, offering mild and stable supplementation efficiency.
- Target Population: Populations with magnesium deficiency due to insufficient dietary intake, absorption disorders (e.g., post-intestinal surgery), increased demand (e.g., pregnant women, high-intensity laborers), or excessive loss (e.g., chronic diarrhea). It helps prevent symptoms like muscle cramps, arrhythmia, and osteoporosis.
- Product Forms: Often combined with antacid or laxative functions in compound preparations, or produced as standalone magnesium supplement tablets (containing 50-100mg of magnesium ions per tablet), achieving the dual value of “treatment + nutrition.”
IV. Core Requirements for Pharmaceutical Grade Raw Materials: Compliance and Purity are Key
- Purity Standards: Pharmaceutical-grade Magnesium Hydroxide must have a purity of ≥99%. Heavy metal content (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium) must be ≤10ppm. Impurities such as chlorides and sulfates must be extremely low, complying with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and European Pharmacopoeia (EP) standards.
- Particle Size Control: When used in formulations, it must be processed into an ultrafine powder (particle size ≤10μm) to ensure uniform dispersion and stable efficacy, avoiding coarse particles that affect mouthfeel or absorption.
- Sterility Requirements: Raw materials used for oral preparations must meet sterility standards to avoid microbial contamination, making them especially suitable for groups with weaker immunity, such as children and the elderly.
V. Core Application Advantages: Why is it the Pharmaceutical Grade Choice?
- Safe and Non-Irritating: Its weak alkaline nature adapts to the human digestive environment without damaging the gastric mucosal barrier, posing no risk of mucosal injury even with long-term, low-dose use.
- Metabolically Friendly: The metabolic products are simply magnesium chloride and water, with no toxic residues. Excess magnesium ions are excreted by the kidneys through urine, posing no risk of accumulation or toxicity in healthy individuals.
- Multi-Functional Synergy: A single raw material provides antacid, laxative, and magnesium supplementation effects. It can be made into compound preparations (such as Magnesium-Aluminum complex antacid tablets), reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy and catering to patients with complex symptoms.
- Strong Dosage Form Compatibility: It can be formulated into various dosage forms including suspensions, chewable tablets, gels, and powders, meeting the usage needs of different groups (e.g., children, the elderly, and those with dysphagia).