Milk of Magnesia and Sodium Ferric Gluconate

• Generic Name: magnesium hydroxide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia, Milk of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax Chewable, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax Milk of Magnesia, Concentrated Phillips Milk of Magnesia

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Milk of Magnesia reduces stomach acid, and increases water in the intestines which may induce bowel movements.

Milk of Magnesia is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.

Milk of Magnesia is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn.

Milk of Magnesia may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: sodium ferric gluconate complex
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Ferrlecit, Nulecit

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult and pediatric hemodialysis patients receiving epoetin alfa therapy.

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis, IV iron superior to orally administered iron in increasing hemoglobin concentrations and/or minimizing dosage of an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) (e.g., epoetin alfa); the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-KDOQI) guidelines state that the IV route of iron administration is preferred in such patients.

Limited data suggest that iron sucrose and sodium ferric gluconate injections may be associated less frequently with serious adverse effects (e.g., hypersensitivity reactions) compared with iron dextran injection.

Safety and efficacy not established for the prevention and/or treatment of iron deficiency anemia not associated with CKD (e.g., HIV- or cancer-related anemia).