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Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) is to be used with caution in patients with:

A) Heart failure
B) renal
C) eye

User Marek H
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Magnesium Hydroxide should be used with caution in patients with renal issues or heart failure because their condition may lead to an impaired ability to excrete magnesium, possibly resulting in magnesium toxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to the use of Magnesium Hydroxide, commonly known as Milk of Magnesia, which is a medication that acts both as an antacid and a laxative. Caution is advised when using this medication in patients with certain health conditions. Specifically, Magnesium Hydroxide should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. This is because compromised kidney function may result in the reduced ability to excrete magnesium, leading to an accumulation in the body and the potential for magnesium toxicity.

Magnesium Hydroxide works on the principle of neutralizing the excess stomach acid (HCl) through a neutralization reaction where Mg(OH)2 is ingested, thus relieving symptoms such as heartburn or dyspepsia that are associated with excess stomach acid. However, patients with renal impairment may not be able to eliminate the excess magnesium effectively.

In cases of heart failure, caution is also warranted, mainly if concomitant renal impairment is present, since compromised kidney function is often seen in patients with heart failure. Accumulation of magnesium can exacerbate heart failure symptoms and lead to additional complications.

There is no direct contraindication or warning involving the use of Magnesium Hydroxide in patients with eye problems, hence answer C), eye, is not applicable for this particular context. Therefore, the use of Magnesium Hydroxide in patients with renal issues or heart failure requires caution.

User Narayan Raman
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