Magnesium Trisilicate

Synonyms: E553a; magnesii trisilicas; magnesium mesotrisilicate; silicic acid, magnesium salt (1 : 2), hydrate.

Description: Magnesium trisilicate occurs as an odorless and tasteless, fine, white-colored powder that is free from grittiness.

Chemical Name: Magnesium trisilicate

Anticaking agent; glidant; therapeutic agent.

• Magnesium trisilicate is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and food products as a glidant.

• It is also used therapeutically as an antacid, and also for the treatment of ciprofloxacin overdose or toxicity

Magnesium trisilicate, when taken with drugs such as mebeverine hydrochloride, proguanil, norfloxacin, sucralfate, and tetracycline, may cause a reduction in bioavailability via binding or chelation. The dissolution rate of folic acid, erythromycin stearate, paracetamol, and chloroquine phosphate may be retarded by adsorption onto magnesium trisilicate. Antimicrobial preservatives, such as the parabens, may be inactivated by the addition of magnesium trisilicate.

Magnesium trisilicate is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material. When administered orally, magnesium trisilicate is neutralized in the stomach to form magnesium chloride and silicon dioxide; some magnesium may be absorbed. Caution should be used when concentrations greater than 50 mEq of magnesium are given daily to persons with impaired renal function, owing to the risk of hypermagnesemia.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection is recommended.

Calcium silicate; magnesium aluminum silicate; magnesium silicate; magnesium trisilicate anhydrous; talc.