Milk Of Magnesia: Saline Laxative?

Milk of magnesia is a saline laxative that contains magnesium hydroxide, a chemical compound present in the naturally occurring mineral brucite. It is used as an over-the-counter treatment for constipation and acid indigestion. The medication works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and increasing pressure on the intestines, which stimulates the bowel and makes it easier to have a bowel movement. It can also be used to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion, as it lowers the amount of acid in the stomach.

Milk of magnesia is a saline laxative

Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is a saline laxative. It is a common over-the-counter treatment for constipation and acid indigestion. The medication gets its name from the milky appearance of its main ingredient, magnesium hydroxide, when mixed with water.

Milk of magnesia is an alkaline mineral, which means it can neutralise stomach acid. It is meant for occasional, short-term use to help with certain digestive problems. It is considered a mild laxative when taken as directed.

The medication works by drawing water into the intestines, which softens the stool and increases pressure on the intestines. This can stimulate the bowel and make it easier to have a bowel movement. It also reduces burning feelings in the chest or throat, stomach cramping, and bloating.

Milk of magnesia is available as a regular-strength liquid, a concentrated liquid, and a chewable tablet. The dosage for the concentrated liquid is lower than that of the regular-strength liquid. After taking the medication, it is recommended to drink a full 8-ounce glass of water.

People often take milk of magnesia at bedtime for constipation, but it is also possible to take it at intervals during the day. It generally produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

It is also an antacid

Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, can act as an antacid or as a saline laxative. It is a well-known and effective laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation. It works by drawing water into the bowel from the surrounding tissue, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass.

Milk of magnesia is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion, a sour stomach, and heartburn. It works by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach. It can be used to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid, such as an upset stomach or indigestion.

When used as an antacid, milk of magnesia may also have a laxative effect. It should not be used for this purpose for more than 14 days in a row without consulting a doctor.

Milk of magnesia is available over the counter without a prescription, but people who experience frequent constipation should talk to their doctor. It is recommended that parents and guardians avoid giving milk of magnesia to children under 6 years old unless advised by a doctor.

Milk of magnesia is available as a tablet or a liquid. The tablet form should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing, and the liquid form should be shaken well before each dose. It should be taken with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters).

It is used to treat constipation

Milk of magnesia is a saline laxative used to treat constipation. It is a type of osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. It is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication in the form of chewable tablets or liquid. The recommended dosage for adults is 30-60 ml, while for children aged 6-11 years, it is 15-30 ml. It is advised to take milk of magnesia at bedtime with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 ml). It usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours of taking it.

Milk of magnesia is a short-term treatment option and should not be used for more than 7 consecutive days for constipation relief. It is not suitable for treating chronic constipation. If constipation persists or occurs frequently, it is recommended to consult a doctor as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

In addition to treating constipation, milk of magnesia can also be used to relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn by lowering stomach acid levels. However, when used for this purpose, it should not be taken at the maximum dose for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a doctor.

It is important to note that milk of magnesia may interact with other medications, affecting their absorption. Therefore, individuals taking prescription drugs or other supplements should consult their doctor before using milk of magnesia. It is also recommended to maintain a gap of at least 2 hours between taking milk of magnesia and other medications.

While milk of magnesia is generally well-tolerated, it may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, and rectal bleeding. If any of these side effects occur, individuals should stop taking milk of magnesia and seek medical advice if necessary.

It can be used to treat indigestion and heartburn

Milk of magnesia is an effective treatment for indigestion and heartburn. It is a saline laxative, which means it contains salts that draw water into the intestine. This increases pressure on the intestines, stimulating the bowel and making it easier to have a bowel movement.

The alkaline nature of milk of magnesia also neutralises excess stomach acid, reducing the burning feelings in the chest or throat, stomach cramping, and bloating associated with indigestion and heartburn.

Milk of magnesia is available as a liquid or chewable tablet. It is recommended that you take it with a full glass of water. The dosage depends on the form of the medication and the severity of your symptoms. For instance, adults treating indigestion or heartburn with the regular-strength liquid should take 5–15 ml at a time, while those using the concentrated liquid should take 5 ml.

Milk of magnesia usually provides relief within 30 minutes to 6 hours. However, if your symptoms do not improve within this time frame, or if they worsen, you should consult your doctor. It is important not to take milk of magnesia for longer than 7 days in a row for constipation or 14 days in a row for other digestive issues without medical advice.

It is available in tablet or liquid form

Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is available in tablet or liquid form. When using the tablet form, a person usually needs to chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing. For the liquid form, it is important to shake the bottle well before each dose and to carefully measure the dose using a special device or spoon. It should not be measured with a regular household spoon.

The dosage for milk of magnesia depends on the person's age and the purpose of use. For constipation, it is recommended to drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) with each dose. The dosage for adults is 30-60 ml, while for children aged 6-11 it is 15-30 ml. Children under 6 years old should not be given milk of magnesia unless directed by a doctor.

For the concentrated liquid form, the dosage is lower: 15-30 ml for adults and children 12 years or older. Again, children under 12 years old should not be given this form without consulting a doctor.

There are also chewable tablets available for children. Children should drink a full glass of liquid with each dose, and the dosage varies depending on age: 3-6 tablets per day for children aged 6-12 and 1-3 tablets per day for children aged 2-6. It is important to consult a doctor before giving milk of magnesia to children under 2 years old.

It is important to follow the directions on the product package or as advised by a doctor. Milk of magnesia should not be used for more than 7 consecutive days for constipation or 14 consecutive days for other digestive issues. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult a doctor as it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

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