Mag Milk: Quick Relief Or Not?

Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is a saline laxative used for short-term relief of constipation. It can also be used to treat symptoms of high stomach acid, such as heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. Typically, it takes 30 minutes to 6 hours for milk of magnesia to work and provide relief from constipation. It works by drawing water from the body into the bowels, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. It is available in both tablet and liquid form and is generally well-tolerated, but extended use may lead to diarrhoea and dehydration.

Dosage recommendations

Dosage by Age

For adults and children aged 12 and over, the recommended dosage is 2–4 tablespoons (tbsp) or 30–60 milliliters (ml). For children aged 6–11 years, the dosage is typically 1–2 tbsp or 15–30 ml. It is important to consult a doctor before administering milk of magnesia to children under the age of 6.

Dosage by Formulation

Milk of magnesia is available in both regular-strength and concentrated liquid forms, as well as chewable tablets. The dosage for the concentrated liquid is lower than that of the regular-strength liquid. For the liquid forms, a dosing cap that shows milliliters (ml) is provided, and it is important to use this instead of a household spoon to ensure an accurate dosage.

For the regular-strength liquid, the recommended dosage is 30–60 ml for people over the age of 12. For the concentrated liquid, the dosage is 15–30 ml for individuals over 12.

For the chewable tablets, children aged 6–12 can take 3–6 tablets per day, while children aged 2–6 can take 1–3 tablets. It is important to consult a doctor before giving these tablets to children under the age of 2.

General Recommendations

Regardless of age or formulation, it is generally recommended to take milk of magnesia with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). It is also advised to take this medication at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. It is important to follow the instructions provided on the product label or as directed by a doctor, and to not exceed 60 ml in a 24-hour period.

How to take it

Milk of magnesia is a medication used to treat constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. It is typically taken by mouth and comes in a chewable form or a liquid form. Here are some detailed instructions on how to take it:

Chewable Form:

If you are using the chewable form of milk of magnesia, make sure to chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing it. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label or as directed by your doctor regarding the dosage and frequency of administration.

Liquid Form:

For the liquid form, always remember to shake the bottle well before each dose. This is important to ensure that the medication is evenly distributed. Use the measuring spoon, cup, or dosing syringe provided with the medication to carefully measure the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon as it may not provide an accurate dosage.

Dosage Recommendations:

Dosage recommendations may vary depending on your age, the specific brand, and formulation of the product. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the typical dosage is 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 milliliters). For children aged 6-11 years, the recommended dosage is 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 milliliters). It is important to note that parents and caregivers should consult a doctor before giving milk of magnesia to children under the age of 6.

Drinking Water:

When taking milk of magnesia, it is essential to drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) with each dose. This helps with the absorption and effectiveness of the medication.

Following Directions:

Always follow the directions on the product package or the instructions provided by your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

Timing of Administration:

It is generally recommended to take milk of magnesia before bedtime unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. This allows the medication to work while you sleep, providing relief from constipation when you wake up.

Duration of Use:

Milk of magnesia is intended for short-term use only. It should not be used for more than 7 consecutive days for constipation or 14 consecutive days for other digestive issues. Extended use or overuse may lead to dependence on laxatives and ongoing constipation.

Side Effects and Precautions:

Milk of magnesia is generally well-tolerated, but it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Stop using the medication and seek medical attention if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Additionally, if you do not have a bowel movement after using milk of magnesia as a laxative, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

In summary, milk of magnesia is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. Always follow the instructions provided on the product label or by your healthcare provider to ensure optimal results and minimize potential side effects.

Side effects

Milk of magnesia is a medication used to treat constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. It can start working within 30 minutes to 6 hours of ingestion. While most people do not experience side effects, there are some rare but serious side effects to be aware of.

Firstly, it is important to note that milk of magnesia should not be used for longer than 7 days without medical advice. Extended use or overuse may result in dependence on laxatives and ongoing constipation. Overuse may also cause diarrhoea, dehydration, and mineral imbalances (such as high magnesium). If you experience diarrhoea after taking a dose of milk of magnesia, you should not use it again.

Some people may be allergic to milk of magnesia. Signs of an allergic reaction that require immediate medical attention include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Additionally, people with certain medical conditions should avoid taking milk of magnesia. These include individuals with dehydration, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, electrolyte imbalances, and those who are allergic to any of the ingredients or on a magnesium-restricted diet.

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should also use this medication with caution and only when clearly needed. It is advised to consult a doctor before using milk of magnesia in these cases, as there is insufficient evidence about its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Furthermore, milk of magnesia can interfere with the absorption of other medications. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal products.

It is always recommended to follow the instructions provided on the product label or as directed by a healthcare professional when taking milk of magnesia or any other medication.

Who should avoid it

Milk of magnesia is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for people who:

• Are under the age of 2 or 6: The medication should be avoided for children under the age of 2 or 6. Parents and guardians should only give milk of magnesia to children under 6 if their doctor recommends it.
• Have dehydration: Milk of magnesia can cause dehydration, so it is not suitable for those who already have this condition.
• Have specific medical conditions: People with gastrointestinal disorders, electrolyte imbalances, kidney disease, or impaired kidney function should avoid milk of magnesia.
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients: Those with allergies to any of the ingredients in milk of magnesia should not take it.
• Are on a magnesium-restricted diet: Since milk of magnesia contains magnesium, it is not suitable for those on a low-magnesium diet.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding: Although small amounts of magnesium may be present in breast milk, it is unknown if milk of magnesia is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Doctors generally advise against its use during pregnancy unless clearly needed and only when recommended by a doctor.
• Are taking certain medications: Milk of magnesia can interfere with a wide range of medications, including prescription drugs, supplements, and vitamins. It can decrease the absorption of drugs such as dasatinib, atazanavir, gabapentin, and digoxin, among others. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking milk of magnesia if you are on any medication.

Other uses

Milk of magnesia is a popular over-the-counter medication for constipation relief, but it has other uses as well. It can be used to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid such as heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. As an antacid, it lowers stomach acid levels and reduces the burning sensation in the chest or throat. It can also be used to treat sunburn and acne, although there is limited empirical evidence to support these claims. Some people also use it as a home remedy for acne, oily skin, dandruff, and itchy scalp, as well as a makeup primer to absorb oil.

When used for digestive issues, milk of magnesia can be taken in liquid or chewable tablet form. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the package or as directed by a doctor. For constipation, it is typically taken at bedtime, while for stomach acid problems, it should not be taken at the maximum dose for more than two weeks without medical advice.

It is important to note that milk of magnesia should not be used for extended periods without medical advice. Overuse can lead to diarrhoea, dehydration, and mineral imbalances. It may also interact with other medications, so it is essential to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using it alongside other treatments.

While milk of magnesia is a well-known and effective short-term treatment for constipation, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if constipation persists or is a frequent issue. They can advise on underlying conditions and create an effective treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions