
Milk of magnesia is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation and acid indigestion. It is typically taken orally and works by drawing water into the bowels, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. The recommended dosage varies depending on age and the severity of symptoms, with most adults taking between 2 and 4 tablespoons per day. It is important to follow the instructions provided on the product label or as directed by a doctor, and to not exceed the recommended dosage. Milk of magnesia is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as flushing or electrolyte imbalances if taken too frequently or in too high a dose. It is recommended that individuals take milk of magnesia before bedtime for constipation relief, and it typically works within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Constipation relief, heartburn relief, indigestion relief |
Active Ingredient | Magnesium Hydroxide |
Forms | Tablet, powder, liquid |
Dosage | 2-4 tablespoons (30-60ml) for adults and children over 12 years old, 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) for children aged 6-11 years, consult a doctor for children under 6 years old |
Frequency | Not to be used for more than 7 consecutive days for constipation or 14 consecutive days for other digestive issues |
Side Effects | Diarrhea, no bowel movement, severe nausea or vomiting |
Precautions | Not suitable for people under 2 years old, dehydrated, with specific medical conditions, or allergic to ingredients |
What You'll Learn
Dosage for constipation
Milk of Magnesia is a saline laxative that can be used to treat constipation. It is available in tablet, powder, and liquid form. The dosage depends on the user's age and the severity of their symptoms.
For constipation, adults can take 30-60ml of the original version of Milk of Magnesia. For the concentrated version, the dosage is 15-30ml for adults. It is recommended that adults take this medication with a full glass of water, and at bedtime.
Children aged 6-11 can take 15-30ml of the original version, and for the concentrated version, adults should ask a doctor before administering this medication.
Milk of Magnesia should not be given to children under the age of 6 unless directed by a doctor.
It is important to note that Milk of Magnesia should only be used as a short-term solution for constipation. It should not be taken for more than 7 consecutive days, and if symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted.
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Dosage for heartburn
Milk of magnesia can be used to treat heartburn, but it is important to get the dosage right. The correct dosage will depend on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the type of milk of magnesia you are using.
For adults, the recommended dosage of milk of magnesia for heartburn is 5–15 ml at a time, taken with water. This can be repeated up to four times per day as needed, but it is important not to exceed 60 ml in a 24-hour period. It is also important to drink a full glass of water (8 ounces) after taking milk of magnesia.
For children, the dosage will depend on their age. Children aged 12 and older can take 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk of magnesia syrup per day. Children aged 6 to 11 years can take 1 to 2 tablespoons, while children under 6 years should consult with a doctor before taking milk of magnesia.
It is important to follow the directions on the product label or speak with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the proper dosage for your specific needs. Milk of magnesia should not be taken for more than 14 days in a row as an antacid.
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Side effects
Milk of magnesia is generally well tolerated, but it can cause some side effects. Most people who take milk of magnesia do not experience side effects, but some may encounter:
- No bowel movement after taking it
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Little or no urination
These serious side effects are more likely to occur if a person takes more milk of magnesia than recommended or if they take it for an extended period.
Some people may be allergic to milk of magnesia. Signs of an allergic reaction that require immediate medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness
- Skin rash, itching, hives
People with impaired kidney function or chronic kidney disease should avoid milk of magnesia. If you are vomiting or have stomach pain, do not take milk of magnesia without first consulting your doctor.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult a doctor before taking milk of magnesia, as it is unknown whether magnesium can pass into breast milk.
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Who should not take it
Milk of magnesia, or magnesium hydroxide, is a common over-the-counter treatment for constipation and acid indigestion. It is generally considered safe for people of all ages, but there are some groups of people who should not take it.
Who Should Not Take Milk of Magnesia?
Firstly, parents and guardians should avoid giving milk of magnesia to children under 6 years old unless a doctor recommends its use. For children between the ages of 6 and 11, a lower dosage is recommended, and it is important to follow the directions on the package or consult a doctor for proper dosing.
Secondly, people with impaired kidney function or chronic kidney disease should avoid taking milk of magnesia. If you are being treated for kidney disease, it is important to speak to your doctor before taking this medication.
Thirdly, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also be cautious about taking milk of magnesia. While it is generally considered safe to take occasionally, it is always recommended to check with your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Additionally, people on a magnesium-restricted diet should avoid milk of magnesia. This is because milk of magnesia contains magnesium, which can interfere with a magnesium-restricted diet.
Furthermore, those experiencing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea should not take milk of magnesia without first consulting a doctor. This is because milk of magnesia can cause similar side effects, and taking it while experiencing these symptoms may worsen them.
Finally, milk of magnesia can interact with other drugs, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor before taking milk of magnesia if you are taking any other medications or supplements.
In summary, while milk of magnesia is generally safe for most people, there are certain groups who should exercise caution and consult a doctor before taking this medication. These include children under 6, people with kidney disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those on a magnesium-restricted diet, individuals experiencing stomach issues, and those taking other medications.
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Drug interactions
Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is known to interact with many other drugs, including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, supplements, and vitamins. It is important to consult a doctor before taking milk of magnesia if you are already taking other medications.
There are 410 drugs known to interact with milk of magnesia, 11 of which are major interactions, 325 are moderate, and 74 are minor. The relevance of a drug interaction to an individual is difficult to determine, and medical advice should be sought to ensure safety.
Some of the most frequently checked interactions with milk of magnesia include:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Additionally, milk of magnesia has interactions with three diseases: inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal obstruction disorders.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)
- Amphetamines
- Antipsychotic agents
- "Azole" antifungals
- Bisphosphonates
- Calcium channel blockers
- Calcium polystyrene sulfonate
- Corticosteroids
- Dabigatran etexilate
- Iron salts
- Multivitamins/minerals (with ADEK, folate, iron)
- Neuromuscular-blocking agents
- Phosphate supplements
- Protease inhibitors
- Quinolone antibiotics
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- Tetracyclines
It is important to note that milk of magnesia may reduce the effectiveness of other medications if taken within two hours before or after. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the appropriate course of action when taking multiple medications.
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