Using Milk Of Magnesia As A Safe And Effective Laxative

Milk of magnesia is an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for constipation. It is typically taken at bedtime, with a full glass of water, and can start working within 30 minutes to 6 hours. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label or as directed by a doctor. The dosage varies depending on age and the specific brand and formulation. For example, adults and children aged 12 and over should take 2-4 tablespoons (30-60ml), while children aged 6-11 should take 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml). It is not suitable for children under 2 years old, and parents should consult a doctor before giving it to children under 6. It should not be taken for more than 7 days without medical advice.

Dosage recommendations

For adults and children ages 12 and over, the recommended dosage for the original version of milk of magnesia is 2–4 tablespoons (tbsp), or 30–60 milliliters (ml). For the concentrated version, the dosage is lower at 15–30 ml. It is important not to exceed 60 ml in a 24-hour period.

For children ages 6–11, the recommended dosage for the original version is 1–2 tbsp, or 15–30 ml. The concentrated version should not be given to children under 12 without a doctor's recommendation.

There are also chewable tablets available for children. Children ages 6–12 can take 3–6 tablets per day, while children ages 2–6 can take 1–3 tablets per day. These should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing and taken with a full glass of water.

When used as a laxative, milk of magnesia should be taken at bedtime unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. It typically takes 30 minutes to 6 hours to produce a bowel movement. If there is no bowel movement after taking the medication, it should be discontinued, and a doctor should be consulted.

Milk of magnesia can also be used to treat heartburn and indigestion. For these purposes, the recommended dosage for the regular-strength liquid is 5–15 ml, and for the concentrated liquid, it is 5 ml. Again, it is important not to exceed 60 ml in a 24-hour period.

When to take it

It is usually best to take milk of magnesia at bedtime, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise. This is because it typically takes between 30 minutes to six hours to produce a bowel movement, so taking it at night means you'll likely have a bowel movement the next morning.

It is important to note that milk of magnesia is only recommended for short-term, occasional constipation. If you need to take it often to have a bowel movement, or if you still don't have regular bowel movements after taking it, speak with your doctor. You may have an underlying medical condition.

If you are taking any other medications, try to take them either two hours before or two hours after taking milk of magnesia. This is because milk of magnesia can decrease the absorption of other drugs.

How it works

Milk of magnesia is a saline laxative, which means it contains salts that draw water into the intestines. This softens the stool and increases pressure on the intestines, making it easier to pass.

When milk of magnesia is ingested, the magnesium ions in the solution are not adequately absorbed in the intestines. This causes the intestines to take in water from the surrounding tissues, increasing the fluid content in the bowels. This increased fluid content helps to soften and break down the stool, making it less hard and compacted. This is particularly helpful for people with constipation, who often have dry and hard stools.

Magnesium can also increase the movement and contractions of the bowel muscles, known as peristalsis. As a result, the stool is propelled through the intestines more efficiently.

Milk of magnesia typically starts working within 30 minutes to 6 hours of ingestion, making it an effective choice for individuals seeking fast relief from constipation. It is important to note that milk of magnesia is intended for occasional, short-term use and should not be used for longer than 7 consecutive days without medical advice.

To take milk of magnesia, follow the instructions provided on the product label or as directed by a doctor. It is usually recommended to take it before bedtime. Before use, shake the bottle well and then use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure the correct dosage. The dosage can vary depending on the specific brand, formulation, and age of the individual. For adults and children aged 12 years and over, the typical dosage is 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 milliliters). For children aged 6-11 years, the dosage is usually 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 milliliters). It is important not to exceed 60 milliliters in 24 hours.

Side effects

Milk of magnesia, or magnesium hydroxide, is an over-the-counter treatment for constipation. It can also be used to treat indigestion and heartburn. It is available in tablet or liquid form.

Most people who take milk of magnesia do not experience side effects. However, as with any medication, side effects are possible and some can be serious.

The most common side effect is a decreased sense of taste.

Serious side effects are more likely to occur if a person takes more milk of magnesia than recommended or for longer than the suggested period. Serious side effects include:

• No bowel movement after taking it
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• High magnesium levels (symptoms include muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes such as confusion)
• Dehydration (symptoms include decreased urination, dizziness, extreme thirst, very dry mouth)
• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Rectal bleeding

If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention.

A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is rare but possible. Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe dizziness
• Itching/hives
• Rash

If you overdose on milk of magnesia, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose include:

• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Little or no urination
• Severe or persistent diarrhea
• Muscle weakness
• Mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
• Dizziness

Who should avoid it

Milk of magnesia is not suitable for everyone. Firstly, it is not recommended for children under the age of 6 unless advised by a doctor. For children between the ages of 6 and 11, a lower dose is required.

People with dehydration, kidney disease, or specific medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders and electrolyte imbalances should also avoid milk of magnesia. Those who are allergic to any of the ingredients or are on a magnesium-restricted diet should not take it either.

There is insufficient evidence about the use of milk of magnesia during pregnancy or when nursing, so pregnant people should only take it under the supervision of a doctor. It is also important to consult a doctor if taking other medications, as some can interact with milk of magnesia.

Frequently asked questions