Magnesium Milk: Natural Laxative?

Milk of Magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is an over-the-counter medication used to treat occasional constipation, heartburn, and indigestion. It is a saline laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines, softening stools, and making them easier to pass. It is available in liquid or chewable tablet form and should be taken with a full glass of water. While it is a popular and effective treatment for short-term constipation, it is not suitable for long-term use or for treating chronic constipation.

Dosage and format

Milk of Magnesia comes in both tablet and liquid form. The dosage varies depending on the user's age and the purpose of use. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label or as directed by a doctor.

Dosage

For constipation, adults can take 30-60ml of the original version of milk of magnesia. For the concentrated version, the dosage is 15-30ml. Children aged 6-11 can take 15-30ml of the original version, and 3-6 chewable tablets per day. For the concentrated version, consult a doctor before giving it to children under 12.

When used as an antacid, adults should take 5-15ml at a time, repeating up to four times a day if needed. The maximum dose should not be taken for more than two weeks unless directed by a doctor.

Format

Milk of Magnesia should be taken by mouth as directed. For the chewable form, chew thoroughly before swallowing. For the liquid form, shake the bottle well and use a measuring device to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon as this may result in an incorrect dose. It is recommended to take the medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240ml) and to take the medication at bedtime.

Side effects

Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medication for constipation. It is also used to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion.

Common side effects

A decreased sense of taste

Serious side effects

• No bowel movement after taking it
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea that doesn't stop
• Dehydration
• Mineral imbalances (such as high magnesium)
• Symptoms of high magnesium levels (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes such as confusion)
• Symptoms of dehydration (such as decreased urination, dizziness, extreme thirst, very dry mouth)
• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Rectal bleeding

Allergic reaction

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare, but get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Overdose

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

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

It is important to note that most people who take milk of magnesia do not experience side effects. However, if you experience any side effects, especially those listed above, stop using the medication and seek medical attention.

Drug interactions

Milk of Magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for constipation. It is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn.

Magnesium hydroxide can have several drug interactions, and it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. It can decrease the absorption of other drugs, including:

• Dasatinib
• Atazanavir
• Gabapentin
• Digoxin
• Mycophenolate
• Phosphate supplements (such as potassium phosphate)
• Tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline)
• Certain azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• Quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)

Magnesium hydroxide can also interact with the following drugs, and it is recommended to separate the doses of these medications as much as possible:

• Raltegravir
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Additionally, magnesium hydroxide may decrease the absorption of other drugs, including:

• Baloxavir marboxil
• Demeclocycline
• Doxycycline
• Eltrombopag
• Infigratinib (DSC)
• Minocycline
• Oxytetracycline
• Pazopanib
• Ponatinib
• Potassium phosphates, IV
• Sotorasib
• Tetracycline

It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist about any potential drug interactions before taking Milk of Magnesia.

Safety information

Milk of Magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is a medication used to treat constipation and symptoms caused by too much stomach acid, such as indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach. It is available over the counter without a prescription, but it should be used only as directed on the label or by a doctor.

Dosage and Administration

Milk of Magnesia is available in both tablet and liquid form. The tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing, while the liquid form should be shaken well before each dose and measured carefully using the provided dosing device. It is recommended to take the medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). The dosage varies depending on age and the condition being treated. For constipation, adults can take 30-60 milliliters, while children ages 6-11 can take 15-30 milliliters. It is not recommended for children under 6 years old unless directed by a doctor. When used as a laxative, it typically produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Side Effects and Allergies

Most people who take Milk of Magnesia do not experience serious side effects. However, it may cause a decreased sense of taste. More rarely, it can lead to severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In case of an allergic reaction, which is rare, one may experience hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.

Precautions and Contraindications

Do not use Milk of Magnesia without consulting a doctor if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, kidney disease, or a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on a magnesium-restricted diet. The safety of using Milk of Magnesia during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unclear, so it is generally advised to avoid it or consult a doctor before use.

Drug Interactions

Milk of Magnesia can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. It is important to inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions. Some known interacting drugs include raltegravir and sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Overdose

In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call the Poison Control Center. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe diarrhea, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, slow or irregular heartbeat, and decreased urination.

How it works

Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can be used as a laxative or an antacid. When used as a laxative, it is known as an osmotic laxative or a saline laxative. This means that it works by drawing water into the intestines, which helps to soften the stool and induce bowel movements. The magnesium ions in the solution are inadequately absorbed in the intestines, causing the intestines to take in water from the surrounding tissues and increasing the fluid content in the bowels. This increased fluid content helps to soften and break down the stool, making it less compacted and easier to pass.

In addition to its laxative effects, milk of magnesia can also be used as an antacid to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. It works by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach.

Milk of magnesia is available in both chewable tablet and liquid forms. When taking the liquid form, it is important to shake the bottle well before each dose and to use a measuring device or spoon to ensure an accurate dose. For constipation, it is recommended to drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) with each dose. The dosage for milk of magnesia may vary depending on age and medical condition, so it is important to follow the directions on the product package or consult a doctor.

It is important to note that milk of magnesia should only be used for a short time to treat occasional constipation. Extended use or overuse may result in dependence on laxatives, ongoing constipation, and other side effects such as diarrhoea, dehydration, and mineral imbalances. It is also not suitable for children under 6 years old unless recommended by a doctor.

Frequently asked questions