Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is a brand-name medication used to treat occasional constipation in adults and children 6 years and older.
It is an over-the-counter (OTC) saline laxative that starts working within a few hours to relieve constipation. Zno
Milk of Magnesia is available as an oral suspension (liquid). However, other brands of magnesium hydroxide and its active ingredients are also available in other different forms, such as chewable or swallowable tablets.
Milk of magnesia is only indicated for short-term use. It is unsafe to take this drug on a prolonged basis due to the risk of side effects without asking a healthcare provider.
Read on for an in-depth analysis of Milk of Magnesia, including information regarding its dosage requirements, potential side effects, and how quickly you should expect it to begin working.
Laxatives are pharmaceutical products that increase bowel movements and loosen stools. They are often used in the management or treatment of constipation.
Laxatives stimulate intestinal movements and absorb water in the intestine, making stool soft and easy to pass.
Laxatives are usually available in oral tablets, capsules, suspensions, rectal suppositories, and enemas. Laxatives are available on prescription and are also generally available OTC laxatives.
There are different classes of laxatives based on the mode of action. The four main classes of OTC laxatives are:
Some commonly used laxatives include:
OTC Milk of Magnesia, containing the active ingredient magnesium hydroxide, treats occasional (irregular) constipation in adults and children 6 years and older.
As a saline laxative, it increases the water content and volume of the stool by retaining the water.
Furthermore, it increases the number of bowel movements, softens the stool, and makes passing easier.
Milk of Magnesia comes as a chewable tablet, swallowable tablet, and a liquid suspension to take by mouth.
Other OTC brand names of magnesium hydroxide are available, such as Pedia-Lax.
Magnesium hydroxide is also available as combination brands, including Almacone (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone), a brand-name medication used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid, such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion.
Milk of Magnesia usually takes 30 minutes to 6 hours to cause a bowel movement after oral administration.
Milk of magnesia is only for short-term or occasional management of constipation.
Read the dosing guidelines on the label provided carefully before taking the medicine:
Milk of Magnesia may cause some side effects that usually go away and do not need medical attention.
However, be sure to monitor yourself or a loved one for the emergence of worsening side effects.
Call your healthcare provider if the following symptoms do not go away.
Some common side effects of Milk of Magnesia are loose, watery, or more frequent stools.
Other severe side effects include blood in stool or unable to have a bowel movement 6 hours after use.
Ask your healthcare provider before taking Milk of Magnesia if you have recently experienced any of the following:
Avoid taking any other medication before or after 2 hours of taking Milk of Magnesia to avoid any side effects.
Constipation can be prevented or managed by adopting lifestyle modifications.
When non-medical management does not prevent or improve constipation symptoms, then laxatives are an option to manage constipation.
Sometimes, the constipation is caused by other underlying health conditions or a side effect of taking medications. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to manage it.
OTC laxatives are a first-line treatment option when dietary or lifestyle modifications are ineffective.
Milk of Magnesia is an OTC stimulant laxative used to treat occasional constipation. It softens the stool in the intestine and makes it easy to pass.
The oral suspension starts working within 30 minutes to 6 hours after taking it.
However, use this medicine for a week at maximum. It is a commonly used medicine but may have side effects such as vomiting or blood in stool.
Call your healthcare provider if you have any other medical condition before taking this medicine.
Store Milk of Magnesia in a secure location at room temperature (68-77 degrees F) and avoid freezing.
Also, be sure to keep this product away from any areas susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture. Finally, if applicable, keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria similar to microorganisms found naturally in the human gut.
You can take magnesium with probiotics.
Dailymed. Label: Milk of Magnesia original-magnesium hydroxide liquid.
Werth BL, Christopher SA. Laxative use in the community: a literature review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;10(1). doi:10.3390/jcm10010143
Portalatin M, Winstead N. Medical management of constipation. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12-19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754
DailyMed. Label: Almacone Double Strength- aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, dimethicone suspension.
Kechagia M, Basoulis D, Konstantopoulou S, et al.Health benefits of probiotics: a review.ISRN Nutr.2013;2013:481651.doi:10.5402/2013/481651
Mahboobi S, Ghasvarian M, Ghaem H, Alipour H, Alipour S, Eftekhari MH. Effects of probiotic and magnesium co-supplementation on mood, cognition, intestinal barrier function and inflammation in individuals with obesity and depressed mood: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1018357. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1018357
By Ayesha Gulzar, PharmD Ayesha Gulzar is a clinical pharmacist interested in medical research, pharmacy practice, and medication therapy management. Dr. Gulzar has been working in medical communications, writing medical and clinical research for patients and health professionals in the United Kingdom.
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