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What is milk of Magnesia?
Is milk of Magnesia a antacid or a laxative?
What is milk of magnesium used for?
What is the chemical formula of milk of Magnesia?
Milk of Magnesia, also known as magnesium dihydroxide or magnesium hydroxide, is a chemical compound with the formula Mg(OH)2. Learn about the properties and applications of milk of magnesia here.
- Magnesia milk is a well-known and effective laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation. Magnesia milk is not used by people for constipa...
- The effects of many medications can be decreased or enhanced by magnesium hydroxide. In patients with renal failure, magnesium salts must be used w...
- Powdered magnesium hydroxide or milk of magnesia can be employed to neutralize acidic wastewater. This compound is also used as a component for bui...
- The mineral form of magnesium hydroxide is brucite. This mineral may crystallzie in concrete and cement, and upon contact with seawater (because th...
- Magnesia milk can be prepared by mixing several magnesium salt solutions with basic or alkaline water. The chemical reactions that occur typically...
- Overview
- What is milk of magnesia?
- Uses and effects
- Types
- Dosage
- Side effects
- Risks
- Pregnancy and nursing
- Interactions
- Summary
Milk of magnesia is an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for constipation. It works by drawing water into the bowel and softening stool, making it easier to pass. It can also soothe indigestion and heartburn.
This article explains what milk of magnesia is, how to use it, what conditions it can treat, common side effects, and more.
Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, can act as an antacid or as a saline laxative.
This type of laxative works by drawing moisture into a person’s bowels to help loosen stool.
A person may purchase milk of magnesia over the counter (OTC) without a prescription, but they should talk with their doctor if they experience frequent bouts of constipation.
Parents and guardians should avoid giving milk of magnesia to children under 6 years old unless their doctor recommends its use.
People use milk of magnesia for:
•constipation, because when used as a laxative, milk of magnesia draws water into the bowel to help soften and remove stool
•indigestion and heartburn
The original form of milk of magnesia usually helps a person produce a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Milk of magnesia is available to buy as either a tablet or a liquid. When using the tablet form, a person usually needs to chew the tablet before swallowing.
Milk of magnesia is available as a regular strength liquid or a concentrated liquid. People should not give the concentrated liquid to children under the age of 12.
People should not take more medication than their doctor or the packaging recommends.
Though dosing can vary, a person should avoid taking more than the recommended dose over the course of 24 hours.
To take liquid milk of magnesia, a person can mix it with milk or water. Shake the bottle well before measuring out a dose. The dosage varies depending on why the person is using the medication and their age.
The following sections describe the doses for milk of magnesia based on use and age.
Most people who take milk of magnesia do not experience side effects.
The most common side effects of milk of magnesia are:
•diarrhea
•stomach cramps
•nausea
•vomiting
People who are taking this medication need to make sure they drink plenty of water to prevent becoming dehydrated. If anyone experiences diarrhea after taking a dose of milk of magnesia, they should not use it again.
If someone overdoses on milk of magnesia, they should seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose may include:
•severe diarrhea
•muscle weakness
•mood change
•slow or irregular heartbeat
Magnesium may be able to cross the placenta into the body of the fetus. However, doctors do not know if milk of magnesia is safe for use during pregnancy, as there is no data on this.
Small amounts of magnesium may also make its way into breast milk, but doctors do not know the safety of this either.
Milk of magnesia interferes with a wide range of medications, which means it affects how they work. These include prescription and OTC medications, as well as vitamins and supplements.
Because of the way it impacts the liquids in the gut, milk of magnesia can stop tablets from being absorbed properly.
Milk of magnesia is a well-known and effective laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation.
People should not use milk of magnesia for more than 7 days at a time for constipation or 14 days at a time for other digestive issues.
Ongoing symptoms can be a sign of a more serious gut health condition, so if the problem persists, a person should contact their doctor.
Milk of magnesia works by drawing water into the bowel from the surrounding tissue. This means it can stop the body from absorbing a range of other medications, including prescription drugs, supplements, and vitamins.
- Amanda Barrell
Aug 11, 2023 · Milk of Magnesia. Generic name: magnesium hydroxide [ mag-NEE-see-um-hye-DROCK-side ] Brand names: Dulcolax Liquid, Milk of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax Chewable, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia. Drug classes: Antacids, Laxatives. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.
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- Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Milk of Magnesia...
- Do not use Milk of Magnesia without a doctor's advice if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for yo...
- Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.The c...
- Since Milk of Magnesia is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remem...
- Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include severe diarrhea, muscle weakness, moo...
- Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,...
- Other drugs may interact with magnesium hydroxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each...
Dec 8, 2023 · Magnesium hydroxide, the active ingredient in Milk of Magnesia, is in a class of medications called saline laxatives. It is an osmotic laxative, meaning that when ingested, it draws water into the intestines, softening stool consistency and stimulating bowel movements.
Feb 24, 2023 · The technical name of “milk of magnesia” is magnesium hydroxide, or Mg (OH)2. It’s essentially a laxative. How does milk of magnesia help constipation? “Constipation” is the medical term for when you just don’t poop enough. As your bowel movements become less frequent, poop lingers in your large intestine (colon) and typically becomes dry and hard.
The best-known medical compounds are milk of magnesia, or magnesium hydroxide, which is used as an antacid or as a mineral supplement to maintain the body’s magnesium balance. The hydrous magnesium sulfate popularly known as Epsom salts, MgSO 4 ·7H 2 O, is used as a laxative.
Milk of magnesia or Philip’s milk of magnesia is mainly taken as an antacid or a laxative. Table. The physical and chemical properties of milk of magnesia. Chemical name. Mg(OH)2. Appearance. Milky white. Natural mineral present. Magnesium. Available as. Suspension, chewable tablet. The onset of action. 30 minutes to 6 hours (as laxatives)
