Milk of Magnesia is a popular over-the-counter laxative and antacid. Its active ingredient is magnesium hydroxide, which is also commonly found in antacids and dietary supplements. As a gentle saline laxative, magnesium hydroxide increases the water content of stools, making them bulkier, softer, and easier to pass. It also rapidly neutralizes stomach acid. Doses can be taken once or twice daily but do not exceed the recommended daily dose printed on the package.
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Milk Of Magnesia overview
BRAND NAMES:
Phillips Milk of Magnesia
Generic Names:
Milk of magnesia
Uses:
Treats constipation, upset stomach, sour stomach, or indigestion.
Therapeutic Classes:
Laxative, osmotic laxative, saline laxative, antacid
Forms:
Oral suspension (liquid)
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Milk Of Magnesia used for?
Milk of Magnesia is usually marketed as a laxative but can be used as an antacid to prevent or treat indigestion.
What form(s) does Milk Of Magnesia come in
Oral suspension (liquid)
400 mg/5 mL (1,200 mg/15 mL, 2,400 mg/30 mL)
What are common Milk Of Magnesia doses?
For occasional irregularity:
In adults and children 12 years of age and older: 30 mL–60 mL daily in one or two divided doses
In children 6–12 years of age and older: 15 mL–30 mL daily in one or two divided doses
In children 2–6 years of age and older: 5 mL–15 mL daily in one or two divided doses
As an antacid in adults and children 12 years of age and older: 5 mL–15 mL to a maximum daily dosage of 60 mL
Common Milk Of Magnesia prescriptions
Milk of Magnesia
355ml of 7.75% bottleMilk of Magnesia
473ml of 7.75% bottleMilk of Magnesia
30ml of 2400mg/30ml cupMilk of Magnesia
30ml of 7.75% cup
How to take Milk Of Magnesia
Follow the instructions given by a healthcare provider or printed on the package label. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
Doses should be taken at bedtime to treat irregularity and 30 minutes before meals to treat indigestion.
Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose.
Doses can be easily measured with the dosing cup provided with the medicine.
You can also use a kitchen measuring spoons:
5 mL=1 teaspoon
15 mL=1 tablespoon
30 mL=2 tablespoons
60 mL=4 tablespoons or ¼ cup
If you are using this medicine as a laxative, drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid after swallowing the medicine.
If you use this medicine as an antacid, you can take the dose with a drink of water, but it’s not required.
Store Milk of Magnesium at room temperature in a closed container. You can refrigerate it to make it more palatable but do not freeze it.
What to do if you miss a dose of Milk Of Magnesia
If you forget to take a dose of Milk of Magnesia, take it when you remember if you still are experiencing constipation or stomach acid problems.
Milk Of Magnesia contraindications
Do not use a Milk of Magnesia product if you are allergic to any of the inactive ingredients.
Milk Of Magnesia warnings
Before using Milk of Magnesia, talk to a doctor if you have:
Kidney disease
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
A sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 14 days or longer
Magnesium restrictions on your diet
Immediately stop using Milk of Magnesia and contact a doctor if you experience:
Rectal bleeding
Blood in your stools
If constipation doesn’t improve after one week, stop using Milk of Magnesia. Have a doctor examine you to determine the cause.
Do not use Milk of Magnesia for longer than two weeks as an antacid unless instructed to by a doctor.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Chronic overdosing on Milk of Magnesia can cause serious side effects. Stop taking Milk of Magnesia and contact a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms like:
Weakness
Confusion
Slow breathing
Slowed reflexes
Do not use Milk of Magnesia to treat irregularity in a child younger than two years of age or to treat stomach acid problems in children younger than 12 years of age until you’ve talked to the child’s pediatrician.
“Milk of Magnesia” liquid gels contain docusate as the active ingredient. Docusate is also a gentle laxative, but it has different side effects and warnings.
Milk Of Magnesia interactions
If you are taking prescription medications, ask the prescribing doctor for advice before taking Milk of Magnesia.
Tell any healthcare professional who prescribes new drugs that you use Milk of Magnesia.
Milk of Magnesia interferes with many oral drugs because it reduces stomach acid. In most cases, these drugs are less effective when taken with Milk of Magnesia.
For most drugs, the rule is to take the drug at least two hours before or two hours after taking a dose of Milk of Magnesia. That’s only a general rule that doesn’t apply to all drugs. Talk to the prescribing healthcare provider first.
Milk Of Magnesia side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Dehydration
Less serious side effects
Mild diarrhea
Nausea
Sources:
Magnesium hydroxide drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Milk of Magnesia magnesium hydroxide suspension drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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