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can taking milk of magnesia daily be harmful

by Kaylin Terry Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

What are the side effects of milk of Magnesia?

Side Effects Of Milk Of Magnesia Diarrhea. Diarrhea is the most frequently reported side effect that patients experience after taking milk of magnesia. Nausea And Vomiting. Milk of magnesia may irritate the stomach. This could trigger nausea and vomiting for some patients. Abdominal Pain. Abdominal ...

What happens if you drink too much milk of Magnesia?

  • Fatigue and muscle weakness
  • Drowsiness and reduced alertness
  • Slow, weak and irregular heartbeat
  • Shallow breathing
  • Mental changes such as apathy, depression and confusion
  • Dehydration which can be expressed as decreased urination, dizziness, thirst, dry mouth
  • Stomach, abdominal pain
  • Blood in stools and rectal bleeding
  • Low blood pressure

More items...

How can milk of Magnesia help an upset stomach?

Milk of magnesia or magnesium hydroxide is laxative drug doctors prescribe for constipation, stomach upset, and indigestion . It is an osmotic laxative, meaning it draws water into the intestine, thereby softening the stool . You can consume the milk of magnesia during pregnancy upon a doctor’s advice . However, sometimes along with some ...

Does milk of Magnesia cause liver damage?

Milk of Magnesia (as laxative or antacid) can cause severe health issues if consumed regularly. Too much milk of magnesia has been associated with fatigue, depression, muscle weakness, liver and kidney function issues.

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Can milk of magnesia be taken long term?

Extended use or overuse of this medication for constipation may result in dependence on laxatives and ongoing constipation. Overuse may also cause diarrhea that doesn't go away, dehydration, and mineral imbalances (such as high magnesium). Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Can milk of magnesia be habit forming?

Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long or too often. If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label. If you are using this medicine as a laxative, you must drink enough liquid.

How often can you take Phillips milk of magnesia?

Milk of Magnesia may be taken once a day preferably at bedtime, in divided doses, or as directed by a doctor. Recommended dose: Adults and children 12 years and older: 30 mL to 60 mL. Children 6 to 11 years: 15 mL to 30 mL.

What are the side effects of taking too much milk of magnesia?

Overdose symptoms may include severe diarrhea, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and little or no urination.

What is the safest stool softener to use daily?

In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.

Which is better miralax or Milk of Magnesia?

Miralax has been found to cause less gas and bloating than other osmotic laxatives. Lactulose increases the speed of intestinal contractions, stimulating bowel movements. Milk of magnesia is no longer widely recommended because of the potential complications it may cause for patients with heart or kidney disease.

Does Milk of Magnesia affect blood pressure?

In rare cases, someone can take so much milk of magnesia that they develop magnesium hydroxide poisoning. This can result in the following symptoms: low blood pressure.

Why should you take Milk of Magnesia at bedtime?

Magnesium hydroxide is a laxative for occasional use only. Take a dose at bedtime with a glassful of water....About magnesium hydroxide.Type of medicineA laxativeAvailable asLiquid mixture2 more rows•Oct 20, 2021

When is the best time to take Milk of Magnesia?

It's recommended to take either the tablet or the liquid with a full, 8-ounce glass of water. Generally, it's advised to take milk of magnesia at bedtime. If you're taking any other medications, try to take those either 2 hours before, or 2 hours after, taking milk of magnesia.

How do I heal my gut after laxatives?

How to Reduce the Ways Laxatives Affect the MicrobiomeTake Probiotics. Taking probiotics that contain Lactobacilli cultures will help to support a natural gut bacteria balance. ... Eat Gut-Healthy Foods. ... Drink More Water. ... Walk Daily. ... Chew.

How much milk magnesia should I take for constipation?

As a Laxativeadults and children 12 years and older30 mL (2 TBSP) to 60 mL (4 TBSP)children 6 – 11 years15 mL (1 TBSP) to 30 mL (2 TBSP)children under 6 yearsask a doctor

Is Milk of Magnesia a good source of magnesium?

Milk of Magnesia (also called 'Milk of Magnesium') has magnesium. It actually has magnesium hydroxide. I am sure my mom would have been shocked to learn that magnesium is good for more than just constipation or heartburn. Magnesium is one of the critical nutrients we need to stay healthy.

How long does milk of magnesia keep working?

It also helps increase bowel activity. These kinds of laxatives are also known as “salts.” They're meant to be fast-acting. You can expect to have a bowel movement anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours after taking milk of magnesia.

Why should you take milk of magnesia at bedtime?

Magnesium hydroxide is a laxative for occasional use only. Take a dose at bedtime with a glassful of water....About magnesium hydroxide.Type of medicineA laxativeAvailable asLiquid mixture2 more rows•Oct 20, 2021

Is milk of magnesia a good source of magnesium?

Milk of Magnesia (also called 'Milk of Magnesium') has magnesium. It actually has magnesium hydroxide. I am sure my mom would have been shocked to learn that magnesium is good for more than just constipation or heartburn. Magnesium is one of the critical nutrients we need to stay healthy.

Is milk of magnesia dehydrating?

Laxatives like magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) can lead to dehydration and electrolyte problems in pregnant people.

What Are Some Side Effects That I Need to Call My Doctor About Right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor o...

What Are Some Other Side Effects of This Drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help i...

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to magnesium hydroxide: compounding powder, oral concentrate, oral suspension, oral tablet chewable

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to magnesium hydroxide: compounding powder, oral concentrate, oral suspension, oral tablet chewable

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

What are the side effects of milk of magnesia?

Share on Pinterest. A common side effect of milk of magnesia is stomach cramps. 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. chalky taste. feeling nauseous.

How long can you not drink milk of magnesia?

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 see their doctor.

How does milk of magnesia work?

Milk of magnesia works by drawing water into the bowel from the surrounding tissue. This means it can stop a range of other medications, including prescription drugs, supplements, and vitamins, from being absorbed by the body. One of the most common causes of constipation is a low-fiber diet.

How long can you use milk of magnesia as an antacid?

When using milk of magnesia as an antacid, it may also have a laxative effect. Do not use milk of magnesia as an antacid for more than 14 days in a row.

How does magnesium hydroxide work?

Magnesium hydroxide works by drawing water from the tissue around the bowel into the gut to ‘flush’ the contents out. The original form of milk of magnesia usually produces a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Milk of magnesia is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter treatments for constipation.

Why do people take milk of magnesia?

People use milk of magnesia as a laxative to relieve constipation, and to ease indigestion and heartburn. This is because it can reduce the amount of stomach acid while increasing water in the intestines.

Does milk of magnesia help with constipation?

Milk of magnesia can relieve constipation and ease heartburn and indigestion. Milk of magnesia contains magnesium, which is a naturally occurring mineral. The human body requires magnesium to help many of its systems function properly, most notably the muscles and the nerves. Milk of magnesia is also known as magnesium hydroxide, ...

What is milk of magnesia used for?

In lesser doses (0.5–1.5 grams), Milk of Magnesia is used as antacid medication, neutralizing hydrochloric acid produced ...

How is milk of magnesium excreted?

The rest is excreted by the kidneys via urine. Although Milk of Magnesia is an effective constipation and heartburn remedy that acts seemingly more gentle and natural then other drugs that promote active intestinal peristalsis, frequent or long term use of Milk of Magnesia can lead to serious health complications.

What is the term for an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of magnesium in the?

Hypermagnesemia – an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of magnesium in the blood (especially in people with impaired renal function) Kidney function damage. Renal failure. Anemia. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies, especially folic acid, iron and vitamin B12.

Can magnesium be taken with magnesium?

Without appropriate mineral balance testing, taking magnesium is not advised. Furthermore, since magnesium interacts with many medications, consult your doctor first before taking any magnesium supplements. If constipation is frequently an issue for you, one of the best natural remedies for it is Ginger Tea.

Can magnesium cause diarrhea?

The initial symptom of excess magnesium in the intestinal tract is diarrhea. However, even if the diarrhea is not present, the magnesium can still be toxic to the body if consumed frequently. Once the levels of magnesium are in excess, the following magnesium toxicity symptoms may develop

Can magnesium supplements help with insomnia?

Although magnesium supplementation is promoted by many naturopaths as healthy and essential, many people get enough magnesium from diets. Taking additional magnesium in form of supplements for insomnia, muscle pain, anxiety and neurological disorders may alleviate some symptoms.

Does magnesium cause fatty acid levels to decrease?

Stomach, abdominal pain. Blood in stools and rectal bleeding. Low blood pressure. Mineral imbalances; Magnesium reduces the levels of iron, calcium, phytates and causes a decrease of fatty acids concentrations due to reduced efficiency of digestion process.

How does milk of magnesia work?

Milk of magnesia is a type of hyperosmotic laxative. This kind of oral laxative works by drawing water to the bowel from nearby tissue. This softens and moistens the stool. It also helps increase bowel activity.

How old do you have to be to take milk of magnesia?

Most people over the age of 6 can safely take milk of magnesia. For children under 6, speak with your child’s doctor first.

Does milk of magnesia cause diarrhea?

The main side effect of taking milk of magnesia, or any laxative, is diarrhea. Usually, if you take the dose recommended on the label, the result should be a normal bowel movement. Everyone reacts to medications a little differently, though.

Is milk of magnesia a short term treatment?

Milk of magnesia is a short-term treatment. If you need to take it often to have a bowel movement, or if you try it and you’re still not having regular bowel movements, speak with your doctor. You may have an underlying medical condition.

Can dairy products cause constipation?

Eating too many dairy products may also cause some people to become constipated.

Is milk of magnesia a laxative?

Saline, lactulose, and polymer laxatives are the three types of hyperosmotic laxatives. Milk of magnesia is a saline laxative. These kinds of laxatives are also known as “salts.”. They’re meant to be fast acting. You can expect to have a bowel movement within six hours of taking milk of magnesia.

How much magnesium is in milk of magnesia?

Depending on the brand, each tablespoon may contain between 500 and 1,200 milligrams of magnesium hydroxide, so adults can take up to 2,000 milligrams . Milk of Magnesia is safe for children, but the dosage depends on their age. For accurate dosage information based on your unique situation, consult with your doctor.

What is Milk of Magnesia?

Milk of Magnesia is a product that comes in tablet, powder and liquid form.

How long does it take for milk of magnesia to work?

Take the dose orally and follow with a full 8-ounce glass of water. It can take up to six hours for Milk of Magnesia to cause a bowel movement, so plan accordingly. Some people prefer to take the dose in the evening before bed with the expectation of having a bowel movement upon waking.

Can you take milk of magnesium with probiotics?

Milk of Magnesia can also be taken with other digestive supplements, such as probiotics, stool softeners and digestive enzymes. Some experts, such as Mayo Clinic, recommend using Milk of Magnesia constipation remedy only after implementing a dietary approach.

Can you drink milk of magnesium syrup on weekends?

Consider drinking the Milk of Magnesia syrup in the evening or on weekends. Read more: Peanut Butter and Constipation.

Is milk of magnesium a laxative?

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Milk of Magnesia is the name of an antacid and laxative with the active ingredient magnesium hydroxi de. It is designed to treat occasional constipation on a short-term basis. However, many people with severe constipation may also find relief using laxatives with magnesium hydroxide.

Can you take milk of magnesium before school?

Do not take Milk of Magnesia before a social event or a busy day, such as school or work. It is best to plan your Milk of Magnesia dosage around your schedule so the side effects do not interfere with your personal life. Consider drinking the Milk of Magnesia syrup in the evening or on weekends.

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Url:https://www.drugs.com/sfx/milk-of-magnesia-side-effects.html

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Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323763

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Url:https://www.toomuchof.com/milk-of-magnesia-laxative/

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Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/milk-of-magnesia-constipation

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34 hours ago Milk of Magnesia (as laxative or antacid) can cause severe health issues if consumed regularly. Too much milk of magnesia has been associated with fatigue, depression, muscle weakness, …

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