Can you take milk of magnesia every day?

Category: food and drink food movements
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Is it safe to take milk of magnesia about three times a week? Milk of magnesia is quite safe and can be taken daily without problems by patients with occasional constipation, heartburn, or dyspepsia. The most common side effect is diarrhea, although this is the desired effect for patients with constipation.



Similarly one may ask, how often can I take milk of magnesia?

Milk of magnesia for other digestive issues Adults should take 5 – 15 ml at a time with water, and repeat up to 4 times per day as needed. They should not take more than 60 ml in any 24-hour period. When using milk of magnesia as an antacid, it may also have a laxative effect.

Also, how long does it take for milk of magnesia to work? six hours

Keeping this in consideration, can you become dependent on milk of magnesia?

Extended use or overuse of this medication for constipation may result in dependence on laxatives and ongoing constipation. Overuse may also cause persistent diarrhea, loss of too much body water (dehydration), and mineral imbalances (e.g., high magnesium).

What is a safe laxative to use daily?

Bulk-forming laxatives. They work slowly and stimulate your colon naturally. They are considered the safest type of laxative and the only type that might be recommended for daily use. Examples are psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel).

39 Related Question Answers Found

Which is better MiraLAX or milk of magnesia?

Another difference between MiraLAX and milk of magnesia is how long they take to work. MiraLAX usually takes one to three days to cause a bowel movement. Milk of magnesia, on the other hand, usually causes a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Is Milk of Magnesia the same as magnesium citrate?

Another option would be a magnesium-based laxative, such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate. These are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements. The active ingredients include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate.

What are the side effects of milk of magnesia?

Milk of Magnesia side effects
  • severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
  • no bowel movement after using the medicine as a laxative;
  • rectal bleeding; or.
  • worsening symptoms.

What laxative works the fastest?

Stimulant laxatives are the fastest-acting, such as include aloe, cascara (Nature's Remedy), senna compounds (Ex-Lax, Senokot), bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol), and castor oil. Saline laxatives or enemas such as Fleet Phospho-Soda, milk of magnesia, and magnesium citrate.

What prescription drugs interact with milk of magnesia?


There may be an interaction between magnesium hydroxide and any of the following:
  • angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; e.g., captopril, ramipril)
  • alfacalcidol.
  • allopurinol.
  • amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine)
  • antipsychotic agents (e.g., chlorpromazine, perphenazine)

Does magnesium citrate turn stool to liquid?

Magnesium citrate works by pulling more water into the intestines, which is called osmosis. When there is more water in the intestines, the stool becomes softer or even watery and is easier to pass.

Is Milk of Magnesia an antacid?

Milk of Magnesia can be taken as a liquid or a tablet. Milk of Magnesia can also be used as an antacid. It can help relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion. It's an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that's available without a prescription.

What is a lazy bowel?

Lazy bowel syndrome, also called sluggish bowel and slow gut, is a condition with symptoms of constipation and painful bowel movements. Some people use “lazy bowel syndrome” particularly to describe the way your intestines behave after the frequent use of laxatives.

Why is it called milk of magnesia?


water, it is often called milk of magnesia because of its milk-like appearance. The solid mineral form of magnesium hydroxide is known as brucite. magnesium hydroxide that does dissolve does dissociate.

What happens when you take a laxative?

Laxatives are medications people use to help stimulate bowel movements or loosen up stool to ease its passage. Stimulant laxatives: These work by speeding up the movement of the digestive tract. Osmotic-type laxatives: This type causes the colon to retain more water, which increases bowel movement frequency.

Is MiraLax habit forming?

Polyethylene glycol 3350 may be habit-forming. If you use MiraLax too often or for a prolonged period of time, you could become dependent on laxatives. People who have or may have a bowel obstruction (blockage in the intestine) should not take MiraLax.

How do you poop when your constipated on the toilet?

Try to sit on the toilet for 15 minutes at the same time each day, even if you can't “go.” It can relax your digestive system and cue your body for a bowel movement. Do this: While on the toilet, you can try to rest your feet on a low stool or raise your knees above your hips. Ignore your body's signals.

How much magnesium is in milk of magnesia?

Magnesium Hydroxide BP 415 mg per 5 ml suspension. Oral Suspension. Milk of Magnesia is indicated as an antacid for the symptomatic relief of stomach discomfort, indigestion, hyperacidity, heartburn and flatulence; and as a laxative for constipation.

When should I take a laxative?


For patients taking laxatives containing a stimulant ingredient:
  1. Stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach for rapid effect.
  2. Many stimulant laxatives (but not castor oil) are often taken at bedtime to produce results the next morning (although some may require 24 hours or more).

What is the best medicine for constipation?

The three prescription-only medicines used to treat constipation are lactulose (Enulose, Kristalose and generic), linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone (Amitiza). Amitiza and Linzess are relatively new drugs that cause the cells that line the intestines to secrete chloride, sodium and water to help soften stools.

How often can you use magnesium citrate?

Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Use 195 to 300 ml of magnesium citrate with a full glass of water. It may be taken as a single dose or divided doses or may also be used with 2 to 4 tablets at bedtime.