You may have had times when you couldn't go to the toilet for a few days, and your stomach was full, and you felt very uncomfortable. This is a common condition that many people experience. A medicine that many people buy from the pharmacy and drink is called 'Milk of Magnesia'. Today we are talking about this medicine called Magnesium Hydroxide Suspension. We will simply talk about how to use it, who is not good for it, and what things to be careful about.
What is Magnesium Hydroxide? How does it work?
Simply put, Magnesium Hydroxide is a liquid medicine that is used to relieve constipation. It belongs to the group of laxatives ( laxatives ).
Now, let's see how this works inside your body. When you have constipation, the stool in your intestines becomes dry and hard, like a rock. Then they can't move easily and leave your body. When you take this medicine, it goes into your intestines and draws water from the surrounding tissues. It's like a sponge absorbing water. Then the dry, hard stool absorbs water and makes it soft and smooth . It also increases the pressure inside your intestines. This pressure stimulates the muscles in your intestines, pushing the stool out of your body more easily.
This medicine is not recommended for long-term use, except for temporary constipation. We'll talk about the reason for that in a moment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although it can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy, you should always consult your doctor before using it if you have any health conditions, especially the following:
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney problems, using this medicine can be very risky . This is because the magnesium in this medicine is filtered out of the body by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not working properly, this magnesium can accumulate in the body and cause serious problems.
- Bowel or stomach diseases: If you have ulcers, tumors, or other conditions in your intestines.
- Constipation lasting more than 14 days: If there is a sudden change in bowel habits and it lasts more than two weeks, the cause should be investigated. It is not advisable to just take this medicine.
- Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting: Do not take this medicine if you have these symptoms along with constipation. The cause may be something else.
- Low magnesium diet: If you are on a low magnesium diet for some medical reason.
- If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby: It is essential to talk to your doctor before taking any medication during these times.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
- If you have an allergy to other medicines, foods, or this medicine.
How to use the medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine, you should shake the bottle well before using it. Use only the special spoon or measuring cup that comes in the package to measure the medicine. Measuring with teaspoons or tablespoons at home will not work, and the dosage may vary.
Drink a glass of water after taking the medicine. This will help the medicine work better and help prevent dehydration. Take the medicine at the right time as directed by your doctor or on the medicine package. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
What if you give it to small children?
This medicine is sometimes given to children. But only on medical advice . Do not give this to your child at your own discretion. Since the dosage varies depending on the child's age and weight, be sure to ask the doctor and give only the amount he or she recommends.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Side effects and risks
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Magnesium Hydroxide side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention: | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face/throat. |
| High magnesium level in the body | Confusion, excessive sleepiness, flushing, sweating, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing. (This is especially dangerous for kidney patients) |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist: | |
| Stomach cramping | A slight stomach ache after taking the medicine. |
| Diarrhea | Bloating due to the action of the medicine. This usually stops. But if it persists, tell your doctor. |
Interactions with other medications
This medicine may interact with some other medicines you are taking. This means that it may interfere with the effectiveness of a new medicine or an old medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about any medicines, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking.
Be especially careful if you are taking the following medications:
- Some antibiotics
- Antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole)
- Medicines to strengthen bones (e.g. alendronate)
- Seizure medication (e.g. phenytoin)
- Medicines like Gabapentin, Digoxin, Quinidine, Sotalol
- Vitamin D and other magnesium-containing products
As a general rule, if you are taking other medications, take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Magnesium Hydroxide . This can greatly reduce the risk of medication interfering with each other's absorption.
Be careful about these things when using them.
- Do not use for more than a week: Do not use this medicine for constipation for more than a week at a time without medical advice. If your problem does not improve after a week, see a doctor.
- Warning signs: If you have blood in your stool (black or dark red), rectal bleeding, or extreme fatigue, seek medical advice immediately.
- Drink plenty of water: One of the best ways to prevent constipation is to drink several glasses of water a day. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) is a medicine used for temporary constipation. It is not suitable for long-term use.
- If you have conditions such as kidney disease, stomach pain, or nausea, be sure to talk to a doctor before taking this medicine.
- Drink plenty of water while taking the medicine. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. If you are taking other medications, leave a 2-hour gap between them.
- If constipation does not improve after a week of use, or if there are serious symptoms such as blood in the stool, see a doctor immediately.
- If giving to children, be sure to give only the prescribed dosage as directed by a doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Magnesium Hydroxide / Milk of Magnesia used for?
It is mostly used as a laxative for 'severe constipation'. Doctors also prescribe this liquid to patients to quickly cure stomach inflammation, gas (indigestion), gastritis and heartburn (antacid). It is called Milk of Magnesia because of its milky/white color.
💬 How do you get rid of stomach ache and constipation at the same time after taking this medicine?
This is a very wonderful/active chemical (Osmotic/Antacid)! When you have gastritis, your stomach has too much acid. Since this is (alkaline), when it goes into the stomach, it combines with that acid (HCl), instantly turning it into normal water and eliminating the stomach inflammation/cough within a minute. On the other hand, when it goes into the intestines, it retains (is not absorbed), draws the water in the body into the intestines like a sponge, dissolves the hard stools, loosens them, and expels them.
💬 Even though this is safe, what are the main side effects and dangers that can come with continued drinking?
The biggest side effect of this is 'severe diarrhea and cramps' if the dose is increased. The other most dangerous danger is that 'people with kidney problems/weakness' should not drink this at all! When the kidneys are damaged, the 'Magnesium' in this is unable to be excreted from the body, and the patient's entire body becomes lifeless/suffocated (Magnesium Toxicity / CNS Depression) and there is a possibility of going into a coma!
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment