This text discusses what milk of magnesia is, together with what it will probably deal with. It additionally covers suggestions for taking milk of magnesia and explores the potential unwanted effects and dangers.
Milk of magnesia is created from magnesium hydroxide, which is a chemical compound present in a naturally occurring mineral referred to as brucite. It’s thought of a saline laxative, which suggests it incorporates salts that draw water into the gut.
Milk of magnesia is an alkaline mineral, which suggests it will probably neutralize abdomen acid. It’s meant for infrequent, short-term use to assist with sure digestive issues.
A number of the most typical makes use of of milk of magnesia embrace the next.
The magnesium hydroxide in milk of magnesia attracts water into your intestines, which softens the stool and will increase strain on the intestines. This will stimulate the bowel and make it easier to have a bowel motion. After taking milk of magnesia, individuals usually have a bowel motion inside 30 minutes to 6 hours.
As a treatment for indigestion or heartburn, milk of magnesia’s alkaline nature neutralizes extra abdomen acid and reduces burning emotions within the chest or throat, abdomen cramping, and bloating.
If constipation or different signs don’t go away inside per week, name your major care physician or one other healthcare skilled.
Some individuals use milk of magnesia as a house treatment for acne, oily pores and skin, dandruff, and itchy scalp. Others use it as a make-up primer to soak up oil on the face earlier than making use of basis.
Though there isn’t any scientific proof to help the claims of milk of magnesia serving to with pores and skin situations, it continues to be a preferred folks treatment.
How you’re taking milk of magnesia is dependent upon the type of the treatment you employ and your signs. All the time observe on-package directions or communicate together with your pharmacist or major care doctor when taking any treatment.
Milk of magnesia is on the market as:
- a regular-strength liquid
- a concentrated liquid
- chewable tablets
The dosage for the concentrated liquid is decrease than that of the regular-strength liquid.
After taking the treatment, drink a full 8-ounce glass of water.
How a lot milk of magnesia it is best to take and when it is best to take it fluctuate in line with what type you’re taking and why.
The liquid varieties include a dosing cap that exhibits milliliters (ml), which it is best to use. Don’t use a family spoon, or chances are you’ll take an incorrect dosage.
When taking milk of magnesia in liquid type, or as an oral suspension, it is advisable to shake the bottle earlier than you pour the treatment.
Dosages for various digestive points are as follows.
- regular-strength liquid: 30–60 ml for individuals over 12 years
- concentrated liquid: 15–30 ml for individuals over 12 years
Milk of magnesia can be accessible as a chewable pill. Comply with on-package instructions or discuss together with your physician about correct dosing.
Folks typically take milk of magnesia at bedtime for constipation, however it is usually potential to take it at intervals in the course of the day.
Heartburn and indigestion
- regular-strength liquid: 5–15 ml
- concentrated liquid: 5 ml
All the time observe the instructions on the bundle or take as directed by your physician. Usually, don’t take greater than 60 ml in a 24-hour interval. Don’t take greater than the really useful quantity.
Most individuals tolerate milk of magnesia properly, however it will probably trigger sure unwanted effects, including:
Utilizing milk of magnesia too typically could cause:
In uncommon instances, somebody can take a lot milk of magnesia that they develop magnesium hydroxide poisoning. This may end up in the next signs:
If you’re taking a prescription treatment, ask your physician for those who can take milk of magnesia. That is necessary to do as a result of it will probably work together with different medicine, generally dangerously.
Folks with chronic kidney disease ought to keep away from taking an excessive amount of milk of magnesia.
If you’re vomiting or have abdomen pain, don’t take milk of magnesia with out first talking together with your physician.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, at all times test together with your physician earlier than taking milk of magnesia. That stated, it’s usually thought of secure to take often.
When utilizing milk of magnesia as an antacid, it could nonetheless act as a laxative. Don’t use milk of magnesia as an antacid for greater than 14 days in a row.
Another questions that individuals ask about milk of magnesia embrace the next.
Why is milk of magnesia banned?
The European Union banned milk of magnesia in 2013 on account of sulfate ranges within the product. Nevertheless, officers allowed present stock to be bought.
Is milk of magnesia a robust laxative?
Milk of magnesia is taken into account a light laxative when taken as directed.
Why can’t I poop even after laxatives?
Medical doctors outline constipation as three or fewer bowel actions per week. In the event you do not need a bowel motion for longer than per week, even after taking a laxative, name your physician. There might be many causes you’ve issue shifting your bowels, and a health care provider may help decide the trigger and advocate remedy.
Ought to I take milk of magnesia on an empty abdomen?
Label instructions don’t specify whether or not it is best to take milk of magnesia on an empty or a full abdomen. Nevertheless, experts recommend taking milk of magnesia at bedtime.
Milk of magnesia, which is created from a naturally occurring mineral, might be efficient as a light laxative to alleviate constipation or acid indigestion.
Taken as directed, it’s usually secure. Nevertheless, for those who take a medicine or have kidney disease, discuss together with your physician earlier than utilizing milk of magnesia.
