What is Milk Of Magnesia: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Milk Of Magnesia overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Dulcolax Liquid, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Milk Of Magnesia, Good Sense Milk of Magnesia, Health Mart Milk Of Magnesia, Milk Of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, Quality Choice Milk of Magnesia, TopCare Milk of Magnesia, Sunmark Milk Of Magnesia, TopCare Milk of Magnesia

Generic Names:

  • Milk Of Magnesia

Uses:

  • Treats constipation, upset stomach, or heartburn. This medicine is a laxative and an antacid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antacid, Magnesium Containing, Laxative, Laxative, Hyperosmotic, Renal-Urologic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Liquid, Capsule, Chewable Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Milk Of Magnesia come in

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Capsule

  • Chewable Tablet

What are common Milk Of Magnesia doses?

  • Bottle 473ML of 7.75%

  • Bottle 355ML of 400MG/5ML

  • Bottle 473ML of 400MG/5ML

  • Cup 30ML of 7.75%

  • Cup 30ML of 400MG/5ML

Common Milk Of Magnesia prescriptions

  • Milk of Magnesia
    355ml of 7.75% bottle

  • Milk of Magnesia
    473ml of 7.75% bottle

  • Milk of Magnesia
    30ml of 2400mg/30ml cup

  • Milk of Magnesia
    30ml of 7.75% cup

How to take Milk Of Magnesia

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Do not use a laxative for longer than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to. 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. Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid after swallowing the medicine.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before using.

  • The chewable tablet must be chewed complete before you swallow it.

  • If you are using this medicine as a laxative, you must drink enough liquid. Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid after swallowing the medicine.

  • The chewable tablet must be chewed complete before you swallow it.

  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Do not use a laxative for longer than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long or too often.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before using.

What to do if you miss a dose of Milk Of Magnesia

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Milk Of Magnesia contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia).

Milk Of Magnesia warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

  • Rectal bleeding, blood in stools

Milk Of Magnesia interactions

  • This medicine may interfere with some prescription medicines. Ask your doctor if you must take milk of magnesia at a different time than your other medicines.

Milk Of Magnesia side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Rectal bleeding, blood in stools

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild diarrhea, cramping