Magnesium hydroxide, the main ingredient in the popular over-the-counter (OTC) laxative milk of magnesia, can be an effective remedy for occasional constipation. As a saline laxative, magnesium hydroxide increases water levels in the intestines to help soften stool, making it easier for you to poop.
Though magnesium hydroxide is a safe choice to treat temporary constipation symptoms, using too much of it is inadvisable. Constipation that doesn’t resolve warrants a visit to your healthcare provider for a checkup.
How Does Magnesium Hydroxide Work?
Magnesium hydroxide is a saline laxative (a type of osmotic laxative) that improves bowel movements. It works by increasing water retention in the stool by reabsorption in the intestines. As a result, water levels in the stool rise, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
Magnesium hydroxide also increases the number of bowel movements. It usually causes a bowel movement within 30 minutes to six hours after taking it.
Medical Uses of Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia or Pedia-Lax, is taken as a laxative, usually every half to six hours. It can treat occasional constipation in children and adults on a short-term basis.
Other than this, it is also taken as an antacid when combined with other ingredients (such as aluminum hydroxide) to relieve various stomach problems, such as:
Side Effects
Loose, watery, or frequent stools is a possible side effect of magnesium hydroxide. However, this side effect will usually resolve on its own.
Other side effects may need immediate medical attention, such as:
- Blood in stool (also known as rectal bleeding)
- Inability to have a bowel movement six hours after use
Talk to your healthcare provider if you need to take a laxative for more than one week for your constipation. You may need to find a different medication or treatment approach.
Dosage
Magnesium hydroxide is available over the counter in the following dosage forms:
- Chewable tablet
- Suspension (liquid)
Here are some general guidelines for dosing:
- You can take it as a single dose once per day (at bedtime) or divided into two or more doses throughout the day.
- Do not take more than the maximum daily dose stated on the label.
- Drink a full 8 ounces of liquid with your dose.
- Do not take it for more than one week.
| Oral Dose of Magnesium Hydroxide | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dosage form | Adult dose | Children (12 years and older) | Children (6 -11 years) | Children under 6 years |
| Suspension | 30-60 milliliters (mL) or 2-4 tablespoons (tbsp) | 30-60 mL or 2-4 tbsp | 15-30 mL or 1-2 tbsp | As prescribed |
| Chewable tablets | 2-4 chews | 2-4 chews | 1-2 chews | As prescribed |
Interactions
Magnesium hydroxide does not have any severe drug interactions. However, you should take all other prescription and nonprescription medications, such as vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products, at least two hours before or after taking magnesium hydroxide as a precaution.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are allergic to magnesium hydroxide or any ingredients in magnesium hydroxide preparations. They can recommend other options to you.
When to Skip Magnesium Laxatives
Magnesium hydroxide is not suitable (contraindicated) for some people with specific health conditions. Consult your healthcare provider before using this product if you have the following conditions:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- A sudden change in bowel movements that lasts over two weeks
- Kidney disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Ask your healthcare provider for an alternative solution for constipation.
Alternatives for Constipation
Many people experience an occasional bout of constipation from time to time. However, it can cause discomfort and require medical management to relieve symptoms. This may include OTC or prescription treatments. MiraLax (polyethylene glycol) is another OTC osmotic laxative that works similarly to magnesium hydroxide.
However, healthcare providers emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes in managing the condition. Some common lifestyle changes that can help to relieve symptoms may include:
- Fiber intake: A fiber-rich diet, including fruits, vegetables, and grains, relieves constipation and provides other digestive benefits.
- Increased water intake
- Exercise or physical activity: The exact relationship between exercise and constipation is unclear, but studies indicate that moderate to high levels of physical activity significantly reduce the risk of constipation.
- Acupuncture: Studies have found that acupuncture can help to improve constipation by promoting gastrointestinal movement and regulating hormones. Decreases in hormone levels can slow the digestive process, which can cause constipation.
Other types of laxatives include:
Summary
Magnesium hydroxide is a common OTC product taken to produce a laxative effect to treat constipation. It eases and increases the movement of the intestinal contents, resulting in a laxative action. It is also taken with an antacid effect to neutralize stomach acid.
Though magnesium hydroxide is a safe and effective option, it should only be a short-term treatment. High doses or prolonged use are not recommended. If your constipation does not resolve after one week, you may need to try a different medication or treatment method.
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Understanding Magnesium Hydroxide: Uses, Dosage, and Safety
Magnesium hydroxide, commonly referred to as milk of magnesia, is a widely recognized over-the-counter laxative. As a saline laxative, it acts to enhance water retention in the intestines, thereby aiding in the softening of stools and facilitating easier bowel movements.
How Does Magnesium Hydroxide Work?
This compound operates as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines by reabsorbing it. This increase in water content helps to soften stool, which typically leads to a bowel movement within 30 minutes to six hours post-consumption.
Medical Uses of Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide is primarily utilized for temporary relief from occasional constipation in both children and adults. It is generally administered every half to six hours as needed. In addition to its laxative properties, it also functions as an antacid by alleviating symptoms of indigestion when combined with other agents like aluminum hydroxide.
Side Effects
While magnesium hydroxide is generally safe for short-term use, it can cause loose or watery stools. Most instances of diarrhea resolve independently. However, more serious side effects warrant immediate medical attention, such as:
- Presence of blood in stool
- Inability to have a bowel movement six hours after use
If constipation persists beyond a week, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to explore alternative treatment options.
Dosage Guidelines
Magnesium hydroxide is available in various forms, including chewable tablets and liquid suspension. General dosage recommendations include:
- **Adults and children over 12 years:** 30-60 mL or 2-4 tablespoons of suspension, or 2-4 chewable tablets.
- **Children aged 6-11 years:** 15-30 mL or 1-2 tablespoons of suspension, or 1-2 chewable tablets.
- **Children under 6 years:** Dosage should be as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
It is essential to drink a full eight ounces of liquid with each dose and ensure not to exceed the maximum daily dosage specified on the product label.
Interactions
Magnesium hydroxide does not present significant drug interactions. However, to ensure proper absorption, it is advisable to take any other medications (including vitamins or supplements) at least two hours before or after ingestion of magnesium hydroxide.
When to Avoid Magnesium Laxatives
Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential if you have any of the following conditions:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Persistent changes in bowel habits lasting over two weeks
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Alternatives for Constipation Relief
While occasional constipation is common, various treatments can alleviate symptoms. Besides magnesium hydroxide, alternatives like MiraLax (polyethylene glycol) are available. Lifestyle changes can significantly enhance digestive health, including:
- Increasing dietary fiber: Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Drinking more water.
- Engaging in regular physical activity: Exercise is linked to reduced constipation.
- Acupuncture: Some studies suggest its effectiveness in promoting gastrointestinal transit and regulating hormones.
Summary
Magnesium hydroxide serves as a popular choice for easing constipation due to its dual action as a laxative and antacid. While it can be effective for short-term relief, prolonged usage is not recommended. If constipation does not improve within a week, a healthcare provider’s advice should be sought to explore other treatment options.
