(Magnesium hydroxide)
Preparations:
Liquid Suspension: In varying flavors.
Things to
be aware of:
-
Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is most commonly found as a liquid. The magnesium in the liquid can both neutralize excess stomach acid and, if taken in slightly larger doses, act as a saline laxative. This means that the magnesium works to pull salt or a saline solution from the blood into the intestines, therefore increasing the amount of water in the intestines and causing a laxative action.
- Depending on the dose milk of magnesia can treat both indigestion and constipation.
- Milk of magnesia is generally considered to be one of the more gentle laxatives.
- Milk of magnesia may not cause dependency, but as with any medication it is important to check this with your doctor.
- Do not take other medications within 1 to 2 hours or more of taking other medicine by mouth . To do so may keep the other medicine from working properly.
- Do not take it for more than 2 weeks unless otherwise directed by your doctor . Antacids should be used only for occasional relief.
-
Children-Antacids should not be given to young children (under 6 years of age) unless ordered by their doctor. Since children cannot usually describe their symptoms very well, a doctor should first check the child. The child may have a condition that needs other treatment. If so, antacids will not help and may even cause unwanted effects or make the condition worse. In addition, aluminum- or magnesium-containing medicines should not be given to premature or very young children because they may cause serious side effects, especially when given to children who have kidney disease or who are dehydrated.
Storage Keep out of the reach of children, store away from heat and direct light. Do not store the capsule, tablet, or lozenge form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not freeze.
Drug
Interactions If Milk of Magnesia is taken with certain other medications, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining MOM with antibiotics.
Pediatric
Dosing
Do not give to children under 6 years of age, unless directed by your doctor.
For constipation:
Under 2 years: 2ml/kg twice a day
Over 2 years and under 5: 1-3tsp twice a day.
Side Effects
Excessive diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weakness, faintness.
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