Can you mix milk of magnesia

Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health.

These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Digestive tract symptoms: Fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or bloating could be symptoms of appendicitis. Speak with your doctor before taking magnesium hydroxide if you have any of these symptoms. If you have an ileostomy or colostomy, it is recommended that you avoid magnesium hydroxide and other laxatives. Heart disease: Magnesium can cause a condition called heart block , a slowing down of the heart rate.

Due to this side effect, magnesium hydroxide is generally not recommended for people with heart block. Kidney function: If you have decreased function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Long-term use: This medication should not be taken daily for more than one week. Long-term use can make your bowels dependent on this medication to function.

If you experience constipation for more than one week, contact your doctor. Constipation is a common problem. It can mean either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty your bowels, or passing hard or painful stools. Constipation can be caused by a number of things. Not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation.

Some conditions such as pregnancy can cause constipation, as can a lack of exercise or movement such as being ill in bed , and some medicines. Often, increasing the amount of fibre in your diet such as by eating more fruit, vegetables, cereals and wholemeal bread and drinking plenty of water each day can effectively prevent or relieve constipation.

A laxative such as magnesium hydroxide can also be helpful, if used occasionally. Magnesium hydroxide works by drawing fluid into your bowel, which makes your stools softer and easier to pass. It can be bought without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. There are also chewable tablets for children. Children should drink a full glass of liquid with each dose. The dosage varies depending on age:. People should not take milk of magnesia as a laxative for more than 7 days in a row.

Anyone who is still in need of a laxative or has persistent pain in their stomach area should talk to a doctor. Milk of magnesia usually relieves constipation within 6 hours of taking it. If a person does not have a bowel movement after using milk of magnesia, they should stop using it and talk to a doctor.

There may be another cause of constipation that doctors can treat. Along with constipation relief, people can also use some versions of milk of magnesia to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.

Adults should take 5 — 15 ml at a time with water, and repeat up to 4 times per day as needed. They should not take more than 60 ml in any hour period. When using milk of magnesia as an antacid, it may also have a laxative effect. Do not use milk of magnesia as an antacid for more than 14 days in a row.

Talk to a doctor before using milk of magnesia to treat other digestive issues in children under Milk of magnesia also carries more serious side effects. People who experience any of the following should stop using the medicine straight away and seek medical attention:. Serious side effects are more likely to occur if a person takes more milk of magnesia than is recommended, or if they take it for an extended period.

People who are taking this medicine need to make sure they drink plenty of water to prevent becoming dehydrated. If anyone experiences diarrhea after taking a dose of milk of magnesia, they should avoid taking it again. If someone overdoses on milk of magnesia, they should seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an overdose may include:. Some people may be allergic to milk of magnesia. Signs of an allergic reaction that require medical attention include:. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Use Milk Of Magnesia Magnesium Hydroxide exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device not a kitchen spoon. When taken as a laxative, magnesium hydroxide should produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with magnesium hydroxide does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this medicine. Since magnesium hydroxide is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule.

Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose.