Magnesium hydroxide, also called Milk of Magnesia, is a safe and effective laxative many people can tolerate, but there are some risks and side effects you need to know before taking it.
Magnesium hydroxide is an oral osmotic type of laxative that works by pulling water from surrounding tissues into the colon, making
bowel movements easier, Everyday Health explained. It is also sometimes given as an antacid to relieve minor stomach upset, heartburn, and indigestion.
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According to WebMD, use of magnesium hydroxide is usually short term. It can produce a bowel movement in as little as 30 minutes but at least within six hours after taking it. When patients take magnesium hydroxide for too long, they can become dependent on it and unable to have a normal bowel movement without it. Extended use also makes chronic constipation worse for some patients.
Diarrhea is the most common side effect of taking magnesium hydroxide. Other, more serious side effects like severe allergic reaction, breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, slow reflexes, swelling of the face and mouth, and loss of appetite are cause for stopping treatment with
magnesium hydroxide and contacting your physician immediately, Drugs.com said.
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Before taking magnesium hydroxide or any other laxative, first consider some lifestyle changes that can improve chronic constipation, Everyday Health advised. Eating a diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drinking plenty of water is important to maintain bowel regularity. Daily exercise also is recommended to ease constipation.
According to Everyday Health, taking Milk of Magnesia for too long a time can make it harder for your colon to contract, which makes chronic constipation even worse. Magnesium citrate can also interfere with your body’s ability to absorb other medications such as antibiotics effectively, so you should tell your doctor about other medications, including herbal supplements, you are taking.
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