Side Effects Of Milk Of Magnesia

Milk of magnesia is an oral suspension that contains hydrated magnesium carbonate. It is an over-the-counter medication intended for occasional or short-term use as an antacid or laxative. Patients may use it to relieve minor constipation, and it can also help with relief from heartburn, indigestion, or sour stomach. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask their physician before using milk of magnesia, and patients with kidney disease should check with their healthcare team to ensure this medication is safe for them to use. If symptoms persist for more than seven days, the patient should see a doctor before continuing to take this medication. Milk of magnesia is available as a chewable tablet and as a liquid. Individuals using the liquid formulation will need to shake the medicine before consuming it.

The potential side effects associated with milk of magnesia are discussed below.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the most frequently reported side effect that patients experience after taking milk of magnesia. As a laxative, this medication increases the amount of water in the intestines to induce a bowel movement, and it softens and moistens the stool. Most patients will have a normal bowel movement within six hours of taking a single dose of milk of magnesia. However, diarrhea could occur if an individual takes more than one dose in twenty-four hours or if the dose consumed exceeds the recommended amount on the product packaging. Diarrhea is defined as loose or watery stools, and patients might experience this symptom together with abdominal pain or bloating. If diarrhea occurs, patients should not take any additional doses of milk of magnesia, and a doctor should be consulted if the diarrhea is accompanied by nausea. It is often beneficial to eat a low-fiber diet and avoid dairy products until diarrhea resolves, and patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If diarrhea continues for more than two days, patients may wish to consult a healthcare provider, and additional medication may be prescribed.

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Nausea And Vomiting

Milk of magnesia may irritate the stomach, and this could trigger nausea and vomiting for some patients. These symptoms are more likely to occur in patients who need to take more than one dose to relieve their constipation. To ease nausea, doctors suggest that patients try to avoid strong odors or flavors, and it can be helpful to go outside for fresh air. Some patients can relieve their nausea by eating peppermint or ginger. Eating bland food such as rice or crackers could be soothing for nausea. If vomiting occurs, patients should make a note of how many times they experience this, and emergency medical attention should be obtained if the vomit is black or bloody. Emergency medical care is also necessary in cases where the patient is unable to keep any food or liquid down at all.

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Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain may occur as a side effect of milk of magnesia, and it is also a common complication of constipation and upset stomach. The abdominal pain associated with laxative use may be experienced as a sharp, stabbing pain or as cramps. Patients might also feel a dull or throbbing ache. These types of pains occur most often in the lower abdomen, though they may be present in several areas of the abdomen. Since abdominal pain may be indicative of a bowel obstruction or another serious medical condition, patients should see a doctor if they experience severe pain, pain that persists, or pain that worsens in any way. Emergency medical attention is necessary if the abdomen is swollen or tender to the touch, and patients should go to the emergency room if they have abdominal pain accompanied by bloody stools, fever, or persistent nausea and vomiting. To assess the patient, doctors will use a stethoscope to listen for bowel sounds in the abdomen, and they will press on the patient's abdomen to check for lumps and areas of pain. Imaging studies might be requested as well. Depending on the exact cause of the pain, patients may be treated with medications or surgery.

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Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding can be a sign of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or cancer, and patients who experience this symptom should see a doctor urgently. Patients with rectal bleeding may notice blood on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement, and there may be drops of blood in the toilet bowl. The stool itself could be red or black. To assess rectal bleeding, the doctor will begin with blood tests and a general physical examination to assess the patient for signs of anemia and abdominal pain or masses. Next, they will perform a digital rectal examination to check for the presence of blood or masses in the rectum. Patients might also have a proctoscopy examination, and a colonoscopy may be requested if more information is required. If possible, patients may want to estimate how much blood loss they experience through rectal bleeding. This information helps guide the doctor in the assessment, and it is beneficial for them to know how often the patient experiences rectal bleeding as well.

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Lightheadedness

Patients who take milk of magnesia on a long-term basis or at doses larger than the recommended levels could experience lightheadedness and dizziness. Patients who feel lightheaded could faint, and they are at a higher risk for falls and injuries. During an episode of lightheadedness, the patient should try to sit or lie down as soon as possible. Patients who experience this symptom while taking milk of magnesia should discontinue the use of the medicine immediately. It can be helpful for the patient to keep a journal of episodes of lightheadedness that have occurred so they can share this information with the doctor. To assess lightheadedness, doctors will perform a physical examination, and patients may need to have blood tests or imaging studies. This symptom may resolve on its own once milk of magnesia is stopped.