Indications
Milk of Magnesia suspension is used in constipation, heart burn, gas and nausea. It is also indicated in acute and long acting constipation due to hyper acidity and peptic ulcer or stomatitis.
Pharmacology
Magnesium Hydroxide is popularly known as Milk of Magnesia. It is a mildly acting antacid and laxative. It is poorly and slowly absorbed and acts by its osmotic properties in the luminal fluid which causes retention of fluid in the bowel. It is useful for emptying the bowel prior to surgical, radiological and colonoscopic procedures and can help to eliminate parasites following appropriate therapy and toxic material in some cases of poisoning. Magnesium Hydroxide is converted into Magnesium Chloride in the stomach without forming carbon dioxide
Dosage and administration
As Laxative:
Adults : 2-4 Tablespoonful with a full glass of water.
Children : 6-11 years: 1-2 Tablespoonful with a full glass of water.
Children : 2-5 years: 1-3 Teaspoonful with a full glass of water.
As Antacid:
Adults : 1-3 teaspoonful (5 to 15 ml) up to 4 times daily with water.
Children : 1-3 years: ¼ teaspoonful.
Children 3-6 years: ¼-½ teaspoonful.
Children 6-12 years: ½-1 teaspoonful
Interactions
Milk of Magnesia can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as, digoxin, mycophenolate, phosphate supplements (e.g., potassium phosphate), tetracycline antibiotics, certain azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), and quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).
Contraindications
Magnesium Hydroxide should not be administered where use of laxative is contraindicated. Long term treatment of Magnesium Hydroxide is contraindicated in patients with renal failure.
Side effects
Milk of Magnesia in common with other magnesium salts may cause diarrhoea.
Precautions and warnings
The drug should be avoided if possible in patients with renal and hepatic failure and in those with heart block and myocardial disease. The drug may be used cautiously in pregnancy.
Storage
Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
Similar brands of Magnesium Hydroxide
| # | Brand | Company | Form | Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milk of Magnesia | ACME Laboratories Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 2 | Modern's Milk of Magnesia | Modern Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 3 | Milk of Magnesia | Orion Pharma Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 4 | Mom | Opsonin Pharma Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 5 | Magmil | Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 6 | Magnamilk | United Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 7 | Magnason | Jayson Pharmaceutical Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 8 | Zenith Milk Of Magnesia | Zenith Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 9 | Milk of Magnesia | Pharmik Laboratories Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 400 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
Common questions
What is Milk of Magnesia used for?
Milk of Magnesia suspension is used in constipation, heart burn, gas and nausea. It is also indicated in acute and long acting constipation due to hyper acidity and peptic ulcer or stomatitis.
What is the generic name of Milk of Magnesia?
Milk of Magnesia contains Magnesium Hydroxide, which belongs to the group: Antacid with laxative action.
Who makes Milk of Magnesia?
Milk of Magnesia is marketed in Bangladesh by Alkad Laboratories.
How is Milk of Magnesia taken?
As Laxative: Adults : 2-4 Tablespoonful with a full glass of water. Children : 6-11 years: 1-2 Tablespoonful with a full glass of water. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
What are the side effects of Milk of Magnesia?
Milk of Magnesia in common with other magnesium salts may cause diarrhoea.
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.