Milk of
Magnesia
Milk of magnesia also known as
magnesium hydroxide is both an
antacid as well as a
laxative. What this means is that the milk of
magnesia can lower the acid in the
stomach as well as induce bowel
movements. Because of the composition of the mixture,
it can treat a variety of conditions which
include constipation, heartburn,
sour
stomach, indigestion,
hiatal hernia and
can even prevent ulcers or
bleeding from ulcers. Milk of magnesia
is taken orally, has a milky white
appearance and contains
magnesium.
Its
origins go back to as early as 1880 when it was first produced
by Charles Henry Phillips and sold under the brand name
“Phillip’s Milk Magnesia”, today the rights of milk of
magnesia appear to be owned by a multibillion dollar
corporation called Bayer. It is a
non-prescription
drug and that is widely available
in pharmacies all over the country. It comes in
chewable tablet, capsule and
liquid form. Different
flavors such as Original,
Mint, Cherry,
Strawberry and others are also available.
Milk of Magnesia
Dosage
Before using milk of magnesia, ensure that you
are not allergic to any of its ingredients; if unsure
consult your doctor or pharmacist. It
is also important to know your medical history especially if
you have conditions that affect the kidney. If you are
pregnant, it is
recommended to consult your doctor before taking milk of
magnesia. Read the label and follow the instructions as
directed.
For the
chewable tablet, chew thoroughly and then
swallow the pill with a full glass of water. For the
capsule just swallow and chase it down with a
glass of water. As for the liquid form, shake the bottle well
and use the proper dosing cup or spoon which comes with the
product. Do not use a regular spoon since it may affect
the accuracy of your dosage. Milk of magnesia
cannot be used for more than a week, so if
your condition persists it is better if you just seek medical
care. For best results, remember to store it at room
temperature and away from heat and
moisture.
Milk of Magnesia Side
Effects
The
side effects of milk of magnesia include
difficulty in breathing, muscle
weakness, irregular heartbeat,
mood changes, rashes,
itching, dizziness as well as
worsening of your stomach problems. Though
these side effects are uncommon to occur, in case they do, make
sure that you seek medical attention when you experience any of
the listed above.
|