Milk of Magnesia or magnesium hydroxide is an inorganic compound. Its chemical formula is Mg(OH)_2. Owing to its milk-like appearance, magesium hydroxide is also referred to as milk of magnesia. Let us now look at some of the uses of milk of magnesia.

Uses of Milk of Magnesia

Milk of Magnesia is sold in the form of chewable tablets, as liquids and as capsules. It also contains added flavors. It is usually consumed with a glass of water or juice to aid in better absorption.  Some of the uses of milk of magnesia  include:

• Milk of magnesia is used to neutralize the effect of stomach acids. Excess acid in the stomach can lead to problems such as heartburn, stomach ulcers and indigestion. The hydroxide ions in milk of magnesia work with the hydrogen ions of hydrochloric acid (HCL) and neutralize its effect.
  
• It is used as a laxative and helps to alleviate constipation. When it is consumed, the magnesium ions manage to pull water from the surrounding body tissues through the process of osmosis. The extra water in the intestines softens and increases the amount of feces, which in turn stimulates the nerves in the intestines. The ions also release the hormone cholecystokinin, causing an increase of water and electrolytes in the intestine which in turn, help to increase intestinal motility.

Side Effects of Taking Milk of Magnesia

As is true with any medication, milk of magnesia can also lead to certain adverse reactions in some people. It is not meant to be consumed over a prolonged period of time. Some of the side effects caused by taking milk of magnesia include:

• nausea
• weakness
• diarrhoea
  
• vomiting
• interference with other medications consumed by the individual, leading to complications

When to avoid Taking Milk of Magnesia

When the patient has any of the following conditions, it is not advisable to consume milk of magnesia.

• patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) should be very careful while taking milk of magnesia. One of the functions of the kidney is to excrete magnesium from the body and so, when there is an increase in the level of magnesium, the kidneys will work extra hard to remove it. This can wear the kidneys out and eventually lead to toxic levels of magnesium in the blood.
• If the patient is suffering from nausea, abdominal pain or vomiting, milk of magnesia should not be taken without consulting a medical practitioner.
• If the patient does not have a bowel movement or if he suffers from rectal bleeding after consuming milk of magnesia, the patient could be suffering from a more serious problem. In this condition, the patient should immediately suspend using milk of magnesia and seek the help of a physician.
• If the patient is already taking some medication, the healthcare provider needs to be given the complete details regarding the same before milk of magnesia can be administered to him. The physician will be able to advise if there will be any adverse reaction to the consumption of milk of magnesia.
• If the patient is pregnant or if she is planning to have a baby, she should consult a physician before taking milk of magnesia.

Tips and Warnings

Keep the following pointers in mind while using milk of magnesia.

• Do not consume milk of magnesia for more than a week. Excess consumption can lead to very harsh laxative effect and eventually lead to dehydration.
• Store milk of magnesia away from heat, light and moisture. Store in room temperature.
• Keep away from the reach of pets and children.