Your Ultimate Guide to The Conditions Milk Of Magnesia Helps Treat

If you have ever heard of milk of magnesia but don’t know what conditions it is used to treat, you have reached the right place. Milk of magnesia or magnesium hydroxide has several medical uses. For example, it can ease bowel movements, neutralize the effect of stomach acid, and can also be used to treat indigestion, heartburn, constipation, and other health issues in no time.

While using milk of magnesia, you should keep in mind that it can be harmful, especially when overdosed or when you have another disease like kidney problems. It can also interact with other medicines if you take any and cause symptoms like headache, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, decreased urination, and muscle weakness. In that case, don't forget to see your doctor. If you are still interested in learning about the milk magnesia and its uses, keep reading till the end!

The Conditions Milk of Magnesia Helps Treat

The term ‘milk’ in the name milk of magnesia might indicate that it is a dairy product, but it is not. Yes, you heard it right. It is magnesium hydroxide and is used as a laxative. It is a basic suspension that consists mainly of water and a creamy form of magnesium hydroxide. It is used to treat many medical conditions like constipation, heartburn, sunburn, and acne. It plays an important role in developing healthy red blood cells and evacuates bowel movements before surgeries. Let’s know more about the conditions milk of magnesia can treat:

Constipation and other digestive issues

A diet poor in fiber is the main cause of constipation; milk of magnesia can treat it effectively. It helps you get back to a normal, healthy state overnight. It draws water from the tissues to the bowel, making the stool soft and moist and excreting it easily due to increased bowel activity. Milk of magnesia also stimulates nerve functioning in the intestine. It stimulates peristalsis, contraction, and relaxation of the muscles that help relieve constipation. Adults should take 30-60 ml of milk of magnesia for constipation, while children should take 15-30 ml. Besides constipation, milk of magnesia can also treat other digestive problems, like heartburn and indigestion. It does this by neutralizing the stomach acid. Adults should take 5-15 ml four times a day but never more than 60 ml daily.

Sunburn And Acne

Milk of magnesia can also treat sunburn. Applying a thin layer to the affected area relieves the burning sensation and pain. Milk of magnesia contains a small amount of zinc, which is good for your skin. But remember, it works for some people and not for everyone. You should see your doctor for proper treatment if it doesn't work for you. Also, milk of magnesia has the potential to break down surface oils, hence treating acne. Studies reveal that taking milk of magnesia along with tetracycline and washing the face twice daily helps with acne and inflammation. But don’t forget that milk of magnesia is alkaline in nature and might not suit some people.

How to Take Milk of Magnesia?

Milk of magnesia is available in pill, liquid, and chewable tablet forms. Follow the instructions on the label or package. You should not take it with other medicine, as milk of magnesia can interact with it, especially OTC medicine, vitamins, and other supplements. It hinders their absorption in the gut. So, it is better to give a two-hour gap. Also, milk of magnesia works better when taken at bedtime. If you give it to a child younger than 6, talk to the doctor about dosage and other care instructions.

It is usually taken only once a day with water. It is advised not to take milk of magnesia for more than a week without consulting your doctor. Before regularly starting milk of magnesia, you should tell the doctor about your medical history, particularly if you have any kidney problems, appendicitis, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Also, if you breastfeed your baby, you should ask your doctor first if you can use milk of magnesia or not.

What Are The Side Effects of Using Milk of Magnesia?

Along with numerous benefits, milk of magnesia also has some side effects. For example, milk of magnesium can cause:

1. Higher Magnesium Levels: It might result in high magnesium levels in your body. The symptoms of high magnesium levels include muscle weakness, slow breathing, irregular heartbeat, and mood changes.
2. Dehydration: It can also cause dehydration (dizziness, increased thirst, decreased urination), stomach pain, and rectal bleeding.
3. Allergic Reactions: A severe allergic reaction is also a possible side effect of milk of magnesia, but that rarely occurs. If you observe any rash, swelling, itching, or difficulty in breathing, you should immediately see your doctor.
4. Difficulty In Urination: Side effects also occur in the case of overdosage. Signs of overdose can be difficult urination, diarrhea, and weakness.

Remember that milk of magnesia is an over-the-counter treatment, but that does not mean it is for everyone. You should immediately consult your doctor if you experience any allergic reaction or other side effects, as mentioned above.

Conclusion:

If you are suffering from an illness and wondering whether milk of magnesia can treat it, we are here to guide you in the best way possible. Yes, it can be useful for you if you have constipation, indigestion, other stomach problems, heartburn, or skin burns. It stimulates muscle movements in the intestines and neutralizes the acid in your gut. But remember that overuse of milk of magnesia can be risky. Therefore, you should stop using it if you experience any allergic reaction, difficulty in urination, or dehydration. Besides that, it can also increase the amount of magnesium in the blood. So, be very careful regarding the dosage and always consume it according to your age and condition and per your doctor's recommendations.