Milk of Magnesia Review – Right For You?

Milk of Magnesia is a formula that is typically used to help treat constipation, which does not require a prescription. This is our review.

What is Milk of Magnesia?

Everyone has suffered from stomach problems at some point in their lifetime. You might be in pain over a poorly cooked meal or a bad reaction to dairy in a food. Either way, when you want relief, you don’t want to wait around for your digestive system to naturally handle the pain. Instead, you can reach for a bottle of Milk of Magnesia to help alleviate the symptoms.

Milk of Magnesia is widely known for its ability to help in the digestive process, and is especially effective in relieving constipation. Additionally, many consumers use this product to help with stomach pain that is caused by an overabundance of stomach acid, such as heartburn or indigestion. Milk of Magnesia is not meant to cure you of any illness, but it is a great way to get the relief you need after a meal that places stress on your body.

How Does Milk of Magnesia Work?

Milk of Magnesia gets its name from the presence of magnesium hydroxide in the formula. This substance is able to reduce the amount of stomach acid in your body, while increasing the amount of water in your intestines. By supplying that amount of hydration, the product helps to move bile and excrement through the body, which is how it relieve constipation. Essentially, Milk of Magnesia acts as a laxative.

To help eliminate heartburn, the Milk of Magnesia can’t eliminate the food in the stomach. However, by reducing the amount of acid, your esophagus and chest remain unaffected by the rising levels as it counteracts the effect.

Using Milk of Magnesia

There are multiple forms of Milk of Magnesia. Since there are several companies that produce this supplement, you should always follow the directions listed on that container. The following dosing information is general information.

All of the forms of Milk of Magnesia are designed for oral use. If you have the chewable form, one piece should be equivalent to one dose. It needs to be completely chewed up before you swallow.

If you have the liquid version of the formula, shake the bottle first to mix up any ingredients that may have settled. There may be a spoon included to specifically measure out the formula. Avoid using a regular spoon, since it may not have the same dose capacity.

When you take Milk of Magnesia for constipation, drinking a full glass of water after the dose will help your body to process the formula better, while giving hydration as it goes down.

If you have any questions about using Milk of Magnesia, speak with your physician.  Do not prolong the use of this product beyond the length of time you are constipated or are experiencing heartburn, since you may develop a dependency.

Potential Side Effects of Milk of Magnesia

Even if you are careful in the way that you use Milk of Magnesia to treat your digestive system, you are still at risk for a few side effects. One of the most common side effects is diarrhea, since you are trying to motivate excrement through your body more efficiently. You should not continually experience diarrhea during the process, so this side effect should be reported to your doctor.

Some serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Muscle weakness
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Mood changes
• Decreased urination
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
• Allergic reactions, such as itching, swelling, or trouble breathing

Some side effects are unpredictable. If you think you are experiencing a side effect that is not listed, go immediately to the local hospital for examination.

Where to Buy Milk of Magnesia

Milk of Magnesia is relatively each to get ahold of. Check the pharmacy at any major retailer to purchase the product. Your local listings may have coupons to help you save money on this remedy.

Brands and Retail Pricing for Milk of Magnesia

Since this formula is not patented, many companies offer versions and formulas for Milk of Magnesia. Here are some of the most popular brands, along with their pricing for the remedy:

• Phillips' Original Milk of Magnesia Liquid, 12-ounce bottle ($3.98 through Amazon.com)
• GoodSense Milk of Magnesia Saline Laxative, 12-ounce bottle ($3.41 through Amazon.com)
• Phillips' Laxative Caplets, 100-count ($13.29 through Amazon.com)
• Equate Milk of Magnesia, 26-ounce bottle ($4.68 through Amazon.com)

Conclusion

Milk of Magnesia is a remedy that has been used for decades to treat stomach issues. In fact, even though other companies may update the formula, it’s highly likely that even your parents and grandparents used this remedy to alleviate digestive pain. You don’t need a prescription for the formula, and the total cost is easily affordable for any budget.