Is Milk of Magnesia good as a laxative?

Question

Embarrassing topic but I'm a bit stopped up after a week travelling.

A friend said try a large dose of Milk of Magnesia, I took it this morning before work, how long will it take to act ?

Just wondering if it will take effect at work, never really thought when I drank it earlier

Answer 1

Most of the time, constipation doesn’t require treatment with laxatives. It will go away on its own or if you make changes in your diet and other habits. For example, you can treat constipation by eating enough fiber, drinking enough fluids and getting enough exercise. To combat constipation, i usually resort to eating pitted prunes. They work faster and more natural.


Laxatives aren’t meant for long-term use. Don’t use laxatives for longer than 1 week unless you’re following your doctor’s advice. Long-term use or overuse of laxatives can cause health problems. Also, using laxatives too much may hide symptoms that would be important for your doctor to know about. This could delay finding out about problems you have and delay the treatment you need.


One exception is bulk-forming laxatives. They can be used on a daily basis to help ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and other bowel problems.

Most laxatives don’t have side effects if you use them correctly. Sometimes they can cause cramping, gas, bloating, nausea or diarrhea.


Here's the laxative chart :

Type Generic/ Brand

Bulk-Forming Methylcellulose
(Citrucel )

Polycarbophil FiberCon
(Psyllium Metamucil)
Lubricating Glycerin suppository

Mineral oil Mineral oil
Magnesium hydroxide
(milk of magnesia) and
mineral oil
(Phillips’ MO)

Stool Softener Ducosate Sodium
( Colace, Dulcolax supp; Phillip's Liquid gel )


Saline Magnesium hydroxide
( milk of magnesia)
Ex•Lax MOM
Stimulant Free Liquid
Laxative/Antacid
Phillip's chewable tabs
Phillips' MOM

Stimulant Bisacodyl
(Dulcolax Bowel Prep Kit;Gentflax; Ex-Lax Ultra )


Sodium bicarbonate
and potassium bitartrate
(Ceo-Two Evacuant)
Sennosides
(Ex•Lax laxative Pills
Castor oil (Purge)
Sienna (Senokot)

Answer 2

I am 100 years old and have been dependent on milk of magnesia for bowel movement for at least the past 10. It's Mg(OH)2, which is insoluble in water. It's a natural rock known as brucite. Milled into tiny particles it makes a colloidal mix with water that attracts more water. I take ~3 tablespoons of wild cherry flavored milk of magnesia at bedtime, when food has been digested and acidic digestives are no longer needed. It takes 10 or more hours to work. First is a lot of gas, followed by liquid and feces that looks like water has even been drawn from it. Am still enjoying life an hope to have a few more years, with help from MOM

Answer 3

It may work well for you, but do not take it for a long time. Recommended dosage is 10-20 ml after lunch and dinner just for a few days.