Casper, WY
A 22-year-old female asked:
How long does it take for milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) to work? i haven't gone in 4 days...
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Phillip Goebelanswered
Emergency Medicine 18 years experience
A couple of hours: If it has not worked in a couple of hours you should either take another doe or switch to something like miralax (polyethylene glycol) in combination with enemas.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Deborah Ungerleideranswered
Pediatrics 38 years experience
Less than 24 hrs: Usually milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) takes 30 minutes to 6 hours to work, but can be a little longer. It should not take 4 days. I would recommend that you discuss this with your doctor. You may not be drinking enough fluids or you may be too constipated for an oral laxative to work. You can try increasing your fluids and fiber, but also speak to your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
Is milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) safe every 4 days?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Yash Khannaanswered
Family Medicine 59 years experience
Yes is safe: Yes it is safe to take every 4 days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
How much time does it take for milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) to work?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide): Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) usually takes effect (leads to a bowel movement ) in half an hour to six hours – but this is variable.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
How long should I give milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) to work?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide): Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) usually takes effect (leads to a bowel movement ) in half an hour to six hours – but this is variable.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
MA
A 19-year-old female asked:
How long does milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) stay in your system ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Depends: The elimination of this laxative depends on the rate of movement of bowel contents. Under usual circumstances most of it should be out of the GI tract in a couple of days, a week at the most.
Unrelated to your question:
Practice safe sex.
Get HPV vaccine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 20, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.