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
Dr. Phillip Goebel answered
16 years experience Emergency Medicine
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.
Answered on Sep 20, 2019
2
2 thanks
Dr. Deborah Ungerleider answered
36 years experience Pediatrics
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.
Answered on Sep 20, 2019
1
1 thank
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A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Malina Milan answered
30 years experience Internal Medicine
Yes: Your bowel could get used to the laxative and at some point you may not be able to have regular bowel movements without taking it. Try to drink plenty ... Read More
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
25 years experience Psychiatry
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.
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
25 years experience Psychiatry
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.
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ronald Krauser answered
52 years experience Rheumatology
Yes: Yes you can.
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