A 32-year-old member asked:
Can you have a milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) overdose?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Danny Proffittanswered
Family Medicine 45 years experience
Yes: Especially if you have renal/kidney disease. It will also give you a great case of diarrhea. Magnesium is an essential mineral. It is poorly absorbed by the GI tract, thus it's use as a laxative. It is excreted by the kidneys, thus with renal disease, use caution. A good dose (overdose) by mouth will usually just give a really bad case of diarrhea.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 37-year-old member asked:
Is one overdose of milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) harmful?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Richard Bensingeranswered
Ophthalmology 54 years experience
no harm: Your body will not react to this and it will cause no problems for you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Can I use milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) daily?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tarek Naguibanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 42 years experience
Not for long term: Side effects include hypermagnesemia which could cause heart rhythm trouble. Hypermagnesemia occurs specially in persons with slow kidneys. Would suggest alternating it with other cathartics if you have constipation. Several options exist i.e. Senna preparations, plymerizedethylene glycol preparations called MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) or its generic form, flaxseed oil, and prune juice. May check with pharmacist too.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Tarek Naguib commented
Nephrology and Dialysis 42 years experience
Provided original answer
Also, if you have long term constipation, you need to make sure a physician has cleared long term treatment i.e. cancer colon was excluded by a scope.
Jun 4, 2012
A 44-year-old member asked:
Is milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) healthy?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Alan Alianswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
MOM: If used occasionally as antacid/laxative. Regular use can deplete your potassium.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
What are the uses of milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Alan Alianswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
MOM: Magnesium hydroxide is used as antacid & as laxative, and topically for canker sores (aphthos ulcers). Some believe it can be used topically on the scalp to releave dandruff.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
What is the treatment for milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) overdose?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Danny Proffittanswered
Family Medicine 45 years experience
Time: It will run through you (runs) and once through, it's done! the faster the better so that you do not have time to absorb it into the body. If concerned, call poison control or your pcp or if indicated, go to the er.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 15, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
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.