Long Beach, NY
A 44-year-old male asked:
How is unabsorbed magnesium in milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) excreted by body? thanks.
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Andrew Seibertanswered
Gastroenterology 37 years experience
Magnesium: Magnesium is fairly efficiently (30 to 40%) absorbed by the body. Any that is absorbed in excess can be excreted easily by the kidneys, assuming normal renal function. Any excess will be excreted in the stool, usually causing diarrhea if it is present in any significant amount. Most people do not need magnesium supplements, since it is present in many foods.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 30-year-old member asked:
Is milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) habit forming?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Yash Khannaanswered
Family Medicine 59 years experience
No it is not: No it is not habit forming but some people tend to use it over long period of time to help move bowels.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
How fast milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) work?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Yash Khannaanswered
Family Medicine 59 years experience
1/2 HOUR TO 6 HOURS: It may work as an antacid within 30 minutes and as a laxative it may take 6 hours to 12 hours.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Raymond Chow commented
Pharmacology 10 years experience
Check with the dosing on the product label, since generally lower doses are used for acid reduction (1-3 TEAspoons), and higher to move the bowels (1-3 TABLEspoons).
Nov 26, 2013
Last updated Jun 8, 2018
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