Milk of Magnesia - 200ml
About Phillips Milk of Magnesia and how it works
This medicine has both a laxative and an antacid action. It helps relieve the symptoms associated with excess acid such as flatulence, heartburn, and indigestion as well as constipation that occurs occasionally.
Magnesium hydroxide works as an antacid by neutralising excess acid in the stomach, and relieves symptoms of excess acid such as stomach discomfort, indigestion, heartburn and flatulence. Magnesium hydroxide when used as a laxative works by absorbing water into the stool and increases the volume and water content of stools. The stools become softer and are easy to pass.
This medicine is available in the form of a liquid which is taken by mouth. You may take this medicine with milk or water.
It is best to take this medicine at night time if you are taking it for its laxative effect.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medicine.
As this medicine may be used to relieve hyperacidity symptoms or constipation, it is important that you take the appropriate dose to treat your condition.
If you are taking this medicine for its laxative effect, do not take this medicine continuously for more than three days. If you are taking this medicine for its antacid effect, do not take this medicine continuously for more than 14 days.
If you get diarrhoea, stop taking this medicine immediately. Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during treatment with this medicine.
Before using Phillips Milk of Magnesia
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone and some people must never take it. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure that the medicine is suitable before taking it.
Always get advice from a healthcare professional before taking this medicine if:
- you are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
- this medicine is for a child under three years of age
- you have kidney problems
- you have persistent stomach pain
- you need to take a laxative daily
Medicines interactions
If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. Before taking this medicine consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including vitamins, supplements and herbal or complementary preparations.
The following medicines may interact with this medicine:
- tetracycline
- digoxin
- dicoumerol
- cimetidine
- ibuprofen
- penicillamine
- bisphosphonates
- ketoconazole
- salicylates
- sodium polystyrene sulphonate
Possible side effects of Phillips Milk of Magnesia
Most medicines can cause some side-effects but not everyone taking the same medicine will get the same side-effects.
The following side-effects have been associated with people taking this medicine:
- diarrhoea - stop taking this medicine immediately if you have diarrhoea
- abnormally high levels of magnesium in the body in people with kidney problems can cause toxic effects
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you should seek medical advice before taking this medicine.
Other important information
Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with your medicine to check what dose you should take and if there is anything that you need to do if you take more than the recommended dose. If you are in any doubt about whether this medicine is suitable for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine may affect the absorption of other medicines if taken at the same time. If you are taking other medicines you should take not take them at the same time as this medicine but at least 2-3 hours apart.
You must dispose of the bottle and any remaining contents six months after opening it. It is a good idea to make a note of the date when you first opened it.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.