Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia

Name: Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia

Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia Overview

Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia is a brand name medication included in a group of medications called Magnesium compounds. For more information about Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia see its generic Magnesium Hydroxide

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)?

Do not use magnesium hydroxide without a doctor's advice if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially kidney disease.

It is not known whether magnesium hydroxide will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether magnesium hydroxide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

You may need to shake the oral suspension before each use.

Do not use magnesium hydroxide for longer than 7 days without medical advice.

Call your doctor at once if you have if you have a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using magnesium hydroxide and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • rectal bleeding;

  • no bowel movement after using the medicine as a laxative;

  • severe nausea, vomiting;

  • slow heartbeats; or

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

  • drowsiness; or

  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal.
  • Loose stools (diarrhea).

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to magnesium hydroxide: compounding powder, oral concentrate, oral suspension, oral tablet chewable

Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea may occur and is occasionally severe enough to cause dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal side effects have included diarrhea and minor gastrointestinal discomfort.[Ref]

General

General side effects have included signs and symptoms of hypermagnesemia. These have included hypotension, nausea, vomiting, EKG changes, respiratory depression, mental depression and coma.[Ref]

Magnesium may be systemically absorbed following administration of magnesium hydroxide. In patients with normal renal function, increased magnesium elimination in the urine occurs and no significant changes in serum magnesium levels would be expected. However, magnesium may accumulate in patients with renal insufficiency.[Ref]

Some side effects of Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

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