Phillips' Milk of Magnesia Side Effects
Generic name: magnesium hydroxide
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 12, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about magnesium hydroxide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Phillips' Milk of Magnesia.
Applies to magnesium hydroxide: oral suspension, oral tablet chewable.
Serious side effects
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other side effects
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:
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 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to magnesium hydroxide: compounding powder, oral concentrate, oral liquid, oral suspension, oral tablet chewable.
General
The most commonly reported side effects included hypermagnesemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and colic.[Ref]
Metabolic
Patients with renal dysfunction may be at higher risk of magnesium accumulation, which could result in toxic effects.[Ref]
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypermagnesemia[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea was a dose-dependent side effect.[Ref]
Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, colic, diarrhea[Ref]
More about Phillips' Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
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Patient resources
Other brands
Milk of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax Chewable Tablets, Dulcolax Milk of Magnesia, Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia
Related treatment guides
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
2. Product Information. Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide). Major Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2019.
3. Product Information. Pedia-Lax Chewable (magnesium hydroxide). Fleet, CB. 2019.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
