Milk of Magnesia User Reviews & Ratings
Milk of Magnesia has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 49 reviews on Drugs.com. 82% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 4% reported a negative experience.
Condition | Avg. Rating | Reviews | Compare |
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Constipation | 44 reviews for Constipation | 253 medications | |
Indigestion | 4 reviews for Indigestion | 258 medications | |
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Reviews for Milk of Magnesia
- RRMD
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 28, 2020
For Constipation "I figured I’d share in case others find themselves in the same predicament with constipation. I am on stool softeners and fiber supplements, which normally keep me going, but I went 4 days without a significant bowel movement, and it was getting uncomfortable. I took the max dosage before bed and didn’t have a bowel movement the next day, other than small hard stools. However, the day after, literally everything came out. Just a heads up that it can take 1-2 days to work, but it works well."
- Tmp
- Taken for 10 years or more
- July 13, 2019
For Constipation "I get constipated almost every month. I have used MOM ever since I remembered that's what my mother used to give me as a kid when I got blocked up. I take about two teaspoons at night, and the next morning everything gets flushed out rather rapidly. No pain, just great relief."
Frequently asked questions
- slevin
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- January 25, 2020
For Constipation "I am a recovering addict taking methadone daily. This opiate (like 99% of opioids) constipates me bad. Pooping once or twice a week. Never easy, usually tiny, rock-hard pellets. Tried a lot of things, with nothing else worked, so I tried MoM. Downing two large 'gulps,' figuring it'd never work at doses lower than a bit over max - oops, I was wrong! An hour later, I'm hunched over, catching my breath after the most explosive, frankly nasty yet super fulfilling movement... point? This stuff doesn't mess around!"
- Cityg...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 7, 2021
For Constipation "I have been dealing with severe constipation off and on for the past year or so. Despite increasing my fiber and liquid intake, my stools were hard and at times, extremely difficult to pass. I decided to try MOM, due to its being on the market for over a century and mostly positive reviews. It has worked wonders. I only take it twice a week to keep me regular, and my stools are easily passed, plus it feels like a complete clean out. Very satisfied with MOM!"
Are you taking this medicine?
- Rabbit
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 28, 2021
For Constipation "I just had a partial hysterectomy and a rectocele prolapse surgery, and my bladder had to be placed in a sling. I am so very grateful for MOM because I can go to the bathroom without pushing. My doctor has me on 15 ml every 8 hrs, and that's enough to clean me out. I was always prone to constipation. Once I got diagnosed with IBS constipation, I was put on Linzess 290 mg, and it works, but I do have to push a little to get things moving. I'm just really happy I have something that I can safely take every day without pushing or straining."
- RHano
- July 8, 2018
For Constipation "Had my gallbladder removed two years ago, had severe constipation ever since, tried prescription medicine which is advertised heavily and many other products. Milk of Magnesia has returned my life back to normal. 4 caplets at night and the next morning is great. I hope everyone else can have the same experience with this product. Thanks, Milk of Magnesia, Phillips."
- Feath...
- October 8, 2017
For Constipation "First-time user; took the full dose (4 tbs) because I'd been constipated for a week and felt very uncomfortable. I did not drink a full cup of water with it, thank goodness. You'll see why later. First BM came about an hour later (not much) and the second one about 3 hrs later (bit more). I was disappointed because I thought that was it but felt there was more. Around hour 5, I had a slight urge to go... so I sat down and whoa!!!! Everything just fell out. Seriously, no effort and absolutely no pain. There was a LOT of water, despite the fact that I didn't take the med with the recommended full cup of water. I feel light as a feather now. MOM is very good stuff; I'll definitely use it again and highly recommend!"
- Maris...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 8, 2017
For Constipation "This stuff is a freaking miracle worker. I have chronic constipation and can go weeks with no BMs thanks to my doctor-prescribed diet. Now, if I were to tell you nothing else worked, I'd be lying. Everything worked. However, this is the only product I've used that didn't leave me writhing in pain. Magnesium citrate, all stimulant laxatives, and even natural remedies gave me such awful cramps they'd double me over, and sometimes for days. Even saline laxatives made me queasy and ill-feeling for several hours post-BM. I thought I was out of options until I came across this at the Dollar Tree. No cramps, no discomfort, doesn't keep me up at night, and a BM like clockwork 5-6 hours after consuming. It completely empties me out!!!"
- Best...
- March 28, 2020
For Constipation "I am 19 years old and have battled extreme constipation since birth. Usually, I can have a BM from drinking coffee in the morning at home, but it is a hit-or-miss system. Sometimes it doesn't work and my discomfort grows. I have tried suppositories, enemas, stool softeners, prunes, Miralax, and the like. These things have worked but often are quite painful and only a temporary fix. I took 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of MoM at 8:40 AM this morning. I did not take it before bedtime as instructed because I was not interested in being up all night, as some reviews forewarned. Along with a cup of coffee at noon, I was able to have a BM at 12:40 PM, so almost exactly 4 hours after I took the MoM. It definitely softened my stool and made it easier to pass. It did not give me diarrhea nor watery stool. Happy things are moving again. Also, remember to drink water, as this product pulls water from near tissue."
- happy...
- August 7, 2013
For Constipation "If you take the recommended dose, it will work gently and effectively in about 6 hours. I use it whenever needed, pleasant taste and no cramps. I have found this to be the best laxative. A word of caution, don't take much more than directed; the first time I ever used this, I wasn't wearing my glasses and didn't notice the markings on the side of the dosage cup. I mistakenly thought it said 4 cups rather than 4 tablespoons on the label. That meant I took 4 times more than recommended. That wasn't all—I also didn't notice it was the concentrated stuff—twice as strong. Therefore, it amounted to 8 times the regular dose. It started working 2 hours later and I spent most of the day and the next day in the bathroom."
- MPano
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 18, 2019
For Constipation "This stuff works! Haven’t had a bowel motion for 4 days now and within the 4 days using Miralax and stool softeners and hot water drinking... but nothing. Finally went to the doctor, and they told me to try Milk of Magnesia, so I did. Within 2 hours, I finally had a bowel movement, and looks to me like I cleaned out my stomach. I took the 60 ml dose from the bottle instructions, but now for a week, I’ll take half again soon each day, so I can continue my bowel movements."
- LoCa
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 21, 2015
For Constipation "Y'all... was having some discomfort from constipation and bloating. My stomach just generally felt horrible. Wanted quick relief, so I took 4 tbs of MoM. Yes, you read that right, FOUR TABLESPOONS! I have been off and on the toilet for the last hour and realize now I took too much! Will definitely use again in a much lower dosage."
- Natali
- October 29, 2015
For Constipation "I just recently found out I'm pregnant (4 weeks) and had to stop taking my stimulant laxatives, which I had taken daily for the past 3 years! Without them I couldn't go! It's been a few days since I stopped taking them, and of course no BM for me. Called my doc and she recommended MOM. I took 2 tbs at 6:20 PM, and nothing happened. The next morning at 07:30 I took 4 tbs of MOM, and one hour later I finally had relief. Since then I went one more time. Pain-free! No diarrhea. I love it, especially knowing it's safe for my baby!"
- OG Cece
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 26, 2020
For Constipation "Milk of Magnesia is the only effective laxative I ever took that didn’t irritate my stomach lining or cause prolonged diarrhea (and I’ve taken them all now for opiate constipation). Eg. last time, I took 60 ml MOM after 5 days with no BM and nothing happened, so I took magnesium citrate, which gave me horrible cramps and diarrhea lasting 3 days, and my stomach felt like it had been strip-mined for a week. Couldn’t drink juice or soda after mag citrate without feeling like my stomach was a pit of fire for hours. THIS time I took MOM on the 2nd day with no BM and a feeling of gassy fullness. In 2 hrs, had a well-formed stool and went to bed. In the AM, passed a lot more, but normal, not like it had been marinating in a vat of acid. Tiny amount of watery stool at the end but that was it. No pain, cramps, diarrhea, irritation, or dehydration the next day. Went to work. Good thing I took it before it got too bad this time. I will always keep some on hand."
- Bonni...
- May 12, 2015
For Constipation "For a couple of days, I wasn't eating very well, and I noticed I wasn't using the restroom regularly. I went and got fruit and stuff with high fiber, and I was still stopped up except for occasional little stools. After not being able to go fully for a couple of days, I started getting very bad abdominal cramps, and I started vomiting. I went to CVS and bought Milk of Magnesia, took three tablespoons of it, and 30 minutes later, I got diarrhea. I feel better, my stomach doesn't hurt anymore, and I'm not vomiting. I would recommend this to anyone with constipation problems, but be prepared for multiple toilet trips."
- Karin...
- April 2, 2017
For Constipation "I was not feeling well and had stomach pain. I went ahead and took Pepto-Bismol, and it made me feel worse. Within minutes, my pain became stronger, I felt bloated and discomfort. After a few hours in pain, I went to the market and purchased MOM. Within one hour of taking it with a glass of water, it worked. The results were AMAZING! Everything was gone, and I felt very clean!"
- Templ...
- November 21, 2017
For Constipation "I am 23 years old and have suffered from stomach issues and constipation most of my life. In the past several years, I have struggled with IBS-C and have really bad constipation during my flares. I have tried just about everything to relieve my constipation, specifically prunes, Miralax, Metamucil, extra fruits/veggies, and lots of water. Nothing seemed to help, and I was getting frustrated! Finally, I was at the store buying some Gas-X when I came across Milk of Magnesia and called my mom to see what she thought. I ended up buying it and took the 2 tablespoon dose at night with an 8 oz glass of water and went to bed. I did feel the gas, and my stomach rumbled all night, but no action until I got up and ate. It definitely cleared me out!!"
- Pregn...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 17, 2017
For Constipation "I'm 8 weeks pregnant and have been having trouble with constipation. I also have problems with nausea and vomiting, so I know my intake of food and water hasn't been the best. Today I felt the urge to have a bowel movement and was really excited to do so, as that hasn't been happening for a couple of weeks and I had to take an enema about 3 days ago. I tried to make a BM, and nothing but a pellet came out, and I was left with stool in my rectum, which caused a good deal of pain and discomfort. I literally could not sit down. I managed to make it down the street to CVS for MoM (CVS brand). I took about 45 ml + water at first, and then about 20 minutes later, I took the additional 15 ml + water. 6.5 very painful hours later, baseballs came out. Relief!"
- Meano
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 2, 2019
For Constipation "Dr. took me off of a medication that caused constipation and I still couldn’t go for a month. I was getting so weak and I didn’t know what to do. I prayed about it and milk of magnesia was what I got. Yes it worked! I feel so much better. I think medication gets stopped up in the intestine and stays with you until you get it out. I’m so happy about that. I took 4 tablespoons and it worked within four hours but I have diarrhea and not sure if I’m supposed to have stools yet. I will wait and see. This was my first time for using it in a very long time. Hopefully I’m no longer stopped up and will go regularly now but if I need to use it again I will."
- Shonney
- Taken for 10 years or more
- August 23, 2013
For Constipation "After giving birth, lay up in a hospital bed and take all kinds of medicines. Milk of Magnesia is the best way to get the well-needed relief. For me, it doesn't cause any of that rumbling you get with laxatives. Thanks."
- Anon
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 20, 2012
For Indigestion "Looking for a product to cut off GERD at an early stage, I purchased Phillips Milk of Magnesia 12 oz. bottle that came with a measuring cap. The laxative dose is 2 to 4 Tbsp, so I wanted somewhat less than 2 Tbsp for GERD. I assumed that the measuring cap was for medicinal Tbsps, as distinguished from kitchenware Tbsps. Only after taking a bit less than 2 capfuls, upon rinsing the cap, did I notice that the cap is faintly marked for 4 Tbsps. I got more than the max recommended laxative dose! The good news is that it takes care of GERD. The other news is that it takes care of everything else, starting a few hours later and continuing over an extended period of time. I was pleased with the GERD result but need to find a lower dose."
- Monica...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 2, 2021
For Constipation "Only take this for constipation if you need to poop so bad that you won’t mind sleeping on your bathroom floor. 10 hours of 20 min intervals of liquid brown water. Started at 11am with the minimal 30 mL, (I did not wait to do overnight because I had nothing but time seeing as I am out from work because of a surgery). First dosage gave me nothing but some angry stomach noises even with drinking plenty of water. Took a second dose, same day of 30 mL (still not exceeding the max of 60 mL) around 10:30 pm, nearly 12 hours later and that’s when the trauma happened. Relief? Yes. in the way I wanted it to be? Absolutely not. I am exhausted with aching butt hole, thankful for baby wipes."
- Shell...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 15, 2020
For Constipation "I was constipated for 1 week (the usual) so I took the maximum amount. Oh and I took the “Original flavor” because thats what was in my house. And it taste like dead fish and baby diapers, so when I take a cap full I throw a starburst in my mouth along with water hehe. So on Tuesday I took a dose because my tummy was severely bloated. But only a lil came out. Then on Thursday I had a huge blow out (it was amazing). No cramps but I was weak, and had some nausea and felt faintish but it was bearable. I just ate on time and drank lots of fluid. Then on Friday I'm starting to feel a lil better. Still weak and slight nausea. And occasional bowel movements. I took lipton to make my #2 just a lil harder. But I love MOM. Used it 3times so far and it always works."
- Zep
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 23, 2021
For Constipation "Milk of Magnesia is great for constipation. It tastes chalky, but what medicine tastes good? It took a couple of hours for me, but when it hit, IT HIT. First my stomach was hurting worse than it's ever hurt, then it came. The movement I was waiting for. Luckily I was in the restroom when the medicine hit, so I ran to a toilet stall, and that was the most I've ever pooped in my life. I was on the toilet for about an hour, but each time a mini explosion went off in the toilet, I could feel it emptying out my bowels. After using the toilet, I had some nasty smelling gas for a while, but I felt much better. I highly recommend milk of magnesia for a stay at home laxative. Whatever you do, if you take this medication, don't set your plans in going anywhere. You need to stay at home and stay near a toilet, because when the milk of magnesia hits, your bowels won't wait. If you are not on the toilet when it starts hurting, you will have a nasty situation in your pants. I recommend this med."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
More about Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
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Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax Milk of Magnesia, Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax Chewable Tablets
For Constipation "I eat very healthy, plenty of fiber, drink lots of water and get plenty of exercise, but couldn't poop for three days. I was only able to force out a small baby carrot-sized BM once a day when I normally produce a lot more once a day. I continued to eat like normal expecting the big one to come, but it never happened. On day three, after I ate lunch, I felt so bloated and uncomfortable, which was not normal. I also had such atrocious smelling farts that the government could have used the same smell as a biological weapon. At this point, I started getting concerned. Went to the store and bought some M.O.M. Took the full dose at 9:00 pm. An hour later, I felt a slight urge to go. Sat on the toilet, and it happened. The flood gates opened, and the butt cork was now gone. It flowed out of my bottom like a faucet, and it just kept on coming. Three flushes later, I was finally able to get up off of the toilet. Worked well for me. 10/10."