Magnesium hydroxide and Cramps: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2010

For Constipation "Milk of Magnesia is great. The only complaint for me was that the dose of 1 cup didn't work within 6 hours as advertised. It took about 10 hours instead. As time went by, I had forgotten I took it; I went to a party, and of course, it started working there. To be predictable (2-3 hours), I have to take about 3-4 cups. The only problem with that is that you keep going once it starts working, even the following morning. However, it's very gentle, no cramps. When I need it, I just plan on being home. It's the best."

• All...
• November 5, 2015

For Constipation "This stuff is the real deal. It really clears you out. I had my gallbladder removed and was on pain meds, so I was unable to 'go' for at least 5 days. I panicked because normally I poop 6-7 times a day. So I called the nurse scared. She suggested milk of magnesia. The bottle called for 2 tablespoons, but I felt so bound and plugged up that I chugged 3 tablespoons. And it began. 20 minutes after I drank it, it was like an explosion of chowder every 10 minutes. I'm glad it worked, no cramps, no pain, just extreme anal gushing, and this happened every 10 minutes, making it inconvenient and annoying, but hey, it had to be done. I got the berry-flavored one, and it was relatively tasty."

• Mar...
• 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!!!"

• not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2016

For Constipation "I suffer from IBS, and by suffer I mean between alternating IBS-D & IBS-C. It's a fun combination, said no one ever. In the last 5 years, IBS-C symptoms are the most prevalent. Recently, I experienced SEVERE constipation (nearly 8+ days). I was terribly bloated, my abdomen was distended, had gas pains (under each side of my rib cage), and even chest pains. I took Dulcolax for women at the onset of this situation. It barely worked. It did, however, cause me to curl up in the fetal position on a hotel floor room (I was traveling for business) for over 2.5 hours while grabbing my stomach in agony due to the severe cramping it caused. Cold sweats and crying out for my mom (at 33 years old) accompanied the pain. So imagine my hesitation when my parents urged me to take M.O.M. while visiting for the holiday. Even with the fear of being curled up on the bathroom floor in my childhood home, I gave in to my concerned parents' recommendation of taking M.O.M. Night 1 - I was scared of cramping (even though the label clearly states - stimulant & cramp free) so I only took 45 ml vs. 60 ml prior to bed. I woke up and had success! Multiple BM's but still felt (knew) I was constipated. Night 2 - knowing I had not successfully passed everything, I took 60 ml prior to bed. Within 2 hours I had multiple (I mean multiple) BM's and still am today - over 36 hours later. I cannot say enough about M.O.M., it will most certainly become my go-to if this should happen again (which I know it will). It's effective, and I did not experience any negative side effects! No cramping!"

• Why...
• October 4, 2013

For Constipation "I remember this product when I was a kid. My mom used to keep a bottle of it in the house all of the time, that was decades ago. I have used the pill form for the first time, and it still works quite well. I find the pill form a little more tolerable than drinking the liquid form. But what I like about it most is that it doesn't cause cramps. For anyone reading, the best time to take any laxative is at night before going to bed. Also, take a full 8 oz glass of liquid (water preferably) when taking any pill-form laxative. Water helps with constipation to begin with. The directions call for 2 to 4 pills, I took 3."

• OG ...
• 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."

• IBS...
• July 16, 2016

For Constipation "I am 21 and have struggled with IBS-C for two years now. My doctor has me do colon cleanses when I am severely constipated. So I was prescribed to take 4 tablespoons of MOM. It took a little over 5 hours to kick in, and when it does, you'll know. The first few hours were awful with the gurgling and cramping in my stomach. At one point, I was going to take more because it seemed to not be working. DON’T. It will work, and you will feel so much better!"

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2014

For Constipation "I took the recommended dose at 9:30 am after horrible constipation, cramps, and bloating. Nothing but stomach gurgling occurred that entire day. I had to take another dose that evening around 7 pm. Still...nothing by bedtime. I didn't get relief until around 9 am the next morning, and from that point on, I was afraid to move or leave the toilet. And it took about a full 10 hours of off-and-on emergency bathroom trips (those uh-oh! Get up and run! kinds) to get it all out."

• JBe...
• May 17, 2015

For Constipation "I had jaw surgery 2 weeks ago, and I have to be on a liquid diet for maybe less than 6 weeks, but can also have very soft foods. After a week and a half, I started eating scrambled eggs, and then a couple of days later, I had to go poop and COULD NOT come out. It was painful and to the point I was crying. Then I was researching on what is the most effective out there... Magnesium Citrate. I went to Walgreens with my dad, and he said when he was a child, this was the BEST solution that helped him out with his constipation. When I bought the Wild Cherry flavor of MOM Phillips, I took it right away. It immediately helped out the cramps because it was extremely painful. Then I went to take a long nap, and then 5 hours later, IT CAME OUT LIKE A DREAM. Try it, please!"

• Ski...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2017

For Constipation "2 years ago, I suddenly became so constipated that I couldn't have gone using a jackhammer! That's how bad it was, but after using every OTC laxative, enema, everything, I couldn't go. So, I told my doctor what was going on, and she prescribed Kristalose for $125.00 a month. No success in the beginning, then it got a tad better. Then I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which slows everything down, and was given medication for that. Finally, I saw a commercial for MOM and realized I had not tried it before. So, I rushed out and got some. It has changed my life in a great way! No more pain as I had for not going for a week. No cramping. Just stay close to home after use, and it works. Sometimes faster than others, but it will work. Good luck, guys."

• Amk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2015

For Constipation "Best laxative out there! I have chronic constipation due to psych meds. I've tried every laxative out there and have a very healthy, plant-based diet, etc., but nothing has helped. Milk of Magnesia is the only effective remedy I've found. Best to take it on an empty stomach-it doesn't seem to work if you're full of food-and drink lots of water. Within 2 hours of taking 4 tbsp, I had 2 bowel movements. No cramps or bloating or pain or diarrhea. This stuff works great."

• Pok...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 16, 2016

For Constipation "I have been constipated for 20 years due to a brain injury/nerve damage. Bottom line is I don't have a bowel movement without 'help' ever. I've usually gone around 2-3 weeks without having one. Anyway, this stuff is a lifesaver. I've tried everything. It's reliable, and it doesn't hurt like other laxatives do. There can be slight cramping, but that's to be expected when you haven't pooped in 20 days. Anyway, I take it on an empty stomach, followed by a large glass of water (or three). The more water you drink, the more violent it will be, but I don't care as long as I feel better. I take it during the day, not before bed. This way, there are no accidents, and it works much faster (in the time it takes to start 'going' and the time it lasts)."

• Bon...
• 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."

• Que...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2016

For Constipation "I've tried everything, and I mean, EVERYTHING. I have severe OIC and have discovered that I need 'hydrating' laxatives. This is the best one I've tried that is reliable and predictable. I take it with lots of water. That's really important, otherwise, I will cramp and get nauseous. I also take it at night, and in the morning, after I'm up and moving around for about an hour, I will 'go'. Sometimes, in a severe bout of OIC, I may need the larger dose of 4 TBL. Just remember... lots of water with this. Good luck!"

• Run...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2016

For Constipation "Oh my word! This stuff saved my life. It took the maximum 6 hr time to work. And it only softened half the load, the other half was a runny nightmare. I compared my constipation pain level to having a child. I was in the bathroom 20 times thinking... This is it!! This is it!!!! Just to be let down and hurting with more cramping. But when it finally softened it up just enough to get that biggie out, the rest came tumbling right after. Got to love methadone. I haven't been taking in as much water as I should and have been eating way too much ice cream. (Hint: dairy makes matters worse). What a horrible night. Give it time. It'll work one way or another, lol."

• Get...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2016

For Constipation "I was constipated for 5+ days. I have some general IBS problems but usually not this severe. This was my first time I have had to use a laxative. The constipation got to the point where it looked and felt like I was 3 months pregnant (no possibility of actually being pregnant). I took 2 doses of 15 ml an hour apart before bed with 8 oz of water with each dose. I took the lowest dose because I am a small female adult and did not want to overdo it. I felt very slight cramping at night, but overall it worked great! Very minimal pain, and I had a BM about 13 hours later (more than it says, but still worth it). The BM was fairly solid and full. I would highly recommend this product if you need a little help as it is gentle and it works!"

• Yal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2016

For Constipation "I'm 8 weeks preg and couldn't be able to move my bowel with hot drinks, Colace, fruits, high fiber... stuck with feeling to go but not coming out for a week. Then I tried MOM, which I have no experience with before, so I only took 30 cc with a warm cup of milk. I took MOM at 11 pm, and right at 12:30, it started working. Wow, it worked like a champ. I did get a little cramp for a minute, then that's all. It started with a hard part and soft, then diarrhea. Took about 20 minutes, done with the job. Thank you, MOM. I made the right choice."

• Tas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2015

For Constipation "I hate this vile-tasting substance more than anything. And the flavored ones do not help the taste. However, it works every single time without any cramping. I have tried every laxative out there, and this is the only one 100% reliable and 100% cramp-free. It also comes in a concentrated form, and so, less is consumed for the same results. It comes in tablet form, but is not as reliable. I wish that there could be a better way to get the gentle, reliable relief that Milk of Magnesia gives."

• Ire...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2016

For Constipation "I had been constipated for nearly four days. My stomach was cramping. I took 4 tablespoons, and after 6 hours, nothing. I then took another 4 tablespoons. My stomach began churning and gurgling at about the 8th hour. My first BM was semi-solid. Then the floodgates opened. Almost watery stools. I've had to run to the toilet several times. Do not take this if you're going to be away from home. Also, be careful coughing, sneezing, or passing gas. You may have an accident. Much better than being backed up and cramping."

• Pan...
• November 9, 2019

For Constipation "Speaking on behalf of my personal experience, not generalizing it—I know everyone’s different. Milk of Magnesia definitely did the job in terms of allowing me to finally produce a bowel movement, but the process wasn’t the smoothest, and that’s not me saying it should’ve been, but it was worse than I expected. First of all, why would they recommend taking this before bed? I did so and constantly had to get up minute after minute, hour after hour, up and awake the entire night trying to relieve myself - it was a huge inconvenience. Secondly, I did have cramps, and they were almost intolerable, it felt worse than my actual period cramps. Like I said before, this product does do the trick, but the process of it for me was too much, almost unbearable. I will not be using this again, I can’t imagine what would’ve been the outcome if I took it earlier in the day when I had to work."

• Sil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2020

For Constipation "I have CIC (Chronic Idiopathic Constipation) from opiates I take for chronic pain (left shoulder replacement, 2 rods in my lower back, and right hip replacement). MOM works great, but the sometimes cramping and diarrhea makes me uncomfortable. Was on both Linzess & Relistor (injection) for a while, but the MOM is a good alternative. I only gave it an 8 due to the cramping & diarrhea."

• Pdr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2020

For Constipation "I was constipated horribly for about 2 days. Took two times the recommended dose. Figured why not, I got nothing but time. I also drank a 24 oz cup of hot water. About a half hour later, I pooped the most amazing poop. Diarrhea, yes. Cramping, no. Did go a lot longer than it needed to, but I did double the dose."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2016

For Constipation "This is a great product because I was constipated for 3 days. I took it at 10 a.m., and it took effect at 5 p.m. the same day. I added cups of water and a little prune juice, and everything was good. I was constipated due to GERD antacids. I was glad there were no cramps. MOM is a lifesaver for us with gut issues and digestion."

• Had...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2016

For Constipation "I changed my diet about 6 months ago and just recently (the last month or so) have been experiencing constipation. Before this, it had been very few and far between. Roughly every 3-4 days is when I would have a BM, not comfortable at all. I finally caved after having horrible bloating and pain at work today. I went to the drug store and picked up a bottle of MOM. I took 2 tbsp about 7 pm. I didn't have any discomfort or gas, but I couldn't sleep very well either. Finally, about 1 am, the blockage is gone, and I'm so much more comfortable. I didn't experience any cramping, and the beginning was still somewhat difficult to pass, it was soft but very bulky still. I don't feel any further urges to go to the toilet, but it's only been 20 minutes."

• Nib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2015

For Constipation "I am 12 weeks pregnant and have not been able to for over a week. Needless to say, the bloating and cramping was insanity, and my stomach felt rock hard. I took 2 tbsp of MoM the first time, and it didn't do anything. So the next day, before I went to bed, I took 3, and I woke up and finally had relief! It did come in the form of basically just straight water, which was unpleasant. But I don't hurt anymore!"