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Magnesium hydroxide and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

Brand names: Milk of Magnesia, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax Chewable Tablets, Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax Milk of Magnesia

Upset stomach: mentioned by 8 users (3.1%)

Based on user experiences from 255 Magnesium hydroxide reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

cramps 16.5%
diarrhea 16.1%
bloating 8.2%
constipation 8.2%
nausea 7.8%
pain 7.1%
gas 4.7%
upset stomach 3.1%
dehydration 2.7%
vomiting 2.7%

Reviews for Magnesium hydroxide

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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!"

8 / 10
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41 Report
  • 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."

8 / 10
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51 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 25, 2020

For Constipation "I take medication that makes me forget about eating during the day, but I don’t take it on the weekend, so I consume a lot to make up for the nutrients I am missing. I ate all weekend and had a normal stomach ache, but I was constipated this time. Took 30 ml MOM first, 7 hours later I had relieved a small amount, so when my mother came home, she set out 45 ml and I took it. This morning, I have had to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes for 3 hours. BE CAREFUL WITH THE DOSING! Start small doses and give it time to work."

9 / 10
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25 Report
  • Mil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 1, 2018

For Constipation "I was extremely constipated for a month, I took one laxative from my local grocery store, then I bought this laxative too. I drank two cups (120 mg), and I haven't been out of the bathroom since. My stomach has been gurgling, and now every time I go, it's all water. I have common symptoms, but what I do recommend is to take a small dosage every 6 to 8 hours. Otherwise, you will be in the bathroom constantly, it's a bad, uncomfortable feeling. Burning may occur from going. I've got a bath twice after going."

10 / 10
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12 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 10, 2016

For Constipation "This was my first time using Milk of Mag for 3-4 days of constipation. I took a small amount, 1 tablespoon, the 1st night (I only weigh 108 lbs) with no results. The next day I tried 1 1/2 tablespoons, also without any help for my 'problem.' That night I took 2 tablespoons, and oh boy, the next day I suffered! I finally went, but towards the end, it was mostly water, and my stomach cramped up like crazy every time. Not fun. I think I would only use this again if I was severely constipated. Good luck!"

4 / 10
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19 Report

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  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 26, 2018

For Constipation "I was very constipated for about 5 days, in pain and feeling sick. I went to a very small pharmacy, and MoM was the laxative they had. I took 65 mls at 11 pm, then went to bed. I woke up at 9 am with some stomach gurgling and nausea and nothing else. I woke up again at 11 am with some gas, which I passed, then right after felt an extreme urgency to use the washroom. I had diarrhea that was mostly water, and on my way back downstairs, I felt the same urgency and needed to be back on the toilet NOW. I went back for round 2. It is now 1 pm and I am still having diarrhea, always mostly water and has been explosive a few times. This product definitely does its job but has caused me to have diarrhea several times, and based on the stomach gurgling and gas, I do not expect it to end soon."

7 / 10
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13 Report
  • poo...
  • April 29, 2016

For Constipation "I have been backed up for 3 days, and I am miserable. Took MoM yesterday, and nothing. Horrible cramping and lots of gurgling in my belly. Called off sick 2 days and am getting ready to take a second dose. Have no appetite at all. I pray this works..."

4 / 10
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16 Report
  • Hel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 27, 2018

For Constipation "I took the max dose of it after breakfast for the first time for chronic constipation. I didn't have a BM after 7 hours and just had horrible heartburn, stomachache, nausea, bloating, and vomiting. It was basically a lot of pain, and I was so sad that I took this in the first place because the pain was worse than not pooping for 2 weeks! I got a BM the next morning, and it was completely watery diarrhea, and it was the worst pain ever. I told my doctor that this is just painful, but he told me I have to take this because I already tried everything, nothing worked, so MOM was the last choice. I already done a test, and it was all normal. Anyway, it was the worst pain ever, and I would NOT recommend this!!!"

1 / 10
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8 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.