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milk of magnesia long term

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 5/29/2006 8:24 AM (GMT -8)
Does anybody know how long it is safe to use Milk of Magnesia for?

Being that it's a laxative, just wondering.

Posted 5/29/2006 12:03 PM (GMT -8)
I'm not sure... but any long term use of any kind of laxative is recommended talking to your doctor? Are you having constipation issues now softy? I'm so sorry about that, if its not one thing its another isn't it? Take Care
Posted 5/29/2006 8:30 PM (GMT -8)
Hi,I'm from the crohns forum but seen your post and wanted to reply.I have to agree dbab on this you need to ask your Doctor about it and see what he/she has to say.
Posted 5/30/2006 8:17 AM (GMT -8)
 Milk of Magnesia is safe for long term use although no laxative is advised to take long term; Personally, I took it for 10 years as I have chronic constipation which unfortunately got much worse after taking MOM so long; It also made me dizzy and sick. i don't take it anymore; I know take Magnesium citrate pills in order to go to the bathroom; everyone  needs a different amount but I would start with a small dose and see if it works. It doesn't make me sick and it is also a mag supplement that has a laxative effect.

Posted 5/30/2006 8:49 AM (GMT -8)
Its so very important to be under a doctor's care for laxatives. I'm on Miralax and am closely monitored on it even though its not even a stimulant laxative. Your electrolyte levels must be stable and your liver and kidneys monitored as well. Occasional use and short term use is what the OTC laxatives are for however docs do at times give their blessings with long term but only they know your individual risks.
Posted 5/30/2006 2:57 PM (GMT -8)
I have the IBS-C diagnosis and my son unfortunately seems to be following my footsteps. He has been having ongoing abdominal problems and the dr. recommended MOM for at least a month to see if it helps. I thought I'd give this a try also. I realize your bowels can become dependent on laxatives and can't seem to find what "long term" usage means. Whether it's 1 month, 6 months, a year ???
Posted 5/30/2006 3:20 PM (GMT -8)
I'm sorry that your son is going through this too. Long term varies from medicine to medicine. Most medications will say on the package to not continue after so many days and to consult your doctor if you need the medication longer.
Posted 5/30/2006 6:10 PM (GMT -8)
That's what I'm ready to try...nothing works for me and I'm tired of this consuming my life...whether it hurts me long term or not...well it beats the alternative of being sick 24/7 like I am now.  At least on a laxative you don't have to constantly wonder how your day is going to be...it's pretty much guarenteed.
Posted 7/13/2006 12:10 PM (GMT -8)
I've been taking milk of magnesia for years without problems (other than the nasty taste and texture.

Posted 7/24/2006 10:54 AM (GMT -8)
I would'nt recommend long term use of Milk of Magnesium. My family doctor prescribed it to me and it just converted my constipation to diarrhea attacks.
Posted 7/25/2006 6:50 AM (GMT -8)
Your doc should have told you "how long". Call his/her office and find out. I now use zelnorm and a fiber product (konstyl) and am much improved. However, I had fecal incontinence. All the docs said it was "grieving" but now that zelnorm is out I am doing so much better. Best of luck to you.
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