Milk of Magnesia: main forms of use and contraindications

Milk of Magnesia is a product easily found in pharmacies and can be used to treat gastrointestinal problems. Some people even use it on the skin, to reduce oiliness, but is this form of use recommended? Next, check out the explanation of gastrointestinal nutritionist Dr. Vanessa Rosa (CRN5 3766) and dermatologist, Dr. Mairam Steffen (CRM 204453) on ways to use milk of magnesia and its contraindications.

What is Milk of Magnesia?

According to Dr. Vanessa Rosa, milk of magnesia is a “solution that contains water and magnesium hydroxide”. This product is a thick white liquid “used for therapeutic purposes in some special clinical conditions”, added Vanessa.

How to use milk of magnesia

Gastrointestinal nutritionist Vanessa said that “the pharmacological use of milk of magnesia is currently accepted for two gastrointestinal disorders: constipation and dyspepsia.” Next, understand better about each type of use:

• Intestinal constipation (constipation): milk of magnesia has “laxative power due to its ability to increase water absorption in the large intestine, favoring the softening of stools, improving the frequency and consistency of bowel movements”. In addition, he offered an option for “treatment of occasional constipation in adults and children”, added the professional.
• Dyspepsia (maldigestion): “Another clinical condition in which milk of magnesia can be used is in the treatment of poor digestion, due to its antacid effect. As an alkaline solution, magnesia hydroxide neutralizes stomach acid, relieving the burning sensation and pain,” explained Dr. Vanessa.

Interesting, isn’t it? Now that you know the main ways to use this product, check out the precautions and contraindications if you want to use it.

Cautions and Contraindications

Just like any other type of medicine, milk of magnesia cannot be consumed on its own. Vanessa stressed that “children, the elderly and people with intestinal and kidney diseases should be extra careful when using this medication.” “Some classes of drugs have the potential to interact with supplements and drugs containing magnesium, so you should always inform the doctor about the use of other drugs”, warned the nutritionist.

In addition, Vanessa drew attention to the amounts of milk of magnesia ingested. According to her, “the oral ingestion of doses above the prescribed ones of laxatives and antacids containing magnesium can become toxic to health”. So, it is very important to consult a specialized doctor so that he can prescribe the best treatment for you.

milk of magnesia for skin

Some people advocate using milk of magnesia on the skin. According to dermatologist Dr. Mairam Steffen “there is no scientific or package insert evidence that it works for the skin. (…) There are several myths that it would improve oiliness, pimples, close pores, but there is no proof, so it is not recommended for the skin”.

In addition to having no benefit for the skin, the product can even cause some problems. Milk of magnesia “can develop allergies and blemishes rather than clearing. This goes for both the face and the armpits, as there is no evidence that it lightens these regions of the body”, explained the dermatologist.

Did you like the tips and information from the experts? Do not allow risks to your health, always seek the help of a qualified professional before using certain products. If you suffer from gastrointestinal problems, check out some teas for constipation and take care of your health!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.