Is Milk Of Magnesia Safe To Have For Constipation?

Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014

Question: Wife 81 years, wt. 108, given RX of coreg and amlodipine. symptoms: became very unbalanced, dizzy, complained of bad constipation which is extremely rare for her. Was going to give dose of Milk of Magnesia but considering mixture with medication; also, noted on line that there are several caveats with mixture of coreg and amlodipine...........Suggestion?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Lactulose and enemas= Neuro for dizziness.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Regards.
Thanks for your query.
I would advise against the use of Milk of Magnesia as the patients age is advanced and already suffering from hypertension. This relieves constipation by drawing water from the body into the intestines to cause movement of bowel.

I would advise to try laxative containing Lactulose- (Duphalac is available over the counter- OTC). Occasionally it takes more time and if the constipation is severe, you can give 2 paraffin suppositories per rectally. If this fails one can try phoshate enemas. Constipation is not good in patients of hypertension.

As for the dizziness, I would suggest to consult a Physician as she needs to be checked physically for the vitals and signs of vertigo, predict the cause and may need investigations and treatment according to the cause. Neurologist's opinion if possible is the best way.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj