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GENERIC NAME: MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE/CASCARA SAGRADA- ORAL (mag-NEE-zee-um hi-DROX-ide w/kass-CARE-uh)

BRAND NAME(S): Milk of Magnesia W/Cascara

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used for the short-term treatment of constipation or to empty the bowel before bowel or stomach procedures.

HOW TO USE: Take by mouth, generally once daily, as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Do not use this medication if you have had a change in bowel habits for longer than 2 weeks or if there is blood in your stool. Instead, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Long-term use of laxatives may lead to laxative dependence, chronic constipation, loss of normal bowel function and damage to the bowel. Overuse of laxatives may cause persistent diarrhea, dehydration and body mineral problems. The magnesium hydroxide in this product may interfere with the absorption of other drugs you may take. Take this product at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take these medications: tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline); quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin); azole antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole); seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin); dexamethasone, indomethacin, digoxin, iron/multivitamin supplements or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly: muscle twitching or cramping, muscle weakness, decrease or absence of bowel movements, blood in stool, mental/mood changes, dizziness. This medication may cause your urine to temporarily turn a reddish pink or brown color. This effect is harmless. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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magnesium hydroxide-cascara sagrada- oral, Milk of Magnesia W/Cascara

What is constipation?

Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the specific type of constipation.

Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but ...

Read the Constipation article »



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