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

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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.

PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using a laxative: any allergies, stomach/intestinal problems, nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, kidney disease. This medication should be used with caution in children and is not recommended for use in those less than 6 years old, unless directed by a doctor. Children may be more likely to become dehydrated. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. This product should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. The cascara in this product is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.