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Milk of Magnesia

This document summarizes information about the laxative magnesium hydroxide, including its classification, dose, route, time/frequency, onset, duration, common side effects, mechanism of action for constipation, interactions, and nursing considerations like assessments, when to hold the medication, and how to evaluate its effects. The key points are that magnesium hydroxide is a mineral supplement and laxative, taken by mouth as needed with an onset of 3-6 hours, whose main side effect is diarrhea and whose mechanism of action is drawing water into the GI tract to cause bowel movements.

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Michael Kuzbyt
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286 views1 page

Milk of Magnesia

This document summarizes information about the laxative magnesium hydroxide, including its classification, dose, route, time/frequency, onset, duration, common side effects, mechanism of action for constipation, interactions, and nursing considerations like assessments, when to hold the medication, and how to evaluate its effects. The key points are that magnesium hydroxide is a mineral supplement and laxative, taken by mouth as needed with an onset of 3-6 hours, whose main side effect is diarrhea and whose mechanism of action is drawing water into the GI tract to cause bowel movements.

Uploaded by

Michael Kuzbyt
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Clinical Medications Worksheets Generic Name

magnesium hydroxide (41.7% Mg; 34.3 mEq Mg/g)

Trade Name
Phillips Milk of Magnesia

Classification
mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements , laxatives

Dose 30 ml

Route Po

Time/frequency PRN

Peak Unknown

Onset 3-6 hr

Duration unknown

For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions none Common side effects
diarrhea

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered) Constipation


Are osmotically active in GI tract, drawing water into the lumen and causing peristalsis

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) none

Lab value alterations caused by medicine Magnesium levels may be higher, and electrolyte levels may be different Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Advise patient not to take this medication within 2 hr of taking other medications Advise patient that laxatives should be used only for shortterm therapy Encourage patient to use other forms of bowel regulation, such as increasing bulk in the diet, fluid intake, and mobility. Normal bowel habits are individualized; frequency of bowel movement may vary from 3 times/day to 3 times/wk

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre-administration assessment)


Assess patient for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel function Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool produced

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med?


Administer on empty stomach for more rapid results. Follow all oral laxative doses with a full glass of liquid to prevent dehydration and for faster effect. Do not administer at bedtime or late in the day Electrolyte imbalance, or no longer constipated

Evaluation Check after giving


Relief of gastric pain and irritation Passage of a soft, formed bowel movement, usually within 3-6 hr Prevention and treatment of magnesium deficiency

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