Patient was educated on how to take Milk of Magnesia as follows:
- Take Milk of Magnesia by mixing it with a full 8 oz. of water mixed with one oz. of fruit juice, as this will help contain the unpleasant nauseating sensation of the laxative. Also, Milk of Magnesia when taken with liberal amounts of water can help prevent any symptoms of dehydration, as they are at high risk for inducing fluid volume depletion.
- Take it at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of Milk of Magnesia as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the laxative.
- Do not overdose on Milk of Magnesia, to increase the ease of having a bowel movement.
- Do not change the dose on Milk of Magnesia without consulting your doctor.
- Watch out for any signs and symptoms of worsening of constipation, any intense acute abdominal pain, and any rectal bleed to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
- Milk of Magnesia takes about 2 to 3 hours to bring on a bowel movement. Milk of Magnesia can be taken early morning on empty stomach with 8 oz. of water mixed with one oz. of fruit juice.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose.
