Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Milk of Magnesia as follows: Notify your doctor, if your constipation does not get any better or if it gets worse, while continuing to use Milk of Magnesia. Without consulting your doctor, do not increase the dose of Milk of Magnesia, to derive the desired effect of having a bowel movement. If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. [...]

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Milk of Magnesia as follows: Be aware of signs and symptoms of dehydration, such as, episodes of hypotension, dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced urination. Caution must be exercised for rehydration. Milk of Magnesia by increasing the fluid content in the stool can result in an unpleasant bloating sensation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. If these unpleasant symptoms are too bothersome, change in plan could be made [...]

Patient was educated on contraindications for using Milk of Magnesia as follows: Milk of Magnesia has a high tendency to cause fluid depletion and dehydration. Caution must be exercised for fluid replacement and rehydration. Also, Milk of Magnesia is to be taken with a full 8 oz. of water. So, extra caution must be exercised while administering these laxatives for patients placed on fluid limitations, such as, individuals with congestive heart failure and renal failure. [...]

Patient was educated on the side effects of using Milk of Magnesia as follows: Abdominal bloating Milk of Magnesia by increasing the fluid content in the stool can result in an unpleasant bloating sensation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. Diarrhea Milk of Magnesia has the potential to increase the frequency of bowel movement, diarrhea and fecal incontinence, secondary to increased volume of loose stool. Excessive diarrhea can also lead to electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration Since Milk of [...]

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 [...]