- Brand Name: Phillips' Milk of Magnesia
- Chemical Name: magnesium hydroxide (mag-nee-zhum hye-drox-ide)
- Usage in MS: Constipation
- Generic Available: No
This medication is available without a prescription.
Description
Magnesium hydroxide is an over-the-counter hyperosmotic laxative of the saline type that encourages bowel movements by drawing water into the bowel from surrounding body tissue. Saline hyperosmotic laxatives (often called "salts") are used for rapid emptying of the lower intestine and bowel. They are not to be used for the long-term management of constipation.
Click here to read more about magnesium hydroxide, which is also sold under the brand name Pedia-Lax®.