Milk Of Magnesia: Preparation, Applications Magnesium Hydroxide Clinical Uses

Milk of magnesia is a naturally occurring mineral crucial to the human body and its many systems to function properly. It is mainly known to help Human muscles and nerves. Milk of Magnesia is specifically important to anyone wanting to pursue a steady career in Chemistry. 

Key Terms: milk of magnesia formula, milk of magnesia uses, magnesia tablets, magnesium hydroxide

What is Milk Of Magnesia?

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Milk of Magnesia can be defined as a type of hyperosmotic laxative. This kind of oral laxative functions by drawing water to the bowel from nearby tissue. This softens and moistens the stool. It also helps increase bowel activity. 

It is also known as magnesium hydroxide, which is its scientific and chemical name. Milk of Magnesia is a white substance that does not dissolve well in water. If it is left undisturbed for a while, the white particles sediment to the bottom of the jar. The reason the word “milk” is used is because of its white coloured appearance. 

The video below explains this:

Milk of Magnesia Detailed Video Explanation:

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Milk Of Magnesia Formula

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The formula for Milk of Magnesia is: 

Mg(OH)₂

Milk of Magnesia can be made by a combination of solutions of magnesium salt along with basic or alkaline water. The chemical which is the end result usually involves the solid precipitation of solid milk of magnesia. The ironic chemical reaction that takes place has been mentioned below.

2OH^– + Mg²⁺ → Mg(OH)₂

However, commercial production of milk of magnesia cannot be effectively done by employing the above-mentioned approach. Marine water can be treated with calcium hydroxide in the commercial manufacture of magnesium hydroxide (better known as lime). It is noteworthy that from six hundred cubic meters of saltwater one ton of magnesian milk may be produced. 

The reason that magnesia milk in this reaction is precipitated as a solid is due to the fact that calcium hydroxide is considerably more soluble in water than magnesium.

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Milk Of Magnesia: Applications

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• Milk of Magnesia is mainly used to relieve constipation and heartburn as well as ease indigestion.
• Milk of Magnesia helps reduce stomach acids while increasing water in the intestines. Magnesium hydroxide is used to "flush" content by pulling water from the tissue surrounding the intestines into the intestines.
• Original Milk of Magnesia is known to generate bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. 
• In humans, Milk of Magnesia is one of the most often utilized over-the-counter constipation remedies. Constipation occurs if a person has stools less than 3 times a week.

Constipation sufferers may describe the following symptoms:

• Lumpy, tough stools
• Bloating 
• Does not feel completely vacuous after going to the bathroom
• Feeling the urge to tighten too much in the abdomen

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Clinical Applications of Milk of Magnesia

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• Milk of Magnesia draws water into the small intestine through osmosis. Bowel evacuation is aided through this fluid accumulation as it creates distention. 
• Magnesium hydroxide also has surgical applications. As the onset of action is rapid, it is often used for bowel evacuation and constipation before surgical/diagnostic procedures. 
• It is commonly used as an oral antacid to aid the neutralization of stomach acids. Milk of magnesia has antacid and cathartic applications in large animals. 1g/kg in one dose has shown to improve rumen pH levels and decrease microbial activity in cattle. 

Pharmacokinetics

Magnesium hydroxide has poor absorption and a local effect in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The small intestine absorbs around 15-30% of the magnesium present. This causes onset of action within 30 minutes to 3 hours. 

Low Dosage: 6-12 hours after administration

High Dosage: 2-6 hours after administration

Pharmacodynamics

Milk of Magnesia attracts and retains water in the intestinal lumen. This increases pressure in both, Small and Large intestines. Water retention causes the stimulation of stretch receptors and an increase in peristalsis thus accelerating bowel evacuation. 

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Milk Of Magnesia: Side Effects

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Just like any other things humans ingest, milk of magnesium too has a number of adverse effects. The most common and usually harmless side effects include:

• Diarrhoea
• Chalky aftertaste
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Cramps

However, there are more serious side effects to its ingestion. If any of the following symptoms start to present, immediately stop the intake of milk of magnesia and consult a doctor.

• No bowel movement even after consumption
• Slow heartbeat
• Severe nausea
• Severe vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Rectal bleeding

These side effects can also occur if the person takes an increased dosage of milk of magnesia than recommended and prescribed by doctors. Consuming Milk of magnesia for extended periods can also cause these side effects.

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Things to Remember

• The chemical formula of milk of magnesium is represented as Mg(OH)₂
• The molar mass of this chemical compound is equal to 58.3197 grams per mole
• This compound does not have any odour if it exists as a white solid under standard conditions.
• Under standard temperature and pressure (STP), the milk of magnesia’s density is equal to 2.3446 grams per cubic centimetre.
• 350-degree centigrade  is the melting point of this compound. Yet, this compound starts going into degradation around the same temperature.
• Milk of Magnesia is not very soluble in water. 
• At a temperature of 25 degrees centigrade, the solubility in water equals 0.00064 grams/100 mL.
• However, when the temperature is raised to 100 degrees centigrade, the solubility increases to 0.004 grams/100 mL.