From the Guidelines
Milk of magnesia can help alleviate a burning sensation in the stomach by neutralizing stomach acid, but its effectiveness for this specific purpose is not directly addressed in the provided evidence. The study 1 focuses on chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux in adults and does not mention milk of magnesia as a treatment option. However, based on general medical knowledge, milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is known to work as an antacid, which can provide relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach by neutralizing stomach acid.
Some key points to consider when using milk of magnesia for a burning sensation in the stomach include:
- The typical adult dose is 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) taken with water up to four times daily as needed.
- It is best taken between meals and at bedtime for optimal results.
- Milk of magnesia works quickly, usually within 30 minutes, by raising the pH in the stomach to make it less acidic.
- It also has laxative properties, which may cause loose stools or diarrhea as a side effect.
- If the burning stomach sensation persists for more than two weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting, a healthcare provider should be consulted as these could indicate a more serious condition.
- Individuals with kidney disease or those on a magnesium-restricted diet should avoid using milk of magnesia.
It's essential to note that while milk of magnesia can provide relief for some stomach issues, the provided study 1 does not directly support its use for a burning sensation in the stomach. The study focuses on the management of chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux, suggesting treatments such as diet modification, head of bed elevation, and the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-receptor antagonists, alginate, or antacid therapy for patients with heartburn and regurgitation.
From the FDA Drug Label
Warnings Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have kidney disease a magnesium-restricted diet stomach pain, nausea or vomiting noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that last over 2 weeks The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Milk of Magnesia and Stomach Burning Sensation
- Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is commonly used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn and indigestion symptoms 2.
- The antacid effect of magnesium hydroxide can help alleviate a burning sensation in the stomach by reducing the acidity of the stomach contents 2.
- However, the primary use of milk of magnesia is as a laxative, and its effectiveness in relieving stomach burning sensation is not its primary intended use 2.
- Other studies have investigated the use of magnesium compounds in relieving heartburn and reflux symptoms, such as pantoprazole magnesium, which has been shown to be effective in reducing symptom intensity in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 3.
- Additionally, omeprazole magnesium has been found to be effective in completely preventing heartburn for 24 hours and is well-tolerated 4.
- While these studies suggest that magnesium compounds can be effective in relieving heartburn and reflux symptoms, the specific use of milk of magnesia for a burning sensation in the stomach is not well-studied 2, 4, 3.
- It is essential to note that milk of magnesia can have side effects, such as diarrhea, and high doses or prolonged use can lead to renal or other organ toxicity 2.