Can You Take Prilosec With Milk Of Magnesia?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist, Dr. Brian Staiger, answers why Milk of Magnesia should be separated from most drugs.
Can I take Milk of Magnesia with prescription Prilosec?
Dec 18, 2022- Milk of Magnesia can significantly reduce how well your body absorbs Prilosec and other medications because it speeds up movement through your digestive tract.
- Prilosec works best when taken on an empty stomach at least 30-60 minutes before food or other medications.
- If you need to take both, take Prilosec first and wait at least 30 minutes before taking Milk of Magnesia, or wait until the laxative effects have worn off before taking Prilosec.
Answer
While there is no specific interaction between Prilosec (omeprazole) and Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide), you generally want to avoid taking Milk of Magnesia at the same time as any drug.
Milk Of Magnesia Can Reduce The Absorption Of Other Drugs
Milk of Magnesia is a 'saline laxative' and produces a fairly strong laxative effect, sometimes as soon as 30 minutes after taking a dose.
It works by drawing water into the intestine, causing an increase in intestinal pressure. This increased pressure causes increased 'intestinal motility', increasing the speed at which the contents of the gastrointestinal tract move. This combination of increased water in the intestines, with an increase in intestinal movement, is what creates the laxative effect.
This laxative effect of Milk of Magnesia can significantly reduce the absorption of other drugs taken at the same time. For this reason, it is generally recommended to be taken alone, not with other drugs.
Prilosec Should Be Taken On An Empty Stomach
Prilosec, a PPI (proton pump inhibitor), is also recommended to be taken a specific way.
It is recommended to be taken at least 30-60 minutes before food or other medications in order for it to have best effects. This is because the drug needs to be absorbed into your system before food or other drugs activate the acid pumps in your stomach.
Taking Prilosec with other drugs, especially a laxative like Milk of Magnesia, could very well make it less effective.
Final Words
You don't say in your question why you are taking Milk of Magnesia. If you are using it simply as an antacid, I may recommend that you use something like Tums (calcium carbonate) instead if you need immediate relief of acid reflux, before your Prilosec starts to kick in.
If you are using Milk of Magnesia for constipation, I would recommend you either take Prilosec before Milk of Magnesia (at least 30 minutes before) or wait until the laxative effects of Milk of Magnesia have worn off before taking Prilosec.
Thanks for reaching out!
I hope you found this answer helpful.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Saline laxative
- A medication that draws water into the intestines to stimulate bowel movements.
- Intestinal motility
- The movement and contractions of the muscles in the intestines that help move food and waste through the digestive system.
- Gastrointestinal tract
- The entire system of organs responsible for digestion, including the stomach, intestines, and related parts.
- Absorption
- The process by which a medication or nutrient passes through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
- PPI
- A proton pump inhibitor, a type of medication that reduces stomach acid by blocking acid-producing pumps in the stomach lining.
- Proton pump inhibitor
- A medication that works by blocking the acid-producing pumps in stomach cells to reduce acid production.
- Acid reflux
- A condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn or discomfort.
- Antacid
- A medication that neutralizes stomach acid to provide relief from heartburn or indigestion.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →