Can You Take Prilosec With Milk Of Magnesia?

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.

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