Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Milk of Magnesia vs. Magnesium citrate

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) and Citroma (magnesium citrate) are both over-the-counter saline laxatives used to treat occasional constipation. They work by drawing water into the intestines to help produce a bowel movement. However, Milk of Magnesia is also used to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and indigestion, which is not the case for Citroma. Milk of Magnesia is available in liquid form and is typically dosed at 30 mL to 60 mL for adults, while Citroma comes in a 10 fl oz bottle, with a typical dose of 6.5 fl oz to 10 fl oz for adults. Both medications should be used with caution if you have kidney problems, but Citroma is specifically noted to be unsafe for those with electrolyte imbalances. Common side effects of Citroma include nausea and stomach pain, whereas Milk of Magnesia generally has fewer side effects at recommended doses. Both medications can interact with other medications, so it's important to separate their use from other medications by at least two hours.

  • Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
    Magnesium citrate
  • Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
    Magnesium citrate

  • Summary of Milk of Magnesia vs. Magnesium citrate

    Summary for Saline laxative

    Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is an over-the-counter saline laxative that's most often used to treat occasional constipation in adults and children. It helps your body have a bowel movement by pulling water into your gut. This medication can also help relieve indigestion and heartburn by neutralizing your stomach acid. It's a liquid that's taken by mouth, and side effects aren't common at recommended dosages.

    Summary for Saline laxative

    Magnesium citrate is a oral laxative solution that can ease the occasional constipation. It's available over the counter (OTC) and can help produce a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Magnesium citrate might not be a safe option if you have kidney problems or electrolyte levels that are out of balance.

  • Indications of Milk of Magnesia vs. Magnesium citrate

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation
    •Heartburn
    •Sour stomach
    •Indigestion
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation

  • Pros and Cons of Milk of Magnesia vs. Magnesium citrate

    Pros and Const for Saline laxative
    Pros
    •Can work as soon as 30 minutes to relieve constipation
    •Can be used in children (minimum age depends on the product)
    •Available over the counter (OTC) and as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not meant for long-term use
    •Might not be safe in people with kidney problems
    •Need to take some other medications at a different time than Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) to prevent drug interactions
    Pros and Const for Saline laxative
    Pros
    •Works fast, produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours
    •Available OTC without a prescription
    •Comes in different flavors
    •Many generic products available
    Cons
    •Only for use with occasional constipation
    •Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems or those who need to limit magnesium or sodium intake
    •Can cause nausea and vomiting
    •Needs to be separated from other medications

  • Common Side Effects of Milk of Magnesia vs. Magnesium citrate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Milk of Magnesia vs. Magnesium citrate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Signs that your intestinal problems might be more serious
    •Possible electrolyte changes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Complete or partial blockage of intestines
    •Kidney and other health conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Milk of Magnesia vs. Magnesium citrate

    Learn more about Milk of magnesia
    Learn more about Magnesium citrate

Compare other Constipation drugs

Milk Of Magnesia vs Magnesium CitrateDulcolax vs Magnesium CitrateFibercon vs Magnesium CitrateGolytely vs DulcolaxGolytely vs Magnesium CitrateGolytely vs MiralaxGolytely vs SuprepGolytely vs TrilyteLactulose vs MiralaxMagnesium Citrate vs Dok PlusMagnesium Citrate vs MiralaxMagnesium Oxide vs Magnesium CitrateMagnesium Sulfate vs Magnesium CitrateMiralax vs ColaceMiralax vs Dok PlusMiralax vs KristaloseMiralax vs LinzessMiralax vs SennaMovantik vs Magnesium CitrateMovantik vs MiralaxMoviprep vs GolytelyMoviprep vs Magnesium CitrateMoviprep vs MiralaxMoviprep vs SuprepSuprep vs DulcolaxSuprep vs Magnesium CitrateSuprep vs MiralaxSuprep vs TrilyteTrilyte vs Magnesium CitrateTrilyte vs Miralax
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.