MAGNESIUM SULFATE

Brand & Generic Names

Bilagog
Epsom Salts

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Laxative (hyperosmotic)

Uses

Constipation relief.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.
Powder or solid form--Dilute dose in beverage before swallowing. Solid form must be dissolved.

When to take:
Usually once a day, preferably in the morning.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 8 hours before bedtime. If later, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose). Don't take at bedtime.

What drug does:
Draws water into bowel from other body tissues. Causes distention through fluid accumulation, which promotes soft stool and accelerates bowel motion.

Time lapse before drug works:
30 minutes to 3 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Fluid depletion, weakness, vomiting, fainting.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial O (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Nausea.

Infrequent:

• Irregular heartbeat.
• Increased thirst, cramps, diarrhea, gaseousness.

Rare:

Dizziness, confusion, tiredness or weakness.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any hyperosmotic laxative.
• You have symptoms of appendicitis, inflamed bowel or intestinal blockage.
• You have missed a bowel movement for only 1 or 2 days.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have congestive heart disease.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have a colostomy or ileostomy.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you have a laxative habit.
• If you have rectal bleeding.
• If you take another laxative.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Salt content may cause fluid retention and swelling. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Don't take for more than 1 week unless under a doctor's supervision. May cause laxative dependence.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:

• Don't take to "flush out" your system or as a "tonic."
• Don't take within 2 hours of taking another medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Antidepressants,	Decreased anti-depressant effect.
Chlordiazepoxide	Decreased chlordiazepoxide effect.
Chlorpromazine	Decreased chlorpromazine effect.
Clozapine	Toxic effect on the central nervous
	system.
Dicumarol	Decreased dicumarol effect.
Digoxin	Decreased digoxin effect.
Isoniazid	Decreased isoniazid effect.
Mexiletine	May slow elimination of mexiletine
	and cause need to adjust dosage.
Propafenone	Increased effect of both drugs and
	increased risk of toxicity.
Tetracyclines*	Possible intestinal blockage.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.