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What Causes Blackish Stool After Taking Milk Of Magnesia?
Question: I took milk of magnesia 1 tablespoon(400mg/5ml dose) last night. I had watery blackish stool in the morning. This is normal for taking MOM?
Brief Answer:
not a known side effect
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This is not a known side effect of milk of magnesia. It can occur with iron tablets, peptobismol/kaopectate, licorish.
If you are also using any of these then it may be a possible cause.
The most serious cause of black color of stool is blood in the stool.
Usually from upper part of the gastrointestinal tract-esophagus, stomach, small intestines, by the time the stool reaches the exit , the blood from these upper areas has altered.
The stool is now black
This can occur from: (1) infection (diarrhea)
(2) trauma,
(3) divericular disease- would more likely cause bright blood however
(4) benign polyps,
(5)cancerous lesions
(6)erosions or ulcerations in the esophagus or stomach
It would be best, if the bleeding continues, to see your doctor for an assessment. This would include physical examination of the abdomen and blood tests such as complete blood count (to make sure that you are not anemic)
If warranted, if there is no recent scope, colonoscopy may be need.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
not a known side effect
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This is not a known side effect of milk of magnesia. It can occur with iron tablets, peptobismol/kaopectate, licorish.
If you are also using any of these then it may be a possible cause.
The most serious cause of black color of stool is blood in the stool.
Usually from upper part of the gastrointestinal tract-esophagus, stomach, small intestines, by the time the stool reaches the exit , the blood from these upper areas has altered.
The stool is now black
This can occur from: (1) infection (diarrhea)
(2) trauma,
(3) divericular disease- would more likely cause bright blood however
(4) benign polyps,
(5)cancerous lesions
(6)erosions or ulcerations in the esophagus or stomach
It would be best, if the bleeding continues, to see your doctor for an assessment. This would include physical examination of the abdomen and blood tests such as complete blood count (to make sure that you are not anemic)
If warranted, if there is no recent scope, colonoscopy may be need.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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