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Is Milk Of Magnesia Safe To Take While Sturvite Stones Are Present?
Question: Is milk of magnesia safe to take when sturvite kind net stones are present?
Hi,
Magnesium trisilicate (MTS) stones come under a rare group of urinary tract stones, usually occurring in people who have consumed large amount of antacids containing MTS over a long period of time.
Struvite stones are otherwise called infection stones, meaning stones that usually form in association with recurrent urinary tract infection and infection cannot be eradicated, as bacteria are present within the stones. The other name for these stones is MAP (magnesium ammonium phosphate stones). Since these stones contain magnesium, one might have thought that these are due to MTS intake, which is NOT.
The only solution is to get rid of the stones by open/ endoscopic procedures under strict antibiotic cover. You may wonder what happened to medicines for the above but unfortunately, these stones go unnoticed till they are pretty large and usually require operative intervention.
So, coming back to the specific answer, if struvite stones are present, you need to get rid of it first.
Next, to avoid getting MTS stones, consult your physician to think of changing to another antacid if your condition requires taking it for a long duration, to avoid getting MTS stones.
Hope I was able to make things clear.
Regards,
Dr G Srinivasan, urologist
Magnesium trisilicate (MTS) stones come under a rare group of urinary tract stones, usually occurring in people who have consumed large amount of antacids containing MTS over a long period of time.
Struvite stones are otherwise called infection stones, meaning stones that usually form in association with recurrent urinary tract infection and infection cannot be eradicated, as bacteria are present within the stones. The other name for these stones is MAP (magnesium ammonium phosphate stones). Since these stones contain magnesium, one might have thought that these are due to MTS intake, which is NOT.
The only solution is to get rid of the stones by open/ endoscopic procedures under strict antibiotic cover. You may wonder what happened to medicines for the above but unfortunately, these stones go unnoticed till they are pretty large and usually require operative intervention.
So, coming back to the specific answer, if struvite stones are present, you need to get rid of it first.
Next, to avoid getting MTS stones, consult your physician to think of changing to another antacid if your condition requires taking it for a long duration, to avoid getting MTS stones.
Hope I was able to make things clear.
Regards,
Dr G Srinivasan, urologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
I take no antacids. I have MS and lost all use of my legs not from the MS, but literally overnight following an infusion for osteoporosis (which was probably steroid induced because I have never had a broken bone).
Because I am immobile I have serious constipation (2-3 movements a month). But I am also on coumadin. According to a U. Of Iowa fact sheet, the only safe treatment for constipation while on coumadin is either metamucil, which I don't like, or milk of magnesia which contains magnesium. My stone was 40% mag ammonium phosphate. Although only one stone showed CT-scan, I continue to have left flank and groin pain. My urologist is on vacation so I haven't yet seen him even to discuss surgery. Lab tests reveal no infection. In the meantime, is it safe to
take 2-5 Phillips in a week for the chronic constipation? By the way, pending
possible contrary lab resuts, I was also tentatively dx with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome on Wednesday. The endocrinologist didn't want to opine on stones.
Thank you for your attention and for trying to help folks, whether paid to or not.
Because I am immobile I have serious constipation (2-3 movements a month). But I am also on coumadin. According to a U. Of Iowa fact sheet, the only safe treatment for constipation while on coumadin is either metamucil, which I don't like, or milk of magnesia which contains magnesium. My stone was 40% mag ammonium phosphate. Although only one stone showed CT-scan, I continue to have left flank and groin pain. My urologist is on vacation so I haven't yet seen him even to discuss surgery. Lab tests reveal no infection. In the meantime, is it safe to
take 2-5 Phillips in a week for the chronic constipation? By the way, pending
possible contrary lab resuts, I was also tentatively dx with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome on Wednesday. The endocrinologist didn't want to opine on stones.
Thank you for your attention and for trying to help folks, whether paid to or not.
Hi,
Thank you for your compliment. Sad to hear about you.
Immobilization of any cause, unfortunately can lead to urinary tract stone formation, most common being bladder stones, next is kidney. The kidney stone can migrate to the ureter and cause pain. Since you have constipation, it needs to be addressed.
The stone in your case is most likely because of immobilization rather than magnesium. As I had already written, though stones contain magnesium, it is unlikely due to the one taken orally that contributes. Honestly, I do not know what PHILIPS means. But stool softeners need to be continued in your case.
Kindly consult your urologist as soon as possible to address the urinary tract stones.
Thanks and regards
Dr G Srinivasan, Urologist
Thank you for your compliment. Sad to hear about you.
Immobilization of any cause, unfortunately can lead to urinary tract stone formation, most common being bladder stones, next is kidney. The kidney stone can migrate to the ureter and cause pain. Since you have constipation, it needs to be addressed.
The stone in your case is most likely because of immobilization rather than magnesium. As I had already written, though stones contain magnesium, it is unlikely due to the one taken orally that contributes. Honestly, I do not know what PHILIPS means. But stool softeners need to be continued in your case.
Kindly consult your urologist as soon as possible to address the urinary tract stones.
Thanks and regards
Dr G Srinivasan, Urologist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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