What do Phillips’ products treat?
Phillips’ products are used to treat constipation. Constipation is when it is hard for you to poop or you poop less often than what is normal for you.
Phillips’ products work in two main ways, depending on the active ingredient they contain:
Saline laxative (magnesium hydroxide or magnesium). This works by pulling water into your poop to make it softer. This helps your poop move through and out of your body. This type of laxative provides fast relief.
Stool softener (docusate). This works by helping water and fat mix into your poop more easily to make it soft. This provides gentle relief and takes longer to work.
There are Phillips’ products for adults and children as young as 6 years old.
What are the possible side effects of Phillips’ products?
When using Phillips’ products, some people may experience side effects such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, or gas.
Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Phillips’ products?
Phillips’ products come as an oral liquid, caplet, and softgel capsules. All Phillips’ products should be taken with a full glass of liquid (8 ounces).
Before taking any Phillips’ product, talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- A sudden change in your pooping pattern that lasts for more than two weeks
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are taking a Phillips’ product that contains magnesium (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia or Phillips’ Laxative Caplets), talk to your health care provider if you have kidney disease or are following a low-magnesium diet before taking the product. Also, talk to your health care provider about any prescription medicines you are taking before taking Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia or Phillips’ Laxative Caplets. These products may interact with certain medicines. If you are taking Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, use the dosing cup provided with the product. This will help make sure you are taking the right dose.
Stop taking Phillips’ and talk to your health care provider if you need to use a laxative, such as Phillips’, for one week or more, have bleeding from your butt (rectal bleeding), or are not able to poop after using the medicine.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Phillips’ product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Choosing the Right Phillips’ Product for Constipation
You can choose a Phillips’ product based on how quickly you need relief and the form you prefer.
For Fast Relief (Works in 30 minutes to six hours)
These products contain a saline laxative (magnesium) and work quickly to bring water into the poop.
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia |
|
| Phillips’ Laxative Caplets |
|
For Gentle Relief (Works in 12-72 hours)
This product is a stool softener (docusate) that works more slowly and gently.
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Phillips’ Stool Softener Liquid Gels |
|