PHILLIP'S FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Constipation, or irregularity, is a condition in which your stools pass more slowly than usual through the bowels (intestines). This condition occurs when too much water is removed from the stools, and they become hardened, making it difficult to have bowel movements.

What is a normal or "regular" frequency of bowel movements?

Normal frequency of bowel movements is different for each individual. Some people have two or three a day. Others have only three or four bowel movements a week.

What causes constipation?

The condition can be caused by a variety of factors such as not drinking enough fluids, a lack of sufficient fiber in the diet, illness, pregnancy, or just lack of physical activity. Many people experience constipation due to change in diet or dehydration. Medications such as cough syrups, sedatives, and antacids as well as many commonly prescribed medications for cholesterol, depression, and cancer can also cause constipation. Even people who have a diet rich in fiber can occasionally become constipated.

What can I use for gentle, quick relief of constipation?

Doctors often recommend a safe, gentle overnight laxative like Phillips' Milk of Magnesia. Phillips' works with your body's natural processes by drawing water into the bowel to provide a soft stool. Phillips' is the only stimulant-free line of overnight laxatives. Phillips' offers Milk of Magnesia liquids available in both regular and concentrated formulas in several flavors, easy-to-swallow caplets, and mint-flavored chewable tablets.

Are there any other Phillips products to relieve constipation?

Phillips' is also available in a Stool Softener, which contains docusate sodium, the #1 doctor-recommended stool softening ingredient. Stool Softeners do not actually stimulate a bowel movement, but rather allow a bowel movement without straining. A movement is generally produced between 12 and 72 hours.

What laxative can I use if I have hemorrhoids?

Over 50% of people who frequently suffer from constipation also suffer from hemorrhoids. The makers of Phillips' also makes extra gentle Phillips' M-O. It contains mineral oil, a lubricant, to help the stool pass, providing soothing comfort for people suffering from hemorrhoids.

What are the benefits of using stimulant-free laxatives like Phillips?

Stimulant laxatives, such as those containing bisacodyl, work by stimulating fluid secretion and causing contractions of the colon to produce a bowel movement. These actions can cause intestinal distress in some people, which may lead to painful cramps. Phillips' products work differently. They don't contain stimulants and work with your body's natural processes to gently relieve constipation. As always, read the label of any product to make sure it's right for you. But if you're looking for a safe, gentle and stimulant-free laxative, it's an easy choice with Phillips'-- it's the only full line of laxatives that is completely stimulant-free.

Why should Phillips' be my choice for all my laxative needs?

Not only is Phillips' the only line of laxatives that is completely stimulant-free, but all Phillips' products are unsurpassed in effectiveness and safety. Phillips' takes care of all your regularity needs, and has been trusted for over 125 years. For further information, please call 1-800-331-4536 (9:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Time).

Phillips' Product Information

General

What flavors does Phillips' come in?

Phillips' Milk of Magnesia comes in Original, Fresh Mint, and Wild Cherry formulas.
Concentrated Phillips' Milk of Magnesia comes in Fresh Strawberry.
Phillips' Chewable tablets are Mint flavored.

What forms does Phillips' come in?

Liquid

- Phillips' Milk of Magnesia – Original, Wild Cherry, Fresh Mint
- Phillips' Concentrated Milk of Magnesia – Fresh Strawberry
- Phillips' M–O – Fresh Mint

Caplets – Phillips' Caplets
Liquid Gels – Phillips' Stool Softener
Tablets – Phillips' Chewable Tablets

What are the key ingredients used in the Phillips' family of products?

Phillips' Milk of Magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide and generally produces a bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours.
Concentrated Phillips' Milk of Magnesia is a more concentrated formula of magnesium hydroxide so you take smaller doses.
Phillips' M-O contains Magnesium hydroxide, mineral oil and water and generally produces a bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours.
Phillips' Stool Softener Liquid Gels contains docusate sodium that gently produces a bowel movement in approximately 12 to 72 hours.
Phillips' Caplets contain magnesium oxide.
Phillips' Chewable Tablets contain magnesium hydroxide and generally produce a bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours.

For complete details about each Phillips' formula please click product link above.

Is there any gluten in Phillips' products?

We do not add any gluten to our products. However, we cannot guarantee that they are 100% gluten free as this product is produced in a facility that manufactures or packages other items which may contain gluten.

Can a diabetic use Phillips' products?

Our Original and Fresh Mint Milk of Magnesia products are sugar free. However, as with any medication, persons who are diabetic should check with their doctor before using this product.

Can I take Phillips' products if I take other medications?

We recommend that you check with your doctor before taking any medications together. Some medications interfere with one another and thus can limit their effectiveness.

If you are presently taking a prescription drug, do not take this product without checking with your doctor or other health professional.

Can I take Phillips' products if I am pregnant or nursing?

If you are pregnant or nursing, we recommend that you check with your doctor before using this or any other medication.

Why do I have to take Phillips' with water?

Phillips' products should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of fluid. To allow the product to work properly, you need to increase the water content in the large intestine.

Is there supposed to be a safety seal under the cap?

Phillips' liquid products are packaged with an imprinted plastic wrap that covers the bottle neck to protect against product tampering.

Do you still manufacture Phillips' Soft Chews?

Our Phillips' Soft Chews have been discontinued. We recommend you try our Phillips' Caplets. Phillips' Caplets provide the same dependable relief that you expect from Phillips in a convenient easy-to-swallow form.

Phillips' Milk of Magnesia

When was Phillips' Milk of Magnesia introduced?

Phillips' Milk of Magnesia has provided stimulant-free relief of constipation for over 125 years. The history of this trusted brand's heritage is detailed below.

Phillips' Milk of Magnesia Original formula was introduced in 1872.
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia Chewable Tablets were introduced in 1931.
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia Mint formula was introduced in 1956.
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia Concentrated was introduced in 1990.
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia Cherry formula was introduced in 1992.
Phillips' Stool Softener was introduced in 1997.
Phillips' Caplets were introduced in 2004.

How much Phillips' Milk of Magnesia liquid (Original, Fresh Mint, and Wild Cherry) can I take for laxative use?

Adults and children 12 years & older – 2-4 tablespoonsful
Children 6-11 years – 1-2 tablespoonsful
Children under 6 years ask a doctor

When and how will Phillips' Milk of Magnesia begin to work as a laxative?

Stimulant-free Phillips' Milk of Magnesia generally produces a bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours. However, this can vary according to the individual. Phillips' Milk of Magnesia is a saline laxative which means it acts by drawing water into the intestine to help gently pass the bowel movement.

Do I have to keep Phillips' Milk of Magnesia in the refrigerator?

No. Phillips' Milk of Magnesia should not be refrigerated at any time. Simply keep the cap tightly secured and store at room temperature.

Why does my Phillips' Milk of Magnesia look different than usual (watery, gritty)?

If Phillips' Milk of Magnesia freezes, it will have a watery appearance when thawed. For this reason, do not store it in your freezer or refrigerator. For best results, we do not recommend using the product if it has a watery appearance.

Phillips' Concentrated Milk of Magnesia

How much Phillips' Milk of Magnesia Concentrated can I take for laxative use?

Adults and children 12 years & older – 1-2 tablespoonsful
Children 6-11 years – 1/2- 1 tablespoonful
Children under 6 years ask a doctor

Phillips' Stool Softener

When and how will Phillips' Stool Softener begin to work?

Unlike some other laxatives, Phillips' Stool Softener does not contain harsh stimulants that can cause pain and cramping. Phillips' Stool Softener is proven to provide effective relief of occasional constipation and contains the #1 doctor recommended stool softening ingredient. It works gently by drawing water into the stool making it more comfortable to pass. Many people find 2 Liquid Gels to be an effective starting adult dose. Constipation relief is within 12-72 hours after the first dose.

How many Phillips' Stool Softener Liquid Gels can I take for laxative use?

Adults and Children 12 years and older: Take 1 to 3 softgels per day or as directed by a doctor. The dose may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses.
Children 6 to under 12 years: Take 1 softgel daily or as directed by a doctor.
Children under 6 years of age: Ask a doctor.

Phillips' MO

When was Phillips' M-O introduced?

Haley's M-O Original (Unflavored) was acquired in 1934.
Haley's M-O Flavored was introduced in 1954.
Haley's M-O was re-launched as Phillips' M-O in November, 2000.

What is in Phillips' M-O?

Magnesium hydroxide, mineral oil and water are the main ingredients. Our product information section provides complete details about each specific formula.

Is Phillips' M-O the same product as Phillips' Milk of Magnesia?

No. The Phillips' M-O product provides effective overnight relief of constipation that's gentle on hemorrhoids and is the only overnight laxative brand that contains mineral oil to soothe and lubricate. This formula is available in a refreshing Mint Flavor.

The Phillips' Milk of Magnesia product provides relief of occasional constipation.

How much Phillips' M-O can I take?

Adults and children 12 years & older – 3 to 4 tablespoonsful
Children 6-11 years – 4 to 6 teaspoonsful
Children under 6 years ask a doctor.

How and when will the product begin to work?

Phillips' M-O generally produces a bowel movement in 1/2 hour to 6 hours. However, this can vary according to the individual. Phillips' M-O is a saline laxative which means it acts by drawing water into the intestine to help pass the bowel movement. It is the only overnight laxative brand that contains mineral oil for soothing relief that's gentle on hemorrhoids.

Should any Phillips' liquid be refrigerated?

No. Phillips' Liquid should not be refrigerated. Simply keep the cap tightly secured and store it at room temperature.

Why does my Phillips' M-O look different than usual (watery, gritty)?

You should not use the product if it has a watery appearance. If Phillips' M-O freezes, it will have a watery appearance when thawed. For this reason, do not store it in your freezer or refrigerator.