Milk of Magnesia Recall Issued Over Microbial Contamination Infection Risk

Health officials have announced a recall for certain Milk of Magnesia products, due to a risk of serious and potentially life-threatening infections that may be caused by microbial contamination.

The Plastikon Milk of Magnesia recall was announced by the FDA on September 9, after the manufacturer discovered the products were not inspected sufficiently enough to pass their in-house microbiological specification tests.

The Milk of Magnesia over-the-counter supplements are used to reduce stomach acid and increase water in the intestines to provoke bowel movements and treat constipation.

Plastikon warns that the recalled products are sold to hospitals and surgical centers, who stock them to give to patients prior to surgical procedures. For hospitalized individuals with a compromised health condition, microbial contamination may result in severe and fatal infections.

According to the manufacturer, the products did not meet Plastikon’s in-house microbiological specification for Total Aerobic Microbial Count. Patient populations most likely to use the products are likely to be immunocompromised, such as hospital and nursing home patients, leaving them with a higher probability of developing a life-threatening infection.

The recall includes cartons of Milk of Magnesia 2400 mg/30 mL Oral Suspension manufactured by Plastikon Healthcare of Lawrence, Kansas. They were distributed throughout the U.S. in August 2019 by Major Pharmaceuticals Distribution Center, specifically for institutional use at hospitals and clinics.  The impacted products are marked with lot numbers 19027D and 19027E and have an expiration date of July 2021.

Customers are being asked to check their inventory for the recalled lots and to stop using the recalled Milk of Magnesia products immediately, and quarantine them until they can be properly returned.

Plastikon has announced affected lots should be returned to their pharmacy or contact the manufacturer at 785-330-7100 for instructions on how to return their product and receive a reimbursement.