
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that can be used to treat constipation and empty the colon before a colonoscopy or other medical procedures. It is available over the counter in drugstores and typically comes in the form of a powder or liquid solution. While magnesium citrate is generally safe for adults to use as a laxative, it is not recommended for long-term use as it may lead to health problems such as dehydration, diarrhoea, or electrolyte imbalances. It may also cause side effects such as abdominal discomfort and high magnesium levels.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Expiry | No information found |
Use | Treat occasional constipation, clear the large intestine of stool before a test, support bone health, heart health, and muscle function |
Dosage | Depends on medical condition, age, and response to treatment |
Side Effects | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, weakness, severe abdominal pain, high magnesium levels, changes in other electrolytes in the blood, etc. |
Precautions/Contraindications | Should not be used for more than 1 week without consulting a doctor, should not be used by people with kidney disease, people on a low-magnesium diet, people with neuromuscular disease, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Magnesium citrate is safe for most people but not all
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that treats occasional constipation. It is typically safe for adults to use in the short term, but it is not suitable for everyone.
Magnesium citrate is a combination of the element magnesium and citric acid. It works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. It is available over the counter in drugstores and can be bought without a prescription. It comes in liquid form, as well as tablet or powder form.
While magnesium citrate is safe for most people, it is not suitable for long-term use. It should not be used to treat chronic constipation or constipation that requires ongoing treatment. Excessive magnesium intake can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, or electrolyte imbalances. Overuse of osmotic laxatives like liquid magnesium citrate may cause too much fluid loss, leading to electrolyte imbalances, especially in people with other medical conditions such as kidney disease.
People with certain medical conditions should avoid taking magnesium citrate. This includes individuals with neuromuscular disease, those who are dehydrated, and those on a low-magnesium diet. It should also be avoided by people with obstructions in the colon or stomach, heart conditions or damaged heart muscles, and major kidney disorders. People with high magnesium or potassium levels should also refrain from taking magnesium citrate.
Additionally, magnesium citrate may interact with certain drugs, including specific antibiotics and medications that lower calcium concentration in the urine, such as potassium or sodium phosphate. People on low-sodium or restricted-sodium diets should also refrain from taking it. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking magnesium citrate to ensure it is safe for your individual circumstances.
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It is not suitable for long-term use
Magnesium citrate is not suitable for long-term use due to the risk of several adverse side effects. While it is a safe and effective treatment for occasional constipation, using it regularly may cause the body to become dependent on it, making it difficult for a person to pass stools without using laxatives. This is known as laxative dependence.
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. However, if used too often, it can cause a loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without the product.
In addition, excessive magnesium intake can lead to dehydration, diarrhoea, or electrolyte imbalances. This is especially true for those with other medical conditions such as kidney disease. Long-term use at very high doses, such as those used for laxatives and antacids, may also cause magnesium toxicity. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include confusion, unusual drowsiness, muscle weakness, bloody stools, and rectal bleeding.
Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking magnesium citrate and to follow their instructions carefully. It should not be used for more than one week without a doctor's approval.
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It can be bought over the counter
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that can be bought over the counter at many drugstores and pharmacies. It is a combination of the element magnesium and citric acid, and it can be used to treat constipation. It works by pulling more water into the intestines, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Magnesium citrate is available in liquid form, as well as tablets, capsules, or powder. It is typically taken as a single daily dose, and it usually causes a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. It is important to follow the directions on the product label and not to take magnesium citrate for more than 1 week unless directed by a doctor. It should also be used under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Some common brand names of magnesium citrate include Phillips' Wild Cherry Milk of Magnesia, Equate Magnesium Laxative Caplets, and Spring Valley Rapid-Release Magnesium Citrate Bone Health Dietary Supplement. These products can be found at Walmart and other similar stores.
In addition to treating constipation, magnesium citrate can also be used to clear the large intestine of stool before a test, such as a colonoscopy, or an operation on the digestive system. It is also believed to have benefits for bone health, heart health, and muscle function.
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It is used to treat constipation
Magnesium citrate is an effective treatment for constipation. It is a saline laxative that works by increasing the amount of water the intestines absorb. This softens the stool, making it easier to pass. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in the intestines to move the stool.
Magnesium citrate comes in liquid form and as a powder to be mixed with liquid. It is usually taken as a single daily dose or divided into two or more parts over one day. It is important to follow the directions on the product label carefully and to take the medication exactly as directed. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids before and after taking magnesium citrate to prevent dehydration.
Magnesium citrate is generally safe and effective for relieving constipation. However, it should not be taken regularly and should only be used for short-term relief. If constipation persists or occurs frequently, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Magnesium citrate has been shown to be effective in treating constipation, with many people reporting positive experiences. However, some people may experience side effects such as mild abdominal discomfort or cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea. It is important to be cautious when taking magnesium citrate and to follow the recommended dosage. Taking too much magnesium citrate can lead to an excessive loss of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, especially in people with medical conditions such as kidney disease.
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It can also be used to clear the large intestine before a colonoscopy
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that can be used to clear the large intestine before a colonoscopy. It is available over the counter in many drugstores and is typically used to treat constipation. However, in the context of colonoscopy preparation, it helps to empty the colon by increasing fluid in the small intestine, making it easier to pass stool.
To use magnesium citrate for colonoscopy preparation, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. The process typically starts several days before the procedure, during which it is crucial to stay well-hydrated. Drinking sports drinks or Gatorade is recommended as they provide better hydration than water alone. In addition, it is advised to avoid certain foods, such as corn, popcorn, nuts, seeds, raw fruits, and raw vegetables.
The day before the procedure, a clear liquid diet is typically recommended. This includes drinking at least one large glass (8 oz) of clear liquids every hour. Solid foods and liquids with certain colourings should be avoided. In the evening, two 10-ounce bottles of magnesium citrate are usually consumed, along with plenty of clear liquids.
On the day of the procedure, another bottle of magnesium citrate is typically consumed a few hours before the scheduled arrival time, followed by clear liquids. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and stay hydrated to ensure the large intestine is adequately prepared for the colonoscopy.
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Frequently asked questions
Magnesium citrate laxatives will have an expiration date on the packaging. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not to use the product after its expiration date.
It is not recommended to take any medication after its expiration date as it may not be safe or effective. The effects of taking expired magnesium citrate are unknown, so it is best to avoid it.
The expiration date of magnesium citrate will vary depending on the manufacturer and the product. It is important to check the packaging for the expiration date and store the product according to the instructions.
No, it is not recommended to use magnesium citrate or any medication past its expiration date. The effectiveness and safety of the product may be compromised.
The expiration date of magnesium citrate will usually be printed on the product packaging near the other information such as dosage instructions and warnings.