Yury Trafimovich
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that is used to treat constipation. It is available over the counter as an oral solution or tablet and is also used to clean stool from the intestines before surgery or certain bowel procedures. It is thought to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine, resulting in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. While it is generally safe for most people to use, it may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, weakness, and electrolyte imbalance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A saline laxative that is thought to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine |
| Uses | Relief of constipation, cleaning stool from the intestines before surgery or certain bowel procedures (e.g. colonoscopy, radiography) |
| Forms | Oral solution or tablet |
| Dosage | Depends on age and medical condition; always follow directions on the product package |
| Side effects | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, weakness, allergic reaction, nervous system issues, cardiovascular issues, metabolic issues, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, electrolyte imbalance, high levels of magnesium in the blood |
| Precautions | Should only be used occasionally for the treatment of constipation; avoid if you have an electrolyte imbalance, appendicitis, acute surgical abdomen, myocardial damage, heart block, fecal impaction, rectal fissures, intestinal obstruction, or perforation |
| Interactions | Antibiotics such as doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin; may also interact with HIV medications |
What You'll Learn
Magnesium citrate dosage
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that can be used to treat constipation. It is available over the counter (OTC) and can help produce a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. It is important to note that magnesium citrate might not be a safe option for those with kidney problems or electrolyte imbalances.
The dosage of magnesium citrate depends on age and medical condition. Here are the recommended dosages for different age groups:
- Adults: The typical dose for adults is 195-300 mL orally as a single daily dose or divided into smaller doses with a full glass of water. Alternatively, 2-4 tablets can be taken orally at bedtime.
- Children over 12 years old: For children over 12, the recommended dose is 195-300 mL orally as a single dose or divided into smaller doses with a full glass of water. Another option is to administer 2-4 tablets orally at bedtime.
- Children 6 to 12 years old: The recommended dose for this age group is 90-210 mL orally as a single dose or divided into smaller doses with a full glass of water.
- Children 2 to 6 years old: For children between 2 and 6 years old, the dose should be 60-90 mL orally once or divided into doses, not exceeding 90 mL in a 24-hour period.
- Children under 2 years old: The safety and efficacy of magnesium citrate for children under 2 years old have not been established.
It is important to note that magnesium citrate should be refrigerated to maintain its potency and palatability. Additionally, it should be taken with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) to prevent serious side effects such as dehydration.
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Magnesium citrate side effects
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that treats occasional constipation. It is also used to clean stool from the intestines before certain medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy. It is generally safe for most people to use in appropriate doses, but some people should avoid using it. It is important to follow the directions on the package or prescription label, and to take the product with a full glass of water.
Allergic reaction
- Hives
- Trouble breathing
- Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- Severe dizziness
Nervous system issues
- Confusion
- Unusual drowsiness
- Depression
Cardiovascular issues
- Low blood pressure
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
Metabolic issues
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypomagnesemia
Other side effects
- Diarrhea
- Mild abdominal discomfort/cramps
- Gas
- Nausea
- Rectal bleeding
- Bloody stools
- Dehydration
- Muscle weakness
- Weight loss
If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking magnesium citrate and seek medical attention. This is not a complete list of side effects, and you should always consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
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Magnesium citrate alternatives
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that works by drawing water into the intestinal tract to cause a bowel movement. It is available over the counter or online and is commonly used for colonoscopy preparation. However, there are several alternatives to magnesium citrate that serve the same purpose.
Miralax
Miralax (Polyethylene glycol 3350) is a popular alternative to magnesium citrate. It is often used as a preparation for colonoscopy. The preparation involves mixing a bottle of Miralax powder with 64 oz of Gatorade, Powerade, or Propel (red colour should be avoided). The solution is then drunk in two doses—one the evening before the procedure and the other dose four hours before the procedure.
HalfLytely Bowel Prep
HalfLytely is another alternative that requires a prescription from a doctor. The preparation involves mixing the HalfLytely powder as per the instructions and then refrigerating the mixture. Two Bisacodyl tablets are then taken with water, followed by drinking the HalfLytely mixture in 8-oz glasses every 15 minutes.
TriLyte Bowel Prep
TriLyte is also a prescription preparation that requires the purchase of two over-the-counter Dulcolax pills. The TriLyte powder is mixed as directed and stored in the refrigerator. The preparation is drunk in two doses—the first in the evening before the procedure and the second dose at 4 AM on the day of the procedure.
Suprep
The Suprep method does not involve any laxative pills. It consists of two 6-oz bottles of Suprep, which are drunk at 4 PM and 8 PM the day before the procedure. This method also requires the consumption of 64 oz of water throughout the preparation process.
Colyte Preparation
Colyte is a solution that is mixed with one gallon of water and drunk between 4 PM and 10 PM the day before the procedure. It is recommended to drink it chilled and to avoid adding anything to the solution. Four Dulcolax tablets are then taken at 9 PM, and nothing should be consumed within four hours of the procedure start time.
Natural Alternatives
There are also several natural alternatives to magnesium citrate that can help with constipation. These include increasing water intake, consuming more fibre, drinking coffee, taking Senna (an herbal laxative), eating probiotic foods or taking supplements, and consuming prebiotic foods.
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Magnesium citrate interactions
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that can be used to treat constipation. It is available over the counter and is also used to clean stool from the intestines before certain medical procedures. It is important to note that magnesium citrate should only be used occasionally for treating constipation, and milder products should be used whenever possible.
There are a few serious interactions that users should be aware of before taking magnesium citrate. The first is that it should not be taken with potassium phosphates, as this could lead to a serious interaction. The second is that it should not be taken with sodium phosphates, as this could lead to a moderate interaction. It is also important to note that magnesium citrate has mild interactions with at least 44 different drugs.
Some common medications that may interact with magnesium citrate include:
- Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)
- Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Crestor (rosuvastatin)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM (chondroitin / glucosamine / methylsulfonylmethane)
- Iron Sulfate (ferrous sulfate)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)
- MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350)
- Omega-3 (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Probiotic Formula (bifidobacterium infantis / lactobacillus acidophilus)
- Singulair (montelukast)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Vitamin B Complex 100 (multivitamin)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Additionally, magnesium citrate should not be taken within 2 hours of taking tetracycline/quinolone antibiotics (such as doxycycline, tetracycline, or ciprofloxacin) as this may decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
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Magnesium citrate during pregnancy
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in hundreds of crucial functions in the body, such as supporting muscle and nerve function and energy production. It is also important during pregnancy, as the fetus siphons many essential nutrients, including magnesium, from the mother.
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that can be used to treat constipation. It is available over the counter and is considered safe for most people to use in appropriate doses. However, it may cause some side effects, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, weakness, and allergic reactions. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking magnesium citrate, especially during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, magnesium citrate should only be used when clearly needed and after discussing the risks and benefits with a doctor. While it is generally acceptable for use during pregnancy, there is limited high-quality evidence to show that magnesium citrate supplementation provides significant benefits. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may help reduce fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia and increase birth weight. However, other studies have found no significant difference in perinatal mortality, small-for-gestational age, or pre-eclampsia between women who received magnesium supplementation and those who did not.
Magnesium citrate is considered safe for use during pregnancy, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure proper dosage and monitor for any potential side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mag citrate is a saline laxative that increases fluid in the intestines, aiding motility and usually resulting in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Mag citrate is used for bowel evacuation, preparation, or cleansing, and as a nutritional supplement for treating acid indigestion. It is also used to clean the stool from the intestines before certain medical procedures.
Common side effects of mag citrate include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and electrolyte imbalance. It may also cause allergic reactions, nervous system issues, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic issues in some cases.
The dosage of mag citrate depends on age. For adults and children aged 12 and above, the typical dosage is 195 to 300 ml with a full glass of water. For children aged 6 to 11, the dosage is usually 90 to 120 ml, while for children aged 2 to 5, it is 60 to 90 ml. It is important to follow the directions on the package or consult a healthcare professional.
Mag citrate should be used only occasionally for constipation. It may interact with certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, reducing their effectiveness. It should be avoided by individuals with specific conditions like electrolyte imbalance, appendicitis, myocardial damage, or intestinal obstruction.
