Magnesium: Nature's Laxative And Muscle Relaxant

is magnasium a laxative

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for overall physical health. It is involved in muscle function, heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood sugar level, and immune system regulation. While it is typically obtained from foods like nuts and grains, magnesium supplements are also available and may be beneficial for individuals with specific conditions. One such use is as a laxative to treat constipation.

Magnesium citrate, an osmotic laxative, is a common form of magnesium supplement used to treat constipation. By drawing water into the intestines, it softens the stool, making it easier to pass. It typically stimulates a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours and is considered safe for short-term use in appropriate doses. However, it may cause side effects, including diarrhoea, and is not suitable for everyone, especially those with kidney problems or certain medical conditions.

Characteristics Values
Is Magnesium a Laxative? Yes, magnesium is a laxative. It is available over the counter and can help relieve constipation.
Types of Magnesium Used as Laxatives Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
How Does Magnesium Work as a Laxative? Magnesium is an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass.
Dosage Dosage varies depending on age and type of magnesium. For adults, the typical dosage for magnesium citrate is up to 10 fluid ounces, followed by 8 ounces of water.
Onset of Action The laxative effect of magnesium usually occurs between 30 minutes to 6 hours after taking the supplement.
Side Effects Potential side effects include diarrhea, stomach cramps, high magnesium levels, changes in electrolytes, allergic reactions, nervous system issues, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic issues.
Precautions Magnesium laxatives should be avoided by individuals with kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, sudden changes in bowel habits, and those on magnesium- or sodium-restricted diets. Pregnant or nursing women should consult a doctor before use.

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Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative

Magnesium citrate is available over the counter as a supplement and is typically safe for adults to use in the short term to relieve occasional constipation. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to understand its side effects and interactions with other substances before taking it. For example, it may interact with certain medications and is not recommended for those with kidney disease or a sodium-restricted diet.

Magnesium citrate usually takes between 30 minutes to 6 hours to stimulate a bowel movement. It is available as an oral solution or tablet, and the recommended dosage varies based on age. For adults and children over 12, the typical dosage is up to 10 ounces of the oral solution per day, followed by a full glass of water. For children ages 6 to 11, the dosage is usually up to 7 ounces of the solution with 8 ounces of water.

Magnesium citrate is considered relatively gentle, but it may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and changes in electrolyte levels. It can also lead to dehydration if used excessively. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional before taking it.

While magnesium citrate can be an effective short-term solution for constipation, it is not recommended for long-term use. To prevent constipation, it is advisable to adopt lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet with fibre-rich foods, and staying hydrated.

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Magnesium citrate dosage

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that can be purchased over the counter. It works by helping your intestines retain water, which in turn makes it easier to have a bowel movement. It usually takes 30 minutes to 6 hours to stimulate a bowel movement.

The dosage varies depending on age and health conditions. The recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years is 6.5 fl oz to 10 fl oz by mouth in 24 hours, either as a single dose or in divided doses. For children aged 6 to 11 years, the recommended dosage is 3 fl oz to 7 fl oz in 24 hours, while for children aged 2 to 5 years, it is 2 fl oz to 3 fl oz in 24 hours. It is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

Magnesium citrate should not be used by people with kidney problems or electrolyte imbalances. It can also interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics, antivirals, heart medications, and diuretics. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances.

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Magnesium citrate side effects

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that treats occasional constipation. It is typically safe for adults to use as a laxative, but it is not suitable for everyone. It is not a good choice for treating chronic constipation and is not intended for long-term use.

Common side effects:

  • Loose stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps

Serious side effects:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • High magnesium level—confusion, drowsiness, facial flushing, redness, sweating, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing
  • Pain with bowel movements, rectal bleeding
  • Watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain
  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
  • A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
  • Weak or shallow breathing, slow heartbeats
  • Muscle weakness, increased thirst
  • Mild abdominal discomfort/cramps, gas, or nausea
  • Dehydration
  • Loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without using the product (laxative dependence)

If you experience any of these side effects, stop using magnesium citrate and seek medical help or advice from a healthcare professional.

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Magnesium citrate alternatives

Magnesium is a mineral that supports the chemical reactions that control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and how your nerves and muscles work. It can also help relieve constipation. However, laxative medications are not recommended as a first choice for constipation. It is better to try adjusting your diet and lifestyle first.

If you have tried these approaches and are still experiencing constipation, there are alternatives to magnesium citrate that can be used. Here are some options:

  • MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350): This is available by prescription or over the counter. It has a moderate number of drug interactions and has received mixed reviews from users.
  • Docusate: This is a stool softener that may be used to treat constipation, but there is a lack of good-quality evidence supporting its use. Most trials have not found it to be effective.
  • Dulcolax Stool Softener: This is another option that can be used to treat constipation.
  • Half Lytely Bowel Prep: This method involves mixing a HalfLytely Preparation Kit with a prescription from your doctor and taking it with two Bisacodyl tablets.
  • TriLyte Bowel Prep: This method requires mixing TriLyte as directed and taking it with two over-the-counter Dulcolax pills.
  • Suprep: This method does not involve any laxative pills, just two 6-ounce bottles of Suprep mixed with water.
  • Colyte Preparation: This involves drinking the Colyte solution mixed with one gallon of water.

It is important to note that you should consult your doctor before using any of these alternatives, as they will be able to advise on the most suitable option for you. Additionally, these alternatives may have side effects, and it is important to be aware of any potential drug interactions.

Laxatives: When They Fail

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Magnesium citrate interactions

Magnesium citrate is an over-the-counter medication that can be used as a nutritional supplement or to treat acid indigestion and constipation. It is also used to clean the stool from intestines before surgery or certain bowel procedures.

Magnesium citrate has no known severe interactions with any drugs. However, it is important to note that there are 264 drugs that are known to interact with magnesium citrate, with 3 major, 260 moderate, and 1 minor interaction.

Some of the drugs that 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)

Magnesium citrate also has serious interactions with potassium phosphates and moderate interactions with sodium phosphates. It has mild interactions with at least 44 different drugs.

It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist about any other medications or supplements being taken before using magnesium citrate to avoid any potential interactions.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, magnesium is a laxative. It is available over the counter and can help relieve constipation.

Magnesium is an osmotic laxative, which means it works by drawing water into the intestines to soften stool and make it easier to pass.

People with kidney disease, diabetes, or a sodium-restricted diet should not use magnesium as a laxative. Pregnant or nursing women should also speak to their doctor before using magnesium.

Side effects of using magnesium as a laxative may include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, high magnesium levels, and changes in other electrolytes in the blood such as sodium, calcium, or potassium.

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