Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that treats constipation by increasing the amount of water in the small intestine, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. It is available as an oral solution or tablet and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. While it is safe for most people to use, it may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and electrolyte imbalance.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Form | Oral tablet or liquid saline laxative |
Use | Treats occasional constipation |
Mechanism | Draws water into the intestine to soften stool |
Dosage (adults and children 12+) | 195-300 ml with a full glass of water |
Dosage (children 6-12) | 90-210 ml with a full glass of water |
Dosage (children 2-6) | 60-90 ml with a full glass of water |
Side effects | Diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, allergic reaction, nervous system issues, cardiovascular issues, metabolic issues, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative
Magnesium citrate works by drawing water into the intestines through osmosis, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. This increased water retention in the intestines also aids motility and helps relax the bowels. It is important to drink a full glass of water after taking magnesium citrate to prevent serious side effects such as dehydration.
Magnesium citrate is generally safe for adults to use as a laxative, but it is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used regularly or for long-term constipation relief. Prolonged use may lead to laxative dependence, where normal bowel function is lost and an individual becomes unable to have a bowel movement without the use of a laxative.
Magnesium citrate may also cause other side effects, including diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, and electrolyte imbalance. More severe side effects may include allergic reactions, nervous system issues, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic issues. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking magnesium citrate to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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It treats occasional constipation
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that treats occasional constipation. It is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can be purchased without a prescription and is available in liquid oral solution or tablet form. It is important to note that this medication should not be taken regularly and is not suitable for long-term use.
Magnesium citrate works by increasing the amount of water in the small intestine, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. This is especially helpful for people experiencing constipation, as it relaxes the bowels and pulls water into the intestines, providing a laxative effect. Constipation is characterised by fewer than three bowel movements per week, with stools that are typically hard, dry, or lumpy, and may be difficult or painful to pass.
The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older is 195 to 300 ml of magnesium citrate with a full glass of water. It can be taken as a single dose or divided into smaller doses. For children aged 6 to 11 years, the dosage is typically 90 to 210 ml, while for children aged 2 to under 6 years, the dosage is 60 to 90 ml. It is important to consult a doctor before giving magnesium citrate to children under 5 years of age, as there may be alternative treatment options.
Magnesium citrate is generally safe for most people, but it is always recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication. It may not be suitable for individuals with kidney or renal insufficiency, electrolyte imbalance, or a sudden change in bowel habits lasting over a week. Additionally, those on a magnesium- or sodium-restricted diet should consult a doctor before taking magnesium citrate.
It is worth noting that magnesium citrate may cause some side effects, including diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and electrolyte imbalance. If any of these side effects persist or become worse, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
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It's not suitable for regular use
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that can be used to treat constipation. While it is typically safe for adults to use as a laxative, it is not suitable for regular use. This is because excessive magnesium intake can lead to several health issues.
Firstly, magnesium citrate can cause dehydration. As a laxative, it works by drawing water into the intestines to soften the stool, but this can result in dehydration if not managed properly. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking this supplement to avoid dehydration.
Secondly, magnesium citrate can cause diarrhea, especially if taken in high doses. Diarrhea can further contribute to dehydration and can also lead to the loss of essential electrolytes, such as sodium, calcium, and potassium. This can result in an electrolyte imbalance, which can have serious health consequences.
Additionally, the regular use of magnesium citrate can lead to a dependency on laxatives for bowel movements. This means that over time, an individual may find it difficult to pass stools without the use of laxatives. This can become a chronic issue that requires medical intervention to resolve.
Furthermore, magnesium citrate may interact with certain medications, including specific antibiotics and drugs that lower calcium concentration in the urine. It can decrease the absorption of these drugs, leading to reduced effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking magnesium citrate to ensure it does not interfere with any existing medications.
Lastly, magnesium citrate is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney or heart problems, or those on restricted diets, should avoid using it. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, especially if you have an existing health condition.
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It's available as an oral solution or tablet
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that treats occasional constipation. It is available as an oral solution or tablet. The oral solution is typically recommended for treating constipation, while the tablet form is used as a routine mineral supplement to boost magnesium levels.
The oral solution is often sold as a clear, cherry-flavoured liquid, and it can be chilled in the refrigerator to improve its taste. The dosage for the oral solution is up to 10 ounces for people aged 12 and above, taken with a full glass of water. For children aged 6 to 11, the dosage is typically up to 7 ounces, and it is not recommended for children under 5 without consulting a healthcare professional.
The tablet form of magnesium citrate is also available as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. It is important to consult a doctor before taking magnesium citrate, especially for those with kidney issues, electrolyte imbalances, or sudden changes in bowel habits.
Magnesium citrate works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. It is a relatively gentle laxative, typically producing a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. However, it may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, it is important to follow the directions on the package and consult a healthcare professional if any side effects occur.
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It's typically safe for adults
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that is typically safe for adults to use in the short term to treat constipation. It is available over the counter as an oral liquid solution or tablet. It is important to note that magnesium citrate should not be used regularly or for long-term constipation relief.
Magnesium citrate works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. It usually results in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. For this reason, it is also used to clean the stool from the intestines before certain medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy.
While magnesium citrate is generally safe for adults, it is not suitable for everyone. It is important to check with a healthcare professional before taking it, as it may interact with certain medications and is not recommended for those with specific medical conditions or dietary restrictions. For example, it should not be combined with certain antibiotics, as it can decrease their absorption and lead to decreased therapeutic effects. It can also cause side effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and electrolyte imbalances.
To use magnesium citrate safely, follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 millilitres) after taking the product to prevent serious side effects like dehydration. Do not take magnesium citrate too often, as it may lead to laxative dependence and other health issues. Consult a doctor if you experience any persistent or severe side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that treats occasional constipation by increasing the amount of water in the small intestine, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass.
Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative, which means it works by drawing water into the intestine, softening the stool, and increasing pressure to prompt muscle movement in the intestines.
The most common side effects of magnesium citrate include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and an electrolyte imbalance. Less common side effects may include allergic reactions, nervous system issues, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic issues.