Magnesium citrate

Generic name: Magnesium Citrate
Drug class: Laxatives

Usage of Magnesium citrate

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium citrate also increases water in the intestines.

Magnesium citrate is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation.

Magnesium citrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Magnesium citrate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Magnesium citrate may cause serious side effects. Stop using magnesium citrate and call your doctor at once if you have:

no bowel movement within 6 hours after taking the medicine;

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; or

muscle weakness, increased thirst.

Common side effects of magnesium citrate may include:

loose stools, diarrhea, stomach cramps;

upset stomach;

dizziness; or

increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Magnesium citrate

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take magnesium citrate if you have other medical conditions, especially:

kidney disease;

a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted longer than 2 weeks;

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; or

if you are on a low-magnesium or low-potassium diet.

It is not known whether magnesium citrate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether magnesium citrate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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How to use Magnesium citrate

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

240 mL orally one time.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation:

< 6 years: 0.5 mL/kg orally up to a maximum of 200 mL. May repeat every 4 to 6 hours until stools are clear.6 to 12 years: 100 to 150 mL orally one time.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Magnesium citrate

Other drugs may interact with magnesium citrate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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