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Magnesium citrate is a chemical agent used medicinally as a laxative and to empty the bowel prior to a surgery or colonoscopy. Magnesium citrate works by attracting water through the tissues by a process known as osmosis. Once in the intestine, it can attract enough water into the intestine to induce defecation. The additional water also helps to create more feces, which naturally stimulates bowel motility. This means it can also be used to treat rectal and colon problems. Magnesium citrate functions best on an empty stomach, and should always be followed with a full (eight ounce) glass of water or juice to help the magnesium citrate absorb properly and help prevent any complications. Magnesium citrate is generally not a harmful substance, but care should be taken to consult with a health professional if any adverse health problems are suspected or felt.
What is the most important information I should know about magnesium citrate?
Before taking magnesium citrate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium citrate may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not use magnesium citrate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium citrate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium citrate and contact your healthcare provider.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking magnesium citrate?
Do not take magnesium citrate without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease. Do not use magnesium citrate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium citrate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium citrate and contact your healthcare provider.
Before taking magnesium citrate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium citrate may not be recommended in some situations.
It is not known whether magnesium citrate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take magnesium citrate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether magnesium citrate will be harmful to an nursing baby. Do not take magnesium citrate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take magnesium citrate?
Take magnesium citrate exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
For best results, take magnesium citrate on an empty stomach followed by a full glass of water. Chilling the medication in the refrigerator or giving it with ice may improve the taste.
To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of magnesium with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Do not use magnesium citrate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium citrate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium citrate and contact your healthcare provider. Do not take more magnesium citrate than is directed. Store magnesium citrate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an magnesium citrate overdose include nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma, and death.
Source: www.drugs.com
en.wikipedia.org
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