What is this medicine?
MAGNESIUM CITRATE (mag NEE zee um SI treyt) is a saline laxative. It is used to treat occasional constipation, but it should not be used regularly for this purpose.
Open All
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
Open
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-are on a low magnesium or low sodium diet
-change in bowel habits for 2 weeks
-colostomy or ileostomy
-constipation after using another laxative for 7 days
-diabetes
-kidney disease
-rectal bleeding
-stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
-an unusual or allergic reaction to magnesium citrate, other magnesium products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Open
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Drink a full glass of fluid with each dose of this medicine. This medicine may taste better if it is chilled before you drink it. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
Open
This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.
What may interact with this medicine?
Open
-cellulose sodium phosphate
-digoxin
-edetate disodium, EDTA
-medicines for bone strength like etidronate, ibandronate, risedronate
-sodium polystyrene sulfonate
-some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, tetracycline
-vitamin D
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Open
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not take any other medicine by mouth within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Open
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-chest pain
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-muscle weakness
-nausea or vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-diarrhea
-stomach upset
Where should I keep my medicine?
Open
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 8 and 30 degrees C (46 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine 24 hours after opening the bottle. Throw away unopened bottles of medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
Open
Lactation
Compatible - This drug is generally safe to take by nursing mothers.
