• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Interactions

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 is magnesium citrate?

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

Magnesium hydroxide is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation (irregularity).

Magnesium citrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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.