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.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?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):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
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.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.
What may interact with this medicine?- 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
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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 should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?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
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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