This product is used to clean stool from the intestines before surgery or certain bowel procedures (such as colonoscopy, radiography), usually with other products. It may also be used for relief of constipation. However, milder products (such as stool softeners, bulk-forming laxatives) should be used whenever possible for constipation.

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that is thought to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine. It usually results in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Read and follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has directed you to use this product before surgery or a bowel procedure, your doctor should tell you how long before the surgery/procedure you should take this product. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. To improve taste, this product may be chilled in the refrigerator before use. Do not freeze.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) after taking this product unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so will help prevent serious side effects (such as dehydration).

If this product is used too often, it may cause loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without using the product (laxative dependence). If you notice symptoms of overuse, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, or weakness, contact your doctor promptly.

Tell your doctor if this product fails to produce a bowel movement. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Mild abdominal discomfort/cramps, gas, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• diarrhea that doesn't stop
• stomach/abdominal pain that is severe or doesn't go away
• slow/irregular heartbeat
• mental/mood changes (such as confusion, unusual drowsiness)
• muscle weakness
• bloody stools
• rectal bleeding

Diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or pale/wrinkled skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking magnesium citrate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• rectal bleeding
• bowel problems (such as blockage, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids)
• heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat)
• kidney disease
• current stomach/abdominal symptoms (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, pain, cramping)

Consult your doctor before using this product if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks, or if you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week. These could be symptoms of a serious medical problem.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children younger than 2 years may be at greater risk for dehydration while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and is unlikely to cause harm to a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This product can decrease the absorption of certain drugs, especially if you take them around the same time. These drugs include bisphosphonates (such as alendronate), penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline), thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine), among others. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you should wait between doses of this product and your other medications and to find a dosing schedule that works for all your medications.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

To maintain normal bowel habits, it is important to drink plenty of fluids (four to six 8-ounce glasses daily), eat foods high in fiber, and exercise regularly.

Not applicable.

Refer to storage information on the package label. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.