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.
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.
Avoid taking tetracycline/quinolone antibiotics (such as
doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin) within 2 hours before or after
this product. Doing so may decrease the effect of the
antibiotic.
If this product fails to produce a bowel movement, or if
you think you may have a serious medical problem, contact your doctor
promptly.
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.
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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- digoxin
- sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- tetracycline/quinolone antibiotics (such as tetracycline,
ciprofloxacin)
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.
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.