Magnesium Citrate Soln Lemon 296ml
It is used to clean out the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.It is used to treat constipation.
Drug Class
Saline Laxative
Pharmacologic Class
Osmotic Laxative; Electrolyte
Pregnancy Category
Not formally assigned (OTC product); generally considered low risk for short-term, occasional use under medical guidance.
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Magnesium citrate is a liquid laxative that helps you have a bowel movement by drawing water into your intestines. This softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. It's often used for occasional constipation or to clean out the bowels before medical procedures.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To get the most benefit from your medication, it's essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Before taking your medication, read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions closely. To improve the taste, you can chill the solution in the refrigerator. Always take your medication with a full glass of water. Some medications require shaking before use, so be sure to check if this is necessary for your specific product.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Check the storage information provided with your medication to determine how long it can be stored before disposal. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you're unsure about the best way to dispose of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to explore local drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take your medication on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses at the same time or taking extra doses. If you take your medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To get the most benefit from your medication, it's essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Before taking your medication, read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions closely. To improve the taste, you can chill the solution in the refrigerator. Always take your medication with a full glass of water. Some medications require shaking before use, so be sure to check if this is necessary for your specific product.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Check the storage information provided with your medication to determine how long it can be stored before disposal. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you're unsure about the best way to dispose of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to explore local drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take your medication on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses at the same time or taking extra doses. If you take your medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Drink plenty of clear liquids (water, clear broth, clear juices, sports drinks) before, during, and after taking magnesium citrate to prevent dehydration.
- Do not use for more than one week unless directed by a doctor.
- Do not take other medications within 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after taking magnesium citrate, as it can affect their absorption.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Magnesium Oxide 400mg Tablets
- Magnesium Sulfate 50% Inj, 10ml
- Magnesium 500mg Tablets
- Magnesium Sulfate 40mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium Chloride 20% Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium Sulf 40mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Magnesium Sulfate 50% Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium 200mg Tablets
- Magnesium Sulfate 50% Inj, 2ml
- Magnesium 300mg Capsules
- Magnesium Sulfate 40mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium Sulfate 80mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium 250mg Tablets
- Magnesium Sulfate 80mg/ml Inj
- Magn Sulf/d5w 10mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Magnesium Oxide 250mg Tablets
- Magnesium Citrate Soln Lemon 296ml
- Magnesium Sulfate 50% Inj, 20ml
- Magnesium Su 40g/1000ml Inj, 1000ml
- Magnesium Sulfate 20gm/500ml Inj
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
196 mg (equivalent to 1.745 g magnesium citrate) in 296 mL oral solution, taken as a single dose.
Dose Range:
196 - 196 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
constipation:
Single dose for occasional constipation relief.
bowel_preparation:
Often used as part of a multi-drug regimen for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or surgery. Specific instructions vary by protocol.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (use generally not recommended without medical supervision due to risk of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration)
Child:
6-12 years: 98 mg (equivalent to 0.8725 g magnesium citrate) in 148 mL oral solution, taken as a single dose. Consult a physician for children under 6 years.
Adolescent:
12 years and older: Adult dose (196 mg in 296 mL oral solution).
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Use with caution; monitor for hypermagnesemia.
Moderate:
Contraindicated or use with extreme caution and close monitoring of magnesium levels due to risk of hypermagnesemia.
Severe:
Contraindicated due to high risk of hypermagnesemia.
Dialysis:
Contraindicated.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed, but monitor electrolytes if prolonged use.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed, but monitor electrolytes if prolonged use.
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed, but monitor electrolytes if prolonged use.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative. It works by drawing water into the intestine from surrounding body tissues, an osmotic effect. This increased fluid volume in the bowel distends the colon, stimulating peristalsis and promoting bowel evacuation. The citrate ion may also contribute to the laxative effect.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Poorly absorbed (approximately 15-30% of ingested magnesium is absorbed systemically, but for laxative effect, absorption is minimized).
Tmax:
Not applicable for laxative effect; systemic Tmax for absorbed magnesium is variable (hours).
FoodEffect:
Food may slightly delay onset of action but does not significantly alter overall laxative effect.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not available (primarily acts locally in GI tract)
ProteinBinding:
Approximately 25-30% (for absorbed magnesium)
CnssPenetration:
Limited (for absorbed magnesium, unless hypermagnesemia occurs)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable for laxative effect; systemic half-life of absorbed magnesium is approximately 2-6 hours.
Clearance:
Primarily renal for absorbed magnesium.
ExcretionRoute:
Unabsorbed portion excreted in feces; absorbed portion excreted renally.
Unchanged:
Nearly 100% of unabsorbed drug excreted unchanged in feces.
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
30 minutes to 6 hours (for bowel evacuation)
PeakEffect:
Variable, typically within 6 hours
DurationOfAction:
Variable, until bowel is evacuated (single dose effect)
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Gas
These are not all the possible side effects of this medication. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Gas
These are not all the possible side effects of this medication. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
- Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
- Rectal bleeding
- No bowel movement after taking the laxative
- Signs of dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, dizziness, confusion, decreased urination)
- Signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, seizures)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bowel obstruction
+ Abdominal pain
+ Upset stomach
+ Rectal bleeding
+ Vomiting
+ Changes in bowel habits that last longer than 2 weeks
Kidney disease or any other kidney problems
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, health conditions, and concerns with your doctor. Please provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
Any health problems you have
Your doctor will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bowel obstruction
+ Abdominal pain
+ Upset stomach
+ Rectal bleeding
+ Vomiting
+ Changes in bowel habits that last longer than 2 weeks
Kidney disease or any other kidney problems
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, health conditions, and concerns with your doctor. Please provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
Any health problems you have
Your doctor will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This drug can interfere with the absorption of other oral medications, reducing their effectiveness. To minimize this interaction, take any other oral medications at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this drug. If this schedule is not feasible, consult your doctor for alternative arrangements.
If you are following a low magnesium or low sodium diet, discuss this with your doctor to ensure safe use of this medication. Do not use this drug for more than 1 week without explicit instruction from your doctor, as prolonged use may lead to adverse effects.
Monitor your body's response to this medication and report any rectal bleeding or lack of bowel movement to your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby. This conversation will help you make an informed decision about using this drug during this critical period.
If you are following a low magnesium or low sodium diet, discuss this with your doctor to ensure safe use of this medication. Do not use this drug for more than 1 week without explicit instruction from your doctor, as prolonged use may lead to adverse effects.
Monitor your body's response to this medication and report any rectal bleeding or lack of bowel movement to your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby. This conversation will help you make an informed decision about using this drug during this critical period.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Muscle weakness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Cardiac arrest
What to Do:
Immediately seek emergency medical attention or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment may involve intravenous fluids, calcium gluconate (to counteract magnesium effects), and supportive care. Dialysis may be necessary in severe cases, especially with renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) or patiromer (Veltassa) - risk of intestinal necrosis with sorbitol-containing magnesium products (though magnesium citrate typically does not contain sorbitol, caution is advised with other magnesium products).
- Patients with severe renal impairment.
Major Interactions
- Digoxin (may alter absorption, monitor digoxin levels)
- Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline - reduced absorption)
- Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin - reduced absorption)
- Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate - reduced absorption)
- Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine - reduced absorption)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem - increased risk of hypotension and bradycardia with systemic magnesium absorption)
- Neuromuscular blockers (e.g., succinylcholine, rocuronium - enhanced neuromuscular blockade with systemic magnesium absorption)
Moderate Interactions
- Diuretics (especially loop diuretics - may increase risk of electrolyte imbalance)
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (increased risk of hyperkalemia if also taking potassium supplements)
- Other laxatives (increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance)
- Oral contraceptives (potential for reduced absorption)
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance (especially magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium)
Frequency: If used repeatedly, in patients with renal impairment, or those at risk of electrolyte disturbances.
Target: Within normal physiological limits.
Action Threshold: Significant deviations from normal range; signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, increased thirst, decreased urination, dizziness)
- Signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, irregular heartbeat, seizures)
- Severe abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting
- Rectal bleeding
- Lack of bowel movement after use
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered low risk for short-term, occasional use for constipation under medical guidance. Prolonged or excessive use should be avoided due to potential for electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk for occasional use.
Second Trimester:
Low risk for occasional use.
Third Trimester:
Low risk for occasional use; however, avoid close to term if possible, as it may induce uterine contractions in some cases (though not a primary indication).
Lactation
Considered low risk. Magnesium is a normal component of breast milk. Only small amounts are absorbed systemically by the mother, and even smaller amounts are expected to pass into breast milk. Infant exposure is minimal and unlikely to cause adverse effects.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Use with caution and only under medical supervision, especially in children under 6 years. Dosing must be carefully adjusted by age/weight. Higher risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance compared to adults.
Geriatric Use
Use with caution. Elderly patients are more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (especially hypermagnesemia if renal function is impaired). Start with lower doses and ensure adequate fluid intake. Monitor for signs of confusion or weakness.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Magnesium citrate is a potent laxative; ensure patients have access to a toilet shortly after administration.
- Always emphasize adequate hydration to prevent dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
- Advise patients to chill the solution for better palatability.
- Not intended for long-term use; chronic constipation should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment, bowel obstruction, or acute abdominal conditions (e.g., appendicitis, undiagnosed abdominal pain).
Alternative Therapies
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 (e.g., Miralax)
- Lactulose
- Sorbitol
- Sodium phosphate (oral solution or enema)
- Bisacodyl (stimulant laxative)
- Senna (stimulant laxative)
- Docusate sodium (stool softener)
- Fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium, methylcellulose)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$2 - $10 per 296 mL bottle
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Generally not covered by insurance as it is an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.