Children who suffer from irregular, difficult or painful bowel movements may benefit from treatment with magnesium citrate. Magnesium citrate is an over-the-counter saline laxative that helps pull fluid into your child's intestine, making bowel movements easier and more comfortable. Consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns regarding the side effects of magnesium citrate in a child.
Diarrhea
Treatment with magnesium citrate may overstimulate your child's bowels, leading to diarrhea. Children with diarrhea may frequently need to go to the bathroom or may spend longer than usual on the toilet. If your child still wears diapers, you may notice that he needs his diaper changed more often than usual and that his stools appear abnormally loose or watery. Frequent episodes of diarrhea may drain your child's body of essential fluids and electrolytes, which may lead to dehydration. Seek prompt care from your child's pediatrician if he develops blood stools, severe diarrhea or dehydration symptoms such as dizziness, weakness or fainting.
Stomach Discomfort
Stomach discomfort is a potential side effect associated with magnesium citrate use in children. After giving your child a dose of this medication, he may complain that his tummy hurts or refuse to eat his favorite snack or meal due to stomach discomfort or appetite loss. If your child develops sudden or severe stomach pain, contact your pediatrician as this side effect may actually be a symptom of alternate health problems such as appendicitis or bowel impaction.
Medication Interactions
Inform your pediatrician of any medications your child is currently taking before you administer a dose of magnesium citrate. Children should avoid taking magnesium-containing drugs in conjunction with certain antibiotics, as magnesium may reduce the efficacy of these prescription medications. Concomitant use of magnesium citrate and diuretic or water pills should also be avoided, as this combination may cause a significant increase in the amount of magnesium in your child's blood -- a condition called hypermagnesium.
Contraindications
If your child has any pre-existing health problems, be sure to let your pediatrician know before giving your child magnesium citrate. This laxative should only be administered as recommended and should not be given to children under age 2. Additionally, magnesium citrate may not be advised for children with nerve, muscle or kidney diseases, KidsHealth warns. Treatment with magnesium citrate is also unsafe for children with appendicitis, ulcerative colitis, intestinal blockage, diabetes, diverticulitis, ileostomy and colostomy.
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