Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a disorder causing changes constipation, diarrhea, cramping and pain. Severity of IBS symptoms vary widely from patient to patient, from a minor annoyance to a excruciating pain. IBS cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed. Magnesium citrate acts as an osmotic laxative and can be helpful to IBS sufferers with constipation. An osmotic laxative draws fluids into the small intestine, encouraging the body to produce a bowel movement. Consult your physician prior to using magnesium or any other remedy to treat your IBS symptoms.
Step 1
Drink 5 oz. of magnesium citrate laxative solution, which can be purchased at drugstores and pharmacies. Immediately drink an 8 oz. glass of water after drinking the magnesium citrate laxative solution. A bowel movement typically occurs 30 minutes to three hours after the initial dose.
Step 2
Drink an additional 5 oz. of magnesium citrate laxative solution if you do not have a bowel movement within three hours. Immediately drink an 8 oz. glass of water after drinking the laxative.
Step 3
Consult your physician if you do not have a bowel movement within three hours of taking the second dose of magnesium citrate laxative solution. Do not take any other laxatives until speaking with your doctor.
Step 4
Discard any unused portion of the magnesium citrate laxative solution within 24 hours after opening the package.
Things You'll Need
- Magnesium citrate oral laxative solution
References
- "Gastrointestinal Nursing"; Graeme Smith and Roger Watson; 2005
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, et al.; 2010
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