Constipation is a common problem that can result from a number of causes, including insufficient dietary fiber, or from taking certain medications, such as opioid pain medications. While it is best to try making lifestyle changes for constipation before taking laxatives, a gentle over-the-counter laxative such as magnesium citrate may be helpful in relieving constipation. It's important, however, to talk to your doctor before using magnesium citrate for constipation, especially if you take any other medicines or have a chronic health problem.
Laxative Effects
Magnesium citrate produces laxative effects that help with constipation. Hyperosmotic saline laxatives like magnesium citrate relieve constipation by drawing water into the small intestines from other body tissues, thereby triggering the normal forward movement of waste through the intestines. According to the American Cancer Society, taking magnesium citrate usually results in a bowel movement within ½ to 3 hours, although small doses may take longer to work, especially if taken with food. For best results, you should take magnesium citrate for constipation exactly as directed on the label or as directed by your physician.
Side Effects
While magnesium citrate helps with constipation, it can also cause unwanted side effects, including nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and dehydration and electrolyte loss caused by diarrhea. With long-term use of magnesium citrate, you may not be able to produce a bowel movement without the use of laxatives. Rarely, magnesium citrate can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Seek immediate medical care if magnesium citrate causes symptoms of electrolyte imbalance, such as lightheadedness, confusion, dizziness, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, or unusual weakness or tiredness.
Other Benefits
Besides relieving constipation, magnesium citrate also helps with certain other health conditions. As magnesium citrate is more easily absorbed by the body than some other forms of magnesium, magnesium citrate is a recommended form of supplementation for the prevention and treatment of magnesium deficiency. People taking certain diuretics, antibiotics or cancer medications, as well as older adults and individuals with alcoholism or uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk for magnesium deficiency and may benefit from taking magnesium supplements like magnesium citrate. Magnesium supplements are also sometimes used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Precautions
Before taking magnesium citrate for constipation, tell your doctor if you have any health conditions or take any prescribed medications to ensure you don't have any contraindications for magnesium. For example, if you have kidney or heart disease, taking magnesium supplements can be dangerous. Magnesium citrate may also reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, including blood thinners, certain antibiotics including tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and minocycline, and other medicines. Before taking any over-the-counter laxative, you should first try home remedies for constipation such as drinking more water, eating more fruits, vegetables and other high-fiber foods, and exercising regularly.
