What Happens When You Take Magnesium Citrate?

Certain medical procedures such as a colonoscopy require you to empty your intestines before the procedure. To empty your bowels, many medical professionals recommend taking a magnesium citrate supplement, which according to the book "The A to Z Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements," usually results in producing a bowel movement within 30 minutes to three hours. As with any supplement, you should speak to a medical professional before using it.

Primary Use

The primary use for magnesium citrate is to empty the bowels. This supplement works by increasing the amount of water in your small intestine. This increase causes a bowel movement. The amount of magnesium citrate you should take depends on your specific medical condition. A doctor will recommend the appropriate amount of magnesium citrate. Because a risk of dehydration exists from taking this supplement, you should follow your doctor's dose recommendations and replenish your body with fluids after taking this supplement.

How to Use

If your doctor recommends taking magnesium citrate before a medical procedure, your doctor will give you detailed instructions. These instructions include information about the length of time before the procedure to take this supplement. Always drink a glass of water after taking the magnesium citrate supplement, unless you doctor gives you instructions not to do so. If the supplement does not produce a bowel movement within three hours, contact your doctor to discuss other alternatives.

Safety

Magnesium citrate poses a very high risk of producing dehydration if used regularly. You should not use this product if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or blood in your stool or rectum. Additionally, you should not take this product for longer than a week unless under a doctor's supervision. Never give magnesium citrate to children without a doctor's prescription. Additionally, consult your doctor before using this product if you are pregnant.

Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with the use of magnesium citrate include are mild abdominal cramps and discomfort, gas and nausea. Dehydration from the use of this product can result in dry mouth, decreased urination, lightheadedness, dizziness and increased thirst. Allergic reaction to magnesium citrate typically produces symptoms such as difficulty breathing, itching, rash, and swelling of the face, tongue and throat. Contact your doctor immediately should you experience any allergic reaction to this supplement. Serious side effects associated with the use of magnesium citrate include confusion, irregular and or slow heart beat, mood changes, persistent diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Though possible, the incidence of serious side effects resulting from the use of this supplement is not common.