Constipation can happen from time-to-time but nearly four million Americans experience it frequently each year, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Frequent constipation can lead you to seek alternative methods for alleviating bowel back-up to prevent costly physician visits. Magnesium citrate is an over-the-counter laxative used to alleviate constipation. However, taking magnesium citrate can come with uncomfortable side effects and you should always consult your physician before using supplemental forms of medicine.
Drink Cold With a Tasty Beverage
The magnesium citrate formulation does not taste good; you may not get the full dose if you do not drink it all. Mix it with a tasty beverage. Refrigerate your bottle of magnesium citrate in between uses. Choose ginger ale, fruit juices or water with a few squirts of lemon to mix with your magnesium citrate dose. After you drink the full dose, drink one to two more full glasses of plain water because the formulation has a laxative effect and can increase dehydration.
Stay Close To A Bathroom
Magnesium citrate pulls water from your tissues into the small intestine as part of the bowel stimulating effect. You may have a bowel movement within 30 minutes to three hours from the time you complete your dose. The laxative effect is especially quick when you take the formulation on an empty stomach. Prepare yourself for stool movement by remaining near a restroom. To prolong the bowel movement, a smaller dose can be taken but follow package labeling instructions for exact dosing and timing.
Do Not Use More Than Recommended
According to Drugs.com, magnesium citrate should not be used for longer than one week unless otherwise advised by your physician. Follow dosing instructions carefully and do not exceed the maximum dose. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, coma or death can occur from taking too much magnesium citrate. If you miss a dose do not take a double dose, just skip the missed dose and proceed with the next on schedule.
Learn The Drug Interactions Before Use
Magnesium citrate can have interactions with other medications. Blood thinners, heart medications, antipsychotics, antibiotics and medications for bone disease may not work as well when taken with magnesium citrate. If you take any prescribed or alternative forms of medications, consult your physician to learn about potential drug interactions before taking magnesium citrate. No known food interactions occur when taking magnesium citrate but check with your physician if you are on a special diet.
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