Every organ in your body needs magnesium. It's involved with muscle contraction, enzyme activation, energy production and helps regulate the levels of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and calcium. Magnesium products are used as dietary supplements to treat low magnesium levels, but are also used to relieve constipation. Constipation can cause painful abdominal cramping and leave you feeling bloated and cranky. Prevent constipation by consuming enough fiber every day, staying hydrated and getting enough exercise. When constipation strikes, consult your doctor about which oral magnesium laxative product is best for you.
The Action of Magnesium Laxatives
Magnesium laxative products are available without a prescription and found in many pharmacies and supermarkets. Magnesium laxatives are classified as hyperosmotic saline laxatives. Magnesium laxatives contain magnesium salts and work by drawing water from the surrounding tissues into your intestines. This softens the stool and makes it easier for it to pass through your intestines and colon. The movement of water from the tissues also stimulates the movement of smooth muscle in the intestinal walls, called peristalsis, which helps moves the stool along for elimination.
Milk of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia, or magnesium hydroxide, is an oral laxative available as a liquid suspension and a pill. Use milk of magnesia to alleviate an occasional bout of constipation. Take milk of magnesia exactly as directed by your doctor or as listed on the product label. Shake the liquid suspension fully and measure it using a dose-measuring cup or spoon. Drugs.com advises you to follow each dose, liquid suspension or pills, with a full 8-oz. glass of water. Don't rely on any laxative product for an extended period of time; consult your physician if your constipation doesn't clear up within a few days to a week.
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide is used for several conditions. Different doses are used depending on whether you use it as a magnesium supplement to your diet, as an antacid for heartburn or as a laxative. Magnesium oxide is available as a tablet and capsule, taken orally for rapid relief of occasional constipation. MedlinePlus recommends not taking magnesium oxide as a laxative for more than one week. As with other magnesium laxatives. drink an 8-oz. glass of water or fruit juice after each dose. Use only as directed by your physician or follow the directions on the product label.
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is a powerful laxative used to clean out your intestines completely before abdominal surgery or a colonoscopy. Magnesium citrate comes as an oral solution or pill, and works rapidly to produce a bowel movement. Your doctor will give you precise instructions on its use, including how much water or fruit juice to take along with it.
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure because taking magnesium may worsen these conditions. Discuss all your medications and supplements with your physician because magnesium can interfere with some, including blood thinners, heart medicines and antibiotics. Some magnesium products contain sugar, so talk to your doctor first if you are diabetic. Don't continue to rely on magnesium laxatives; constant use of laxatives can lead to dependency and disrupt your normal bowel function.
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