Magnesium citrate is a liquid medication usually reserved for cleaning out the bowels when you're preparing for a gastrointestinal procedure such as a colonoscopy. Milder versions of the remedy also are helpful for relieving constipation. It causes the muscles in the colon to relax and increases the amount of fluid in your system that makes bowel movements smoother.
Step 1
Put the medicine in the fridge overnight. According to KidsHealth by Nemours, magnesium citrate formulas are much more palatable when they're cold. Add ice to dilute it and chill it even more.
Step 2
Measure the formula in a measuring spoon or cup to make sure you're giving her the right amount. Pretend you are landing an airplane and your child's mouth is the runway, with the spoon serving as the plane. Fly the plane into her mouth as part of the game.
Step 3
Mix the medicine into a drink your child enjoys. You can use a carbonated soda, fruit juice or flavored water to provide a more enjoyable flavor.
Step 4
Bribe your child with a treat that he can take if he agrees to swallow the medicine without fussing. According to the American Cancer Society, magnesium citrate does not interact negatively with any food and it does work faster when taken on an empty stomach. Offer your kid a piece of chocolate or his favorite cookie in exchange for taking his medicine.
Step 5
Explain that the medicine will help her feel better. Tell her that by taking the medicine, she may prevent getting sicker. Tell her that the doctor says she must take the medicine to get better fast so she can go back to playing her favorite games.
Tips and Warnings
- Have two glasses of his favorite beverage ready to drink immediately following the medicine, if your doctor approves. The laxative causes dehydration when it starts working so any extra fluids you can provide will alleviate some of the side effects of the medicine.
- Don't give your child a magnesium citrate formula without the consent of your doctor. Let the doctor know if your child also has stomach pain or vomiting as well to prevent complications. Constipation that lasts more than two weeks may signal a more serious problem and should be addressed by a doctor instead of treated with leftover prescriptions such as laxatives that contain magnesium citrate.
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Measuring spoon
- Soda
- Fruit juice
- Candy
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