Some people suffering from constipation take the laxative magnesium citrate. It works by pulling water from your tissues and moving it into the small intestines. The moving water stimulates the intestines and causes a bowel movement within three hours. Taking magnesium citrate on an empty stomach will give you quicker results than taking it after eating. Magnesium citrate is available without a prescription but can cause adverse reactions in some cases. Consult your doctor before taking magnesium citrate if you take prescription medications to find out about drug interactions.
Prescription Medication
Magnesium citrate hinders the effectiveness of some heart medications and blood thinners. Antipsychotic drugs known as phenothiazines lose effectiveness when using magnesium citrate. Some antibiotics do not work with magnesium citrate, such as ciproflaxin, etidronate and polystyrene sulfonate. You should not take magnesium citrate for two hours after using tetracycline. If you use any of these medications, talk to your doctor before using laxatives.
Common Side Effects
Diarrhea and stomach pain are the most common side effects from magnesium citrate but allergic reactions occur in some people. Face and tongue swelling, cramping, dizziness, bloody stools, chest pain, difficulty breathing and muscle weakness are symptoms of allergic reactions to magnesium citrate.
Severe Side Effects
Although most people tolerate magnesium citrate, some severe side effects can occur. Signs of nervous system reaction include confusion, depression, weak reflexes and muscles, sleepiness, slow respiratory rate, coma and death. Known cardiovascular problems associated with magnesium citrate are decreased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and heart attack. In rare cases, paralysis of the intestines occurs causing a blockage.
Precautions
People with abdominal discomfort, vomiting or bloody stools should not take magnesium citrate without consulting a doctor first. There might be an underlying medical condition causing the symptoms. When using magnesium citrate, follow the label directions and do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for more than one week. If you develop diarrhea or constipation after taking magnesium citrate and the condition lasts for more than two weeks, call your doctor. Children younger than 2 should not use magnesium citrate because it has no safety standards for children. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should contact their doctor before using magnesium citrate to discuss the benefits or risks involved. It is unknown if magnesium citrate effects breast milk. Magnesium citrate does not need U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval because production of the drug took place before the FDA began testing drugs for safety.
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