Magnesium citrate is a nonprescription laxative that gathers and retains water in the intestines, softens the stool and cleanses the gastrointestinal tract. Children younger than the age of 2 should not use magnesium citrate at all, but the safety and effectiveness of magnesium citrate for use by children older than 2 has not been confirmed. Discuss your child’s condition with a doctor before risking giving their child magnesium citrate to treat constipation.
Contraindications
Magnesium citrate is an ingredient in over-the-counter, brand-name medications such as Citroma, LiquiPrep and Citrate of Magnesia. According to KidsHealth, your child should not take magnesium citrate if he has a medical condition such as appendicitis, colostomy, diabetes, diverticulitis, ileostomy, intestinal blockage, kidney problems, ulcerative colitis, nerve disease or myasthenia gravis which is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease.
Talking to Your Doctor
Inform your doctor about any other medications your child may be taking. Tell your doctor if your child is allergic to other medicines whether they are prescription medicines or over the counter. Drugs.com advises you to let your doctor know whether your child has been taking an herbal remedy or dietary supplement. Tell your doctor if your child is allergic to any food preservatives or food dyes.
Side Effects
Common side effects of magnesium citrate include belly pain, diarrhea and gas. Tell your doctor if your child's condition does not improve or if his symptoms become worse while taking magnesium citrate. Call your doctor or hospital immediately if your child displays severe side effects such as a bad cough, rectal bleeding, wheezing or tightness in the chest, fever, hives or skin rash, blue skin color, dizziness, fainting, an irregular heartbeat, or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.
Interaction With Other Medicines
KidsHealth cautions that magnesium citrate may have an adverse reaction with some medicines and may also prevent the body's absorption of other medicines. Drugs.com elaborates by warning that magnesium citrate can magnify the side effects of medications such as aluminum salts and anticoagulants. Magnesium citrate can also decrease the effectiveness of other medications such as penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics, bisphosphonates, tetracyclines and digoxin, Your child should not take any of these medications within four hours of taking magnesium citrate.
Member Comments