Along with the potential health benefits of taking magnesium citrate, there are some potential risks and problems you should know about magnesium citrate.
Magnesium is a mineral that occurs naturally in the body. Magnesium citrate is an over-the-counter preparation and is the generic name for products called Citroma or Citrate of Magnesia.
Magnesium citrate belongs to a group of drugs called saline laxatives that work by pulling water into the colon to help empty the contents,
says Everday Health. Before certain medical procedures like colonoscopy, magnesium citrate can be given to help clean out the colon.
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Magnesium citrate can also be used to relieve routine constipation.
However, WebMD cautions that milder laxatives should be used for this purpose because some patients develop a dependence on magnesium citrate and become unable to have a normal bowel movement without first taking it.
Because improper use can result in severe dehydration, it is important to take it exactly as directed by your physician and accompanied by a full glass of water.
Common side effects of magnesium citrate include diarrhea, stomach upset, increased perspiration, and dizziness,
says Drugs.com.
Taking magnesium citrate will usually result in a bowel movement sometime between 30 minutes and six hours after taking it. If, after six hours, there is no bowel movement, you should contact your physician right away.
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Other serious side effects can occur with magnesium citrate including rectal bleeding, painful urination, muscle weakness, feeling light-headed, and increased thirst. Discontinue taking magnesium citrate with any of these side effects and contact your doctor right away.
Everyday Health says magnesium citrate doesn’t interact with lots of other medications and is considered safe.
While taking magnesium citrate, you should avoid drinking since alcohol can make diarrhea and stomach upset much more severe.
Drugs.com also advises that because taking laxatives can interfere with the absorption of other medications, you should take them either two hours before or after taking magnesium citrate.
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