Drug Trade Name - Magnesium Citrate

Generic name – Citrate of Magnesia, Citroma Cherry, Citroma, Citroma Lemon          

Group – Laxatives 

Introduction and Quick Information about Magnesium Citrate:

Magnesium is one of the naturally-occurring minerals present inside the human body. This mineral is quite essential for loads of vital systems within the body, especially the nerves and muscles. Magnesium citrate can also enhance the water amounts in the intestines, which may stimulate defecation.

Magnesium Citrate is considered as a laxative in order to relieve the occasional constipation. It can also be taken to clean the stool from intestines prior to certain bowel procedures or surgery (e.g., radiography, colonoscopy), usually along with some other products. However, some mild products (e.g., bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners) should be used whenever possible to treat short-term constipation. Magnesium citrate is actually a saline laxative which is believed to work by raising the fluid level in small intestine. It generally causes bowel movement in around half an hour to three hours.

Is Magnesium Citrate Approved by FDA?

This medication seems to pre-date the current Food and Drug Administration approval process that means it was not required at that time to get formal FDA approval. But still, you must talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with the use of Magnesium Citrate.

Usage and Benefits of Magnesium Citrate:

Magnesium Citrate (Citroma) is quite effective to cleanse the bowel and intestines. Some of its common uses may include:

• Use of Magnesium Citrate before certain Bowel Procedures (Radiography, Colonoscopy) - There is no more unpleasant thing than undergoing a procedure such as colonoscopy, bowel surgery or barium enema, except, perchance, getting prepared and ready for the procedure. For all those procedures which involve examination of bowels, the bowels need to get cleansed or cleared first, and physicians typically recommend a series of laxatives, including magnesium Citrate. Magnesium Citrate is a liquid laxative which works by increasing water inside the intestinal tract, thereby promoting defecation.
• Use of Magnesium Citrate to Treat Occasional Constipation - Short-term constipation or Occasional constipation is a common type of constipation. The individuals which are affected the most by this condition include pregnant, elderly women, travelers, people following certain medication treatment and those people who experience abdominal surgery. In many cases, this sort of constipation is treated with certain healthy modifications in the lifestyle and diet and with the infrequent use of laxative. As said earlier also, Magnesium Citrate can be used as a laxative and is quire helpful to treat occasional constipation.

Magnesium Citrate Side Effects:

Well, side effects have become the common part of every medical treatment. You can find minor-to-severe side effects associated with every sort of medication, including Magnesium Citrate, a way to divest yourself of short-term constipation. Stop the use of Magnesium Citrate and look for the emergency medical assistance the moment you experience

• allergic reaction
• trouble in breathing
• closing of throat
• swelling on face, tongue, or lips
• skin rashes or bumps

Continue using Magnesium Citrate and consult your healthcare provider in case you experience:

• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• sweating

General Recommended Dosages of Magnesium Citrate:

You have to use Magnesium Citrate (Citroma Lemon) in the exact amount as recommended by your general practitioner or as directed on the product’s package. In case you have any query regarding the use of this medication, just ask the nurse, pharmacist, or physician to explain them once again to you.

In order to get best results, take this supplement in an empty stomach followed by 8 ounces of water. Chilling this medication in refrigerator or serving it with an ice can improve its taste.

To make sure that you get appropriate dosage, you need to measure the liquid type magnesium with the help of dose-measuring cup or spoon.

Store this medicine at room temperature.

In Case I Miss my Dose?

You can simply take the missed dosage the instant remember about that. However, in case the time has almost appeared to take the next scheduled dose, just skip the previously missed one and wait for the time to take the next one. Also, don’t the double dose or extra dose to compensate the missed one.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Symptoms of overdose of Magnesium Citrate include vomiting, nausea, flushing, slow heartbeat, drowsiness, low blood pressure, death, and coma. If you think you have taken this medication in bigger or larger amounts, seek emergency medical assistance as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions of Magnesium Citrate:

Possible drugs which can interact with Magnesium Citrate and can lower down its effectiveness may include:

• tetracycline antibiotic like tetracycline (Achromycin V, Sumycin, etc)
• fluoroquinolone antibiotic like ofloxacin (Floxin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), sparfloxacin (Zagam), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), etc
• doxycycline (Monodox, Vibramycin, Doxy, etc), demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, etc), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, etc)
• penicillamine (Cuprimine)
• digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)
• nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin, etc)

Also, let your medical practitioner know about all sorts of medications, drugs, dietary supplements, health products, either prescribed or non-prescribed you take.

Life style and Food Habits you must Follow When on Magnesium Citrate:

There is no restriction on beverages, food, or actions while using Magnesium Citrate unless your physician has told you do so.

Don’t use Magnesium Citrate in the form of laxative in case you have abdominal (stomach) pain, vomiting, or, nausea unless prescribed by a physician. In case you observe a sudden change in the bowel habits which persists more than 2 weeks, consult your general practitioner before using a laxative.

This medicine should not be taken for more than 1 week, unless doctor suggests you to do that. Rectal failure or bleeding in order to have a bowel movement after using laxative can indicate serious condition. Thus, discontinue the use of Magnesium Citrate and contact your medical advisor.

Before using Magnesium Citrate, inform your physician in case you have any other complication, allergies, or in case you use other medications or other health / herbal supplements. Magnesium citrate will not be appropriate in some situations.

How Safe is Magnesium Citrate for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

This medication may or may not prove to be injurious to the health of the unborn infants if the pregnant ladies use it. Thus, don’t use Magnesium Citrate without informing your physician if you are expectant. Also, tell your general practitioner immediately in case you get pregnant while using this medicine.

It is unknown if Magnesium Citrate can pass in to the breast milk or can harm the nursed baby. Don’t use it without telling your physician if you breast-feed.

Complications and Conditions Possible due to Prolonged Use of Magnesium Citrate:

Your healthcare provider will recommend you how you can use Magnesium Citrate and for how long. Accordingly, you must follow the instructions of your doctor properly and carefully. Never take the dosage in excessive amount or for more than the prescribed quantity. In case you have been taking Magnesium Citrate long, and now want to discontinue its use maybe because of any reason then ask your general practitioner first.

Availability of Magnesium Citrate:

You can simply buy it from any of the medical shop by with or without showing prescription of your doctor to the pharmacist. This drug is sold widely over-the-counter.