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This product is used to clean stool from the intestines before surgery or certain bowel procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, radiography), usually with other products. It may also be used for relief of constipation. However, milder products (e.g., stool softeners, bulk-forming laxatives) should be used whenever possible for constipation.
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that is thought to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine. It usually results in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 3 hours.
How to use Citrate of Magnesia Oral
Read and follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has directed you to use this product before surgery or a bowel procedure, he or she should tell you how long before the surgery/procedure you should take this product. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. To improve taste, this product may be chilled in the refrigerator before use. Do not freeze.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) after taking this product unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so will help prevent serious side effects (e.g., a loss of too much body water-dehydration).
If this product is used too frequently, it may cause loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without using the product (laxative dependence). If you notice symptoms of overuse, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, or weakness, contact your doctor promptly.
Avoid taking tetracycline/quinolone antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin) within 2 hours before or after this product. Doing so may decrease the effect of the antibiotic.
If this product fails to produce a bowel movement, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, contact your doctor promptly.
Mild abdominal discomfort/cramps, gas, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Serious side effects are unlikely to occur unless this product is used for a prolonged time or in doses that are too high. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, unusual drowsiness), muscle weakness, persistent diarrhea.
Persistent diarrhea may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or pale/wrinkled skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking magnesium citrate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: rectal bleeding, intestinal blockage (obstruction).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other bowel problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids), heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, current stomach/abdominal symptoms (e.g., pain, cramping, persistent nausea/vomiting).
Consult your doctor before using this product if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks, or if you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week. These could be symptoms of a serious medical problem.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children younger than 2 years since they may be at increased risk for certain side effects, especially a loss of too much body water. (See also Side Effects section.)
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk and is unlikely to cause harm to a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
If you are taking this product under your doctor\'s direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, tetracycline/quinolone antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, ciprofloxacin).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion).
NOTES:
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
To maintain normal bowel habits, it is important to drink plenty of fluids (four to six 8-ounce glasses daily), eat foods high in fiber, and exercise regularly.
MISSED DOSE:
Not applicable.
STORAGE:
Refer to storage information on the package label. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all drug products away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised October 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
