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Magnesium Citrate Solution

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that treats occasional constipation. You shouldn’t take this medication regularly. The brand name of this medication is Citroma®. This medicine may taste better if it’s chilled before you drink it.

What is this medication?

MAGNESIUM CITRATE (mag NEE zee um SI treyt) treats occasional constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water your intestine absorbs. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Citroma

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Are on a low magnesium or low sodium diet
  • Change in bowel habits for 2 weeks
  • Colostomy or ileostomy
  • Constipation after using another laxative for 7 days
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to magnesium citrate, other magnesium products, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Drink a full glass of fluid with each dose of this medication. This medication may taste better if it is chilled before you drink it. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Cellulose sodium phosphate
  • Digoxin
  • Edetate disodium, EDTA
  • Medications for bone strength like etidronate, ibandronate, risedronate
  • Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
  • Some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, tetracycline
  • Vitamin D

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not take any other medication by mouth within 2 hours of taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • High magnesium level—confusion, drowsiness, facial flushing, redness, sweating, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 8 and 30 degrees C (46 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication 24 hours after opening the bottle. Throw away unopened bottles of medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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