Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate is a metal-organic compound formed by combining magnesium ions with citrate ions, creating a salt. Serving as a cornerstone in dietary supplements, or mag citrate tablets have been pivotal in addressing issues ranging from constipation to muscle health.

Magnesium Citrate Uses

Magnesium citrate serves several important purposes:

• Constipation Relief:
  • Magnesium citrate is primarily used to treat occasional constipation on a short-term basis. It belongs to the class of saline laxative medications. Magnesium citrate works by causing the intestines to retain more water, which causes increased number of bowel movements & softening of the stool, making it easier to pass.
• Bowel Preparation:
  • Magnesium citrate is often used to empty the colon (large intestine or bowel) before medical procedures such as colonoscopies or radiography.
• Laxative for Constipation
  • However, milder laxatives, such as stool softeners or bulk-forming laxatives, are recommended as the first line of treatment whenever possible. Magnesium citrate is considered a more potent option and may be used when other laxatives are ineffective.

How to Use Magnesium Citrate Safely

Magnesium citrate can help treat constipation effectively, but it's crucial to understand how to use it safely. 

Magnesium citrate is safe for adults to use as a laxative. Still, it's essential to consult a doctor before taking it, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Always follow the dosage instructions on the label carefully. 

Side Effects of Magnesium Citrate Tablet

While magnesium citrate is considered safe and effective for occasional use, it can cause some side effects. Here are the potential side effects to be aware of:

• Cramps or a bubbling sensation in the gut
• Gas or bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loose stools or diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Increased sweating

Although rare, magnesium citrate can cause some serious side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• No bowel movement within 6 hours after taking the medication
• Pain with bowel movements or rectal bleeding
• Painful or difficult urination
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or a tingling feeling)
• Lightheadedness or feeling like you might pass out
• Weak or shallow breathing, slow heartbeats
• Muscle weakness or increased thirst
• Signs of an allergic reaction (breathing difficulty, hives or rashes, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Electrolyte Imbalances: Magnesium citrate can result in changes in other blood electrolyte levels, such as sodium, calcium, or potassium. It can lead to high magnesium levels or low levels of other essential minerals.
• Dehydration Risk: Diarrhoea that doesn't stop may result in dehydration. Talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusually decreased urine output, dry mouth or increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness, lightheadedness, or pale and wrinkled skin.

Precautions

Before using magnesium citrate, it's crucial to consider the following precautions:

• Allergies to magnesium citrate or any other medications or ingredients in magnesium citrate preparations
• Disclose your complete medical history to your doctor, especially if you have or have had:
• Rectal bleeding
• Bowel problems, such as blockage, ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids
• Heart disease, such as irregular heartbeat
• Kidney disease
• Abdominal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, or cramping
• Consult your doctor before using magnesium citrate if you experience a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks. It could be a symptom of a serious underlying condition.
• Children younger than two years are more susceptible to dehydration while using magnesium citrate, so caution is advised.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using magnesium citrate.
• Inform your doctor if you are on a magnesium or sodium-restricted diet, as magnesium citrate may interfere with these dietary requirements.

Avoid using magnesium citrate for more than one week without consulting your doctor. Prolonged use could indicate a more serious medical issue requiring professional attention.

How Magnesium Citrate Works

Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative. It means it draws water into the intestines. This process helps to soften and bulk up the stool, making it easier to pass. 

Can I take Magnesium Citrate with Other Medicines?

Magnesium citrate can interact with certain drugs, so it's essential to talk to your physician before taking it, especially if you are on other medications. Here are some important considerations regarding the potential interactions of magnesium citrate with other medicines:

• Antibiotics: Magnesium citrate may decrease the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, quinolone, and nitrofurantoin. It is advisable to take these antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after taking magnesium citrate.
• Bisphosphonates: Medications used to treat osteoporosis may have reduced absorption when taken with magnesium citrate. Taking these medicines at least 2 hours before or after consuming magnesium citrate is advisable.
• Diuretics: Magnesium citrate may enhance the effects of diuretics (water pills), potentially leading to excessive fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. 
• Digoxin: Magnesium citrate can increase digoxin levels, a medication used to treat heart conditions. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of digoxin or monitor its levels closely.
• Potassium-sparing Diuretics: Medications like spironolactone and amiloride, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, may increase the risk of high potassium levels when taken with magnesium citrate.

FAQs

1. Is magnesium citrate good for sleep?

Yes, magnesium citrate can help promote better sleep. Magnesium plays a vital role in activating neurotransmitters that calm the body and mind, contributing to deep, restful sleep. 

2. Can I take magnesium citrate daily?

Taking magnesium citrate daily can be safe for some people, particularly those with low magnesium levels. However, it's essential to consult a doctor for proper dosage and to avoid potential side effects like diarrhoea. Overuse can lead to electrolyte imbalances or other health issues.

3. What is the difference between magnesium & magnesium citrate?

Magnesium citrate is a form of magnesium in which magnesium ions are combined with citrate ions. It is one of the more bioavailable forms of magnesium, easily absorbed in the digestive tract. Magnesium citrate is used as a dietary supplement to maintain adequate magnesium levels and as a laxative to treat occasional constipation.

4. What should I avoid while taking magnesium citrate?

Do not take tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics (such as doxycycline, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin) within 2 hours before or after taking magnesium citrate, as it may decrease the antibiotic's effectiveness. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, as it can worsen the potential side effects of magnesium citrate, such as diarrhoea and intestinal discomfort.

5. What precautions before taking magnesium citrate?

Before taking magnesium citrate, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, rectal bleeding, bowel problems (such as blockage, ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids), heart disease, kidney disease, stomach/abdominal symptoms, or if you are on a magnesium or sodium-restricted diet. Also, consult your doctor if you experience a drastic change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks or need to use a laxative for more than 1 week.

6. How should I take magnesium citrate?

To prevent dehydration, take magnesium citrate with a full glass of water. Shake the liquid medicine well before measuring the dose with the provided measuring device, not a kitchen spoon. If taking the powder form, mix it with cold water or other liquids as directed and shake or stir thoroughly. Refrigerate the solution after mixing, but shake it again before use.

7. What happens if I miss a dose?

Please take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the drug to make up for the missed one.

8. What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a magnesium citrate overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, slow heartbeat, nausea, muscle weakness, and loss of consciousness. If someone has overdosed and experienced serious symptoms, call emergency services immediately or contact a poison control centre.