How Magnesium Citrate Can Take Care of Your Constipation in Just 30 Minutes

Magnesium citrate is a supplement commonly used as a laxative. A laxative is something that relaxes the stool (poop), making it easier for you to have a bowel movement. Magnesium citrate is the most commonly used magnesium salt supplement to treat constipation, a condition that makes it difficult to pass stools.

Magnesium citrate brings water into your intestines and stools, making stools softer and easier to pass and increasing the number of bowel movements. This makes bowel movements less painful and reduces the risk of straining and injury.

Magnesium citrate is considered the most powerful osmotic (brings water into the body) option of all types of magnesium salts, including magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and magnesium sulfate.

Magnesium citrate is available over the counter as a supplement to take orally (by mouth). It is available as a liquid solution, powder, tablet, capsule or gum.

Form: The liquid solution is the most commonly used form to combat constipation. The other forms are more often used to increase magnesium levels.

Dosage: The typical dose of magnesium citrate for liquid solution is often between 150 and 300 milliliters, taken in a single dose as needed. Research findings suggest that a dose of magnesium citrate of 11.3 to 17.45 grams can help treat constipation. However, the exact dose of magnesium citrate you should take depends on the product you are using and your age.

What to take or avoid with: You should take magnesium citrate with a full glass of water. If you are taking other medications, take them at least two hours before or two hours after taking magnesium citrate. If you are using a powder product, be sure to take the product within 36 hours of mixing the solution.

How long before you start to feel results: Magnesium citrate works within 30 minutes to six hours after taking a dose.

How long to use it for: You should not take magnesium citrate for more than a week unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Osmotic laxatives like magnesium citrate are often considered the most effective supplements for treating constipation. However, few studies compare magnesium citrate to other over-the-counter and prescription laxatives commonly used to treat constipation. Research comparing effectiveness shows that magnesium citrate is just as effective as other laxatives, including MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol).

Magnesium citrate is safe for most people. The most common side effects associated with magnesium citrate are:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting

Get immediate medical help if you experience serious side effects such as:

Higher Magnesium Levels: If taken long term, magnesium citrate can increase magnesium levels in your body. Researchers found that this might be less likely when the supplement is used for constipation. Still, people with high magnesium levels or health conditions that affect magnesium (such as kidney disease) should talk to their doctor about using magnesium citrate.

Drug interactions: Magnesium supplements may decrease your body’s ability to absorb and break down bisphosphonatesmedicines like Fosamax (alendronate) used to treat osteoporosis. Magnesium supplements may also affect how certain antibiotics work, such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), and Vibramycin (doxycycline). To minimize interactions, take the medication or supplement at least two hours before or two to six hours after taking magnesium citrate.

Most people experience constipation at some point in their lives.

In addition to using magnesium citrate, you can prevent or treat constipation if you:

• Drink plenty of water and fluids.
• Exercise regularly.
• Practice going to the bathroom at the same time every day.
• Use other medications or laxative supplements prescribed or recommended by a doctor.
• Talk to your doctor to determine if medications or supplements you are taking may cause constipation.