Sometimes you have to wait for hours to go to the toilet, which can be very uncomfortable. We call this constipation. This is a problem that bothers many people, but they are a little reluctant to talk about it. One medicine that is used to relieve this occasional constipation is a liquid called Magnesium Citrate. So today, let's talk about this, exactly, simply.
What is Magnesium Citrate? How does it work?
Simply put, this is a medicine that loosens the stool. In medicine, we call these laxatives. Imagine that the stool inside your intestines is dry and hard like a rock. When you take this medicine, something amazing happens.
This medicine draws water into your intestines. It's like a dry sponge absorbing water. It increases the amount of water in your intestines. This water combines with the dry stools and softens them. It also increases the pressure inside your intestines, signaling the muscles in your intestines to "Okay, now it's time to pass this." This makes the process of passing stool much easier.
This is usually used only for occasional constipation. Sometimes doctors also recommend it to cleanse the intestines before a medical test (e.g., colonoscopy).
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. It is essential that your doctor is aware of any health problems you may have before giving you this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, especially:
| Do you have these conditions? | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease or diabetes | The kidneys are the body's way of removing excess magnesium. If the kidneys are weak, magnesium levels can become dangerously high. |
| Stomach ache, nausea, or vomiting | It is not advisable to take a laxative without knowing the cause, as this could be a symptom of another serious illness. |
| Rectal bleeding | This can also be a sign of a serious condition, so the cause must be found first. |
| Being on a low magnesium/sodium diet | Because this medicine contains magnesium and sodium, it may affect your diet. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | In such cases, it is imperative to seek medical advice before taking any medication. |
| If you have an allergy to magnesium citrate or any other medicine or food. | This is very important to prevent allergies. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The method of using this is very simple, but it is important to do it correctly.
- Follow medical advice: Always take your medication exactly as your doctor tells you or according to the instructions on the bottle.
- Correct measurement: Use the special spoon or cup that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not measure with teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home, as their measurements are not exactly accurate.
- Drink water: After taking your dose, drink a large glass of water (at least 250 ml) . This is very important because the intestines need water to work.
- Drink it cold: This may taste a bit strange to some people. So, it is easier to drink if you keep the medicine in the fridge for a while before drinking it.
- If given to children: In some special cases, doctors prescribe this to children as young as 2 years old. But it should be done only on medical advice . Do not give it to children on a whim.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic. But go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication
If your symptoms do not improve after taking the medicine, or if they seem to get worse, tell your doctor. Another important thing is to not take any other oral medications for 2 hours after taking magnesium citrate. This can interfere with the absorption of those medications into the body.
Now let's see what side effects may occur.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. | Seek medical advice immediately. This is an emergency. |
| High magnesium levels in the body: confusion, excessive sleepiness, flushing, sweating, muscle weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but can be annoying | |
| Stomach ache | These usually go away after a while, but if they persist or bother you, let your doctor know. |
| Diarrhea | |
| Nausea or vomiting | |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator (between 8°C - 30°C).
- Discard any remaining medicine within 24 hours after opening the bottle.
- Throw away even unopened bottles that have passed their expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Magnesium citrate is a liquid laxative that relieves occasional constipation. It is not a medication that is suitable for long-term use.
- If you have other medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, are pregnant, or are taking other medications , be sure to tell your doctor before taking this.
- Don't forget to drink a large glass of water with your medicine.
- Do not take any other oral medication for 2 hours after taking this medicine.
- If you take too much medicine or develop symptoms of a severe allergy (difficulty breathing, swelling) , go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- The best way to live a healthy life is to be fully informed about any medication before using it and to use it only as directed by a doctor.
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