What is the proper administration of magnesium citrate for treating constipation?

From the Guidelines

To effectively treat constipation with magnesium citrate, take 10 ounces (about 300 ml) of the solution as a single dose, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach, as supported by a study where an additional dose of magnesium citrate improved bowel preparation in diabetic patients 1.

Key Administration Guidelines

• Refrigerate the solution beforehand to make it more palatable
• Drink the entire bottle quickly rather than sipping it slowly
• Follow it with 8 ounces (240 ml) of water
• Drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration

Expected Outcomes and Precautions

• Expect results within 30 minutes to 6 hours
• Magnesium citrate works by drawing water into the intestines and relaxing the bowel muscles, which helps soften stool and stimulate bowel movements
• This medication should not be used regularly for constipation as it can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dependence, especially in individuals with significant renal impairment 1
• Do not use magnesium citrate if you have kidney disease, heart problems, rectal bleeding, or severe abdominal pain
• If constipation persists after use or recurs frequently, consult a healthcare provider to address the underlying cause

Important Considerations

• The bioavailability and clinical efficacy of magnesium citrate for constipation are not as well-studied as magnesium oxide (MgO), but MgO's mechanism suggests similar benefits 1
• Systemic regulation of magnesium levels is maintained by renal excretion, making hypermagnesemia more likely in individuals with significant renal impairment 1

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions shake well before using drink a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid with each dose may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses adults and children 12 years of age and over - 6.5 to 10 fl oz maximum 10 fl oz in 24 hours children 6 to under 12 years of age - 3 to 7 fl oz maximum 7 fl oz in 24 hours children 2 to under 6 years of age - 2 to 3 fl oz in 24 hours maximum 3 fl oz in 24 hours children under 2 years of age - ask a doctor

The proper administration of magnesium citrate for treating constipation is:

• Shake well before using
• Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid with each dose
• May be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses
• The recommended dose is:
  • 6.5 to 10 fl oz for adults and children 12 years of age and over, with a maximum of 10 fl oz in 24 hours 2
  • 3 to 7 fl oz for children 6 to under 12 years of age, with a maximum of 7 fl oz in 24 hours 2
  • 2 to 3 fl oz for children 2 to under 6 years of age, with a maximum of 3 fl oz in 24 hours 2
  • For children under 2 years of age, ask a doctor 2

From the Research

Administration of Magnesium Citrate for Treating Constipation

• The proper administration of magnesium citrate for treating constipation is not directly stated in the provided studies, but its use as a laxative is mentioned in several studies 3, 4, 5.
• Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative that can help retain fluids in the colon and clear the colon and rectum of fecal contents 4.
• The use of magnesium-based laxatives, including magnesium citrate, should be avoided for long-term use due to potential toxicity 3.
• A study comparing sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate with other laxatives found that it was at least as effective and well-tolerated as oral magnesium citrate 17.7 or 35.4 g, or oral polyethylene glycol 236 g in adult patients undergoing a double-contrast barium enema procedure 4.
• Another study found that magnesium oxide, a related compound, was effective in treating chronic constipation, with a response rate of 68.3% compared to 11.7% in the placebo group 5.
• The dosage and administration of magnesium citrate may vary depending on the specific product and the individual patient's needs, but it is often recommended to take it with a full glass of water and to increase fluid intake to help prevent dehydration 4, 6.

Dosage and Frequency

• The optimal dosage and frequency of magnesium citrate for treating constipation are not clearly established in the provided studies.
• One study found that reducing the number of daily doses of magnesium oxide, while maintaining the total daily dose, did not affect its laxative action 7.
• Another study used a dosage of 1.5 g of magnesium oxide per day for 28 consecutive days to treat chronic constipation 5.
• The sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate preparation used in some studies consisted of two sachets, each containing sodium picosulfate 0.01 g, magnesium oxide 3.5 g, and citric acid 12.0 g, which forms magnesium citrate when dissolved in water 4, 6.