What is Magnesium citrate - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: February 18, 2016.

The citrate salt of the element magnesium with cathartic activity.
The cathartic action of magnesium cations appears to result, in part, from osmotically mediated water retention, which subsequently stimulates peristalsis. In addition, magnesium ions may also stimulate the activity of nitric oxide (NO) synthase and increase the biosynthesis of the phospholipid proinflammatory mediator platelet activating factor (PAF) in the gut. NO may stimulate intestinal secretion via prostglandin- and cyclic GMP-dependent mechanisms while PAF produces significant stimulation of colonic secretion and gastrointestinal motility.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: January 9, 2019.

Magnesium citrate is a hyperosmotic saline laxative; it stimulates peristalsis, usually resulting in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Adult
PO
Magnesium citrate is given as a liquid by mouth, which can be mixed with water or juice.
Constipation: 240 mL orally one time, followed immediately with a full glass of water.

Adverse drug reactions: loose stools, diarrhea, stomach cramps, upset stomach.
Extreme magnesium overdose can result in serious complications: slow heart beat, low blood pressure, drowsiness, etc

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Internet. Accessed on January 18, 2016.

To cite

Magnesium citrate. IAHPC Pallipedia. https://pallipedia.org/magnesium-citrate. Accessed