Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines, which causes water retention and stimulates bowel movement. It generally produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours after administration. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to prevent dehydration.
Dosage by Body Weight
Take with a full glass (8 oz) of water or liquid. Liquid doses can be chilled to improve taste. For bowel prep, follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. For constipation, adults and children 12 years of age and older typically take 150 ml to 300 ml (half to one bottle) in a single or divided daily dose. Consult a physician for children under 6 years of age.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in infants due to the high risk of severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a pediatrician. Infant dosing requires close monitoring of magnesium levels and hydration status.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy are not established in this weight range. Only use under strict medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 30 ml to 60 ml of oral solution
- Frequency
- Once daily as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Only for children aged 2 to 6 years under the direction of a doctor. Ensure the child drinks a full glass of water.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 60 ml to 90 ml of oral solution
- Frequency
- Once daily as needed
- Tracking Notes
- For children aged 2 to 6 years. Administer with plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Strictly contraindicated in infants due to the high risk of severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Consult a pediatrician. Infant dosing requires close monitoring of magnesium levels and hydration status. |
| 8-10 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy are not established in this weight range. Only use under strict medical supervision. |
| 11-15 kg | 30 ml to 60 ml of oral solution | Once daily as needed | Only for children aged 2 to 6 years under the direction of a doctor. Ensure the child drinks a full glass of water. |
| 16-20 kg | 60 ml to 90 ml of oral solution | Once daily as needed | For children aged 2 to 6 years. Administer with plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used as an osmotic laxative to treat occasional constipation and as a bowel cleanser before medical procedures (such as a colonoscopy). It may also be used as a dietary supplement to prevent or treat magnesium deficiency.
Generic Name
Magnesium citrateBranded Drug Names
Magnesium Citrate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.