T he f ollowing inf ormation is intended to supplement, not substitute f or, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist

or other healthcare prof essional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the drug is saf e, appropriate, or ef f ective f or you. Consult your healthcare prof essional bef ore taking this drug. Generic Name: magnesium citrate (mag NEE see um SIH trate) Brand Name: Citrate of Magnesia, Citroma, Citroma Cherry, Citroma Lemon

What is magnesium citrate?

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important f or many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium citrate also increases water in the intestines, which may induce def ecation. Magnesium hydroxide is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation (irregularity). Magnesium citrate may also be used f or purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important inf ormation I should know about magnesium citrate?
Bef ore taking magnesium citrate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium citrate may not be recommended in some situations. Do not use magnesium citrate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider bef ore using a laxative. Magnesium citrate should not be used f or longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or f ailure to have a bowel movement af ter use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium citrate and contact your healthcare provider.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider bef ore taking magnesium citrate?
Do not take magnesium citrate without f irst talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease. Do not use magnesium citrate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider bef ore using a laxative. Magnesium citrate should not be used f or longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or f ailure to have a bowel movement af ter use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium citrate and contact your healthcare provider. Bef ore taking magnesium citrate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium citrate may not be recommended in some situations. It is not known whether magnesium citrate will be harmf ul to an unborn baby. Do not take magnesium citrate without f irst talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether magnesium citrate will be harmf ul to an nursing baby. Do not take magnesium citrate without f irst talking to your doctor if you are breast-f eeding a baby.

How should I take magnesium citrate?

Take magnesium citrate exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. For best results, take magnesium citrate on an empty stomach f ollowed by a f ull glass of water. Chilling the medication in the ref rigerator or giving it with ice may improve the taste. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid f orm of magnesium with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Do not use magnesium citrate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider bef ore using a laxative. Magnesium citrate should not be used f or longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or f ailure to have a bowel movement af ter use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium citrate and contact your healthcare provider. Do not take more magnesium citrate than is directed. Store magnesium citrate at room temperature away f rom moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time f or the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an magnesium citrate overdose include nausea, vomiting, f lushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma, and death.

What should I avoid while taking magnesium citrate?

T here are no restrictions on f ood, beverages, or activity while taking magnesium citrate unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Magnesium citrate side ef f ects

Stop taking magnesium citrate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (dif f iculty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or f ace; or hives). Other, less serious side ef f ects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take magnesium citrate and talk to your doctor if you experience diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, or sweating. Side ef f ects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side ef f ect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side ef f ects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Magnesium citrate Dosing Inf ormation

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation: 240 mL orally one time. Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation: < 6 years: 0.5 mL/kg orally up to a maximum of 200 mL. May repeat every 4 to 6 hours until stools are clear. 6 to 12 years: 100 to 150 mL orally one time.

What other drugs will af f ect magnesium citrate?

Bef ore taking magnesium citrate, talk to your doctor if you are taking a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others); a f luoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprof loxacin (Cipro), of loxacin (Floxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), norf loxacin (Noroxin), sparf loxacin (Z agam), levof loxacin (Levaquin), lomef loxacin (Maxaquin), grepaf loxacin (Raxar), and others; penicillamine (Cuprimine); digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or nitrof urantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, others). You not be able to take magnesium citrate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with magnesium citrate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist bef ore taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines, including herbal products. Copyright 1996-2012 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.05. Revision Date: 2010-12-15, 5:01:39 PM.