Magnesium Citrate Bowel Prep Instructions

All About Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is one of the forms of magnesium which is easily absorbable by the body. This form of mineral is usually used as a quality dietary and nutritional supplement. Magnesium citrate is very useful and has a lot of benefits to offer. It improves metabolic energy, enhances healthy immune function and neuromuscular transmission, helps in ammonia scavenging, and acts as a calcium binder to the teeth.

Magnesium citrate is available in the form of tablets and powder, although it has a good effect when consumed with water or juices on an empty stomach.

Magnesium citrate has the capacity to attract water from the tissues. When it enters the intestine, it attracts enough water to induce the bowels to defecate. Thus, magnesium citrate is used in treating constipation as well as rectal and colon problems. It is not advisable to use magnesium citrate for a longer period of time as it may lead to side effects, create disruption in the natural metabolism and the person may become dependent on laxatives.

Magnesium Citrate Bowel Preparations
The main objective of the magnesium citrate bowel prep is to prepare your bowels so that the stool is not present in your intestine before the upcoming surgery. It is important to consult your physician about the diet change and the medications that are necessary to ensure that your bowel is clean at the time of surgery. Here are the instructions to be followed:

Day before surgery:

• Follow a clear liquid diet.
• Drink one bottle of magnesium citrate at the prescribed time given by the doctor.
• Don't eat or drink after midnight. The only exception is if your physician has asked you to take medications on the day of surgery with a sip of water.

On the day of surgery:

• Fleet's enema should be taken at least 30 to 40 minutes before leaving your place.

The following clear liquids are allowed:

• Water
• Clear broth such as chicken broth, beef broth, vegetable broth
• Clear beverages such as sodas, tea, coffee
• Juices like apple juice, grape juice, prune juice, cranberry juice, kool aid, lemonade
• Ices/Jello Italian ices, Popsicles without fruit, Clear Jell-O

The following items are not allowed:

• Cream
• Milk
• Milkshakes
• Tomato Juice
• Orange Juice
• Cream soups
• Cream of wheat
• Oatmeal
• Any soups other than clear broth are allowed

Side Effects of Magnesium Citrate
If you are pregnant, or have any health-related problems, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking magnesium citrate as it can have several side effects. High doses of magnesium citrate can lead to diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness or sweating. Before deciding on a product for magnesium citrate, make sure it is natural and does not contain any harmful toxins or added ingredients.

Important Note on Magnesium Citrate Bowel Prep
An unlimited amount of clear liquids are allowed before midnight to prevent dehydration from the magnesium laxative. If you come across any side effects such as dehydration, dizziness, shortness of breath, facial redness, excessive sweating, chest pain or heart palpitations, muscle weakness, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting, make sure you contact your physician as soon as possible.