Magnesium Citrate Side Effects

Magnesium citrate, also known by the names of citric acid or magnesium salt, is made from magnesium carbonate and citric acid. It is a chemical agent which has medicinal value. Its magnesium content is as high as eleven per cent. For this reason, it is often taken as a nutritional supplement pill. The magnesium available from magnesium citrate can be absorbed by our body quite easily, and so, it is considered to be an important additional or supplementary source of magnesium.

The most common medical use of magnesium citrate is as a saline laxative. Before any surgery, magnesium citrate is administered to the patient to empty the bowel. Magnesium citrate has a tendency to attract enough water through the tissues. So, when it is in the intestine, it attracts a large quantity of water inside it. This extra water stimulates bowel movement and all the wastes are excreted from the body. In this way, it can also be used for treating constipation and colon or rectal-related problems. Magnesium citrate also protects from the formation of kidney stones.

Magnesium Citrate Side Effects

Magnesium citrate does not cause any harm, provided it is taken in the correct dosage. If taken in excess, it has a number of side effects. The permissible dosage of magnesium citrate for adults is 11-25 mg. Magnesium citrate is not suitable for children who are below the age of 6 years. For children above 6 years, the dosage should not exceed 6 mg. Magnesium citrate is safe for elderly people, provided the dosage is appropriate. It is not advisable for use by people with certain health problems. Some common side effects of magnesium citrate are listed below:

• Excessive intake of magnesium citrate can lead to severe diarrhea.
• It can also cause giddiness, headache, throat pain and skin rashes. Sometimes, it can cause blockage of the intestines too.
• It does not have any adverse effects when taken with any other drug. However, it is advisable to keep a gap of, at least two hours between consumption of magnesium citrate and any other drug.
• Constipation often hurts the stomach due to pressure from the intestines, and this pain may be aggravated by the intake of magnesium citrate, which forces the fecal matter through the intestines.
• Patients suffering from constipation should not take magnesium citrate for a prolonged period of time, as it can damage the natural metabolic power of the bowels, resulting in failure of the bowel to carry out its function without the aid of any laxatives.
• Pregnant women or lactating mothers should strictly avoid magnesium citrate drugs, as they can enter the body of the embryo or of the infant (through breast milk).
• Magnesium citrate is not suited for those who have kidney diseases, heart ailments or any history of anal fissures.

Magnesium citrate side effects do not cause any threat to life. However, it gives the best results when taken on an empty stomach, with or followed by ample amount of liquids like water or juice. Intake of sufficient amounts of water or juice prevents any kind of complications.