Compounds such as magnesium citrate work by pulling water into the intestines. This water combines with the dry stool, making it easier to pass. Medications that work in this way are called osmotic laxatives. When used correctly, many people find that magnesium citrate is a simple solution to occasional constipation.
So in short, magnesium citrate does help you go to the bathroom. It can help constipation if you are dealing with that issue. Now it doesn't necessarily just clean anybody out and if you take magnesium citrate it doesn't mean that you're going to get completely loose bowels and be cleaned out.
Magnesium citrate is also used to empty the colon (large intestine, bowel) before a colonoscopy (examination of the inside of the colon to check for colon cancer and other abnormalities) or certain medical procedures. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Another laxative that can help with proximal impaction is magnesium citrate. Polyethylene glycol can be given orally if conditions like volvulus or structural bowel obstruction due to any cause are ruled out.
Immediately after drinking Magnesium Citrate, drink at least 2 to 3 eight ounce glasses of clear liquids. Continue to drink clear liquids until bedtime. The laxative effect can begin within 1-4 hours.
When the stool does come out of the colon, there is also a chance it will be loose or watery. Diarrhea is common after taking magnesium citrate.
It is generally taken as a single daily dose or to divide the dose into two or more parts over a single day. Do not take magnesium citrate more than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to do so. Magnesium citrate typically causes bowel movements within 30 minutes to 6 hours after it is taken.
When you have a fecal impaction, you'll need to have the hard mass of stool removed from your colon or rectum to get better. It won't go away on its own, and it can lead to death if it's allowed to worsen.
Will magnesium citrate help with impacted stool? The answer is yes, magnesium can help draw water to the bowels, and especially if you take more than your body is able to use.
How do you know when faecal impaction has cleared? There may be small lumps of poo of any shade of brown if the treatment has been successful. If your child is suffering from faecal impaction, you can give them some sweetcorn. If it appears in your child's poo within 24 hours, the impaction has cleared.
Stop taking magnesium citrate and call your provider if you have rectal bleeding (blood that comes from your anus) or can't have a bowel movement after taking magnesium citrate. These could be signs of a more serious problem.
Take magnesium citrate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup.
It's used to treat constipation and acid indigestion. Doctors will also have you take it before a colonoscopy. Magnesium citrate is mild when used in the recommended amounts. The dosage is usually 10 ounces for adults and 5 ounces for children age 6 to 12, but instructions will be on the medicine bottle.
Stimulant Laxatives
Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too. Note: Don't use stimulant laxatives daily or regularly.
MAGNESIUM CITRATE (mag NEE zee um SI treyt) treats occasional constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water your intestine absorbs. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool.
Water irrigation. During water irrigation a doctor will insert a small hose into the rectum and flush the area with water, encouraging the stool to soften and break down. A doctor may massage the rectum after this procedure to help the stool move through, before removing it via another tube.
It's almost always an urgent situation. If you have not been able to pass any stool for at least 4 days (not including sudden development of uncontrollable liquid diarrhea), you should go to the ER for further evaluation and treatment. However, if you also have severe “alarm” symptoms, you should call 911.
If you are taking magnesium citrate for occasional constipation or colonoscopy prep, it should have the desired effect within 6 to 8 hours, though it may work in as little as 30 minutes. If you are taking a low dose daily, it should begin to work within 8 hours.
"Quick tip: make sure you drink a lot of water with magnesium citrate. If you chug a bottle and nothing is happening, you most likely are a little dehydrated because your body need to fluids for the MC to work properly.
Magnesium citrate should produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours after you take the medicine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if the medicine produces no results.
What if I've taken all my preparation and am still passing solid stool on the day of my exam? In this case, your procedure will need to be rescheduled. You may be prescribed a different preparation for your next procedure. Please call the triage nurse to reschedule your procedure with a different preparation.