Classes
DEA Class; OTC
Common Brand Names;
- Laxatives, Saline
Description
Increases peristaltic activity of the colon; promotes bowel evacuation by causing osmotic retention of fluid
Indications
Indicated as a Dietary Supplement, Constipation/Laxative, Acid Indigestion
Contraindications
Low sodium diet
Adverse Effects
Diarrhea
Cramps
Gas formation
Warnings
For occasional use only in treatment of constipation; prolonged use for constipation may cause serious adverse effects
To be used under the supervision of a physician when administered to patients with sodium or manesium restricted diet, kidney dysfunction, nausea/vomiting/abdominal pain with sudden change in bowel habits persisting over 2 weeks
Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disease
Avoid use in renal failure, existing electrolyte imbalance, appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen, myocardial damage or heart block, fecal impaction or rectal fissures, intestinal obstruction or perforation, dehydration
Discontinue use and consult healthcare provider if bowel movement does not occur or rectal bleeding develops
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy category: A
Lactation: Use in nursing mothers appears to be safe
Maximum Dosage
Nutritional Supplementation
19-30 years: Men, 400 mg/day; women, 310 mg/day; pregnant women (≤50 years), 350 mg/day; breastfeeding women (≤50 years), 310 mg/day
>30 years: Men, 420 mg/day; women, 320 mg/day; pregnant women (≤50 years), 360 mg/day; breastfeeding women (≤50 years), 320 mg/day
Constipation/Laxative
195-300 mL PO in single daily dose or in divided doses with full glass of water
Alternative: 2-4 tablets PO at bedtime
Acid Indigestion
1 tablet twice daily or as directed by healthcare provider
Dosing Considerations
Should be refrigerated to maintain potency and palatability
Pediatric
Magnesium Supplementation
Dietary reference intake for elemental magnesium varies in children according to age
<6 months: 30 mg/day
6-12 months: 75 mg/day
1-3 years: 80 mg/day
3-8 years: 130 mg/day
8-13 years: 240 mg/day
Adolescent boys 13-18 years: 410 mg/day
Adolescent girls
13-18 years: 360 mg/day
Pregnant: 400 mg/day
Lactating: 360 mg/day
How supplied
Magnesium citrate
liquid
- 290mg/5mL
tablet
- 100mg (elemental)
