Magnesium Citrate

A to Z Drug Facts

Magnesium Citrate

	Action
	Indications
	Contraindications
	Route/Dosage
	Interactions
	Lab Test Interferences
	Adverse Reactions
	Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
	Administration/Storage
	Assessment/Interventions
	Patient/Family Education

(mag-NEE-zee-uhm SIH-trate)

Citrate of Magnesia, Citro-Nesia, Citro-Mag

Class: Laxative

Action Attracts and retains water in intestinal lumen, thereby increasing intraluminal pressure and inducing urge to defecate.

Indications Short-term treatment of constipation; evacuation of colon for rectal and bowel evaluations.

Contraindications Hypersensitivity to any ingredient; nausea, vomiting or other symptoms of appendicitis; acute surgical abdomen; fecal impaction; intestinal obstruction; ndiagnosed abdominal pain; intestinal bleeding; renal disease.

Route/Dosage

ADULTS: PO 1 glassful (approximately 240 ml) prn. CHILDREN 2–6 YR: PO 4–12 ml. CHILDREN 6–12 YR: PO 50–100 ml. Repeat if necessary.

Interactions

Nitrofurantoin: Reduced anti-infective action. Penicillamine: Reduced action of penicillamine. Tetracyclines: Impaired absorption of tetracyclines.

Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

CV: Palpitations. CNS: Dizziness; fainting. GI: Excessive bowel activity (eg, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting); perianal irritation; bloating; flatulence; abdominal cramping. OTHER: Sweating; weakness; fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

Precautions

Pregnancy: Pregnancy category undetermined. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Exercise caution; consult physician. One 6-week old infant developed magnesium poisoning after several doses for constipation. Abuse/dependency: Chronic use of laxatives may lead to laxative dependency, which may result in fluid and electrolyte imbalances, steatorrhea, osteomalacia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance: Excessive laxative use may lead to significant fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Rectal bleeding or failure to respond: May indicate serious condition requiring further attention. Renal impairment: Avoid in patients with renal dysfunction. Hypermagnesemia and toxicity may occur due to decreased clearance of magnesium ion.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Administration/Storage

Chilling medication or giving with ice may improve palatability.
Administer on empty stomach and give with full glass of water to increase effectiveness of medication.
Store in tightly closed container in cool dry place.

Assessment/Interventions

Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note symptoms of appendicitis, fecal impaction, renal disease or small bowel obstruction.
Observe for distended abdomen and auscultate for presence of bowel sounds.
Monitor for electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
If nausea, diarrhea, abdominal distention, increased abdominal pain or rectal bleeding occur, notify physician.

OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
	Severe/protracted diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, hypermagnesemia

Patient/Family Education

Explain that drug should not be used routinely for constipation; ependence can result.
Instruct patient to report any of these symptoms to physician: nrelieved constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal fullness, rectal bleeding, dizziness and muscle cramps.
Review information on proper use and storage of medication.