Magnesium Citrate Laxative | Natural Laxatives

Magnesium citrate laxative

Magnesium citrate laxative is well-known as the agent that people take to prepare their colons for a colonoscopy. Prior to a colonoscopy, magnesium citrate is taken to induce a bowel movement which helps clear it of contents. This is necessary in order for the colonoscopy to have an unobstructed view of the colonic walls.

The physician directs the patient to take the product a certain amount of time before the procedure. Other preparations are frequently required, such as self-enemas to ensure reduction of any material left in the intestinal tract. Magnesium citrate laxative is said to act anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours after it is ingested.

Osmotic Laxative

Magnesium citrate laxative belongs to a class of compounds known as osmotic laxatives. There are two major kinds of osmotics - saline and hyperosmotics. The saline types include epsom salts and milk of magnesia, both of which are used as constipation treatments. The hyperosmotics include polyethylene glycol or PEG. The mechanism of action is thought to be the same.

How it works

Osmotics depend on a property of the compounds known as hydrophilicity, or "water-loving" in Greek. Common table salt has the same properties. A drop of water on a pile of salt shows that it is quickly absorbed. This is because the salt crystals favorably bind to water molecules to form something known as hydrate crystals. When ingested, it is thought that the magnesium citrate draws water from both contents and surrounding tissue to increase fluids in the small intestine

Where to get it

Magnesium citrate laxative should be available at drug stores, pharmacies, and even nutritional supplement stores. Despite its wide availability, taking too much magnesium citrate is not healthy especially in individuals with kidney problems or diseases. Always consult a physician before ingesting any medications, even natural ones and ones that are easily obtained.

Contraindications

Clearance of excess salts and metabolites is managed by the kidney. A pre-existing kidney disease is exacerbated by increased stress from medications that are formed completely of salts like magnesium citrate. Too much of the compound is also a known cause of kidney problems later. Antibiotic absorption is also thought to be adversely affected by the intake of osmotic laxatives.