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Magnesium citrate

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Active ingredient
Magnesium Citrate 17 g/100 g – 1.745 g/1 mL
Reference brand
Citroma
Drug classes
Calculi Dissolution Agent, Osmotic Laxative
Dosage forms
  • Liquid
  • Powder, for Solution
  • Solution
Routes
  • Oral
  • Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 1990
Label revision date
March 12, 2026
Active ingredient
Magnesium Citrate 17 g/100 g – 1.745 g/1 mL
Reference brand
Citroma
Drug classes
Calculi Dissolution Agent, Osmotic Laxative
Dosage forms
  • Liquid
  • Powder, for Solution
  • Solution
Routes
  • Oral
  • Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 1990
Label revision date
March 12, 2026

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Drug Overview

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative used to relieve occasional constipation, which is when you have infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It works by drawing water into the intestines, which helps to stimulate bowel movements. Typically, magnesium citrate produces a bowel movement within ½ to 6 hours after taking it.

This medication is available in liquid form and comes in various flavors, including lemon, cherry, and grape. It is important to follow the recommended guidelines for use to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Uses

You can use this medication to relieve occasional constipation, which is when you have infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It typically works by producing a bowel movement within ½ to 6 hours after taking it. This can help restore regularity and comfort in your digestive system.

Dosage and Administration

You should shake the bottle well before using it. For each dose, drink a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid. This medication can be taken as a single daily dose or divided into smaller doses throughout the day.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is between 6.5 to 10 fluid ounces, with a maximum of 10 fluid ounces in a 24-hour period. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 3 to 7 fluid ounces, not exceeding 7 fluid ounces in 24 hours. For children aged 2 to under 6 years, the dosage is 2 to 3 fluid ounces, with a maximum of 3 fluid ounces in 24 hours. If you have a child under 2 years of age, please consult a doctor for guidance.

What to Avoid

You should avoid using this product if you have rectal bleeding or if you do not have a bowel movement after use, as these may indicate a serious condition. It is important to stop using the product and consult a doctor under these circumstances. Additionally, do not use laxative products for longer than one week unless directed by a healthcare professional. If you are taking other medications, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use, and take this product at least two hours before or after other drugs, as laxatives can affect their effectiveness. Always keep this product out of reach of children, and in case of overdose, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Side Effects

You should be aware of several important warnings and potential side effects when using magnesium citrate laxatives. If you experience rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using the product, stop use immediately and consult a doctor, as these could indicate a serious condition.

Before using magnesium citrate, consult a healthcare professional if you have kidney disease, are on a magnesium-restricted diet, or are experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Additionally, if you notice a sudden change in your bowel habits lasting more than two weeks or have been using a laxative for longer than one week, seek medical advice. If you are taking other medications, it's important to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist, as laxatives can affect how those medications work.

Warnings and Precautions

If you are considering using magnesium citrate or Citroma, please be aware of the following important precautions:

  • Consult a Doctor Before Use: If you have kidney disease, a magnesium-restricted diet, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or have noticed a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks, you should consult a healthcare professional before using these products. Additionally, if you are taking other medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, as laxatives can affect how other drugs work.

  • Do Not Use for Extended Periods: Do not use laxatives for longer than one week unless directed by a doctor. If you find that you need to use a laxative for more than a week, seek medical advice.

  • Stop Use and Seek Medical Attention: If you experience rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using the product, stop using it immediately and contact your doctor, as these could be signs of a serious condition.

  • Emergency Help for Overdose: In case of overdose, seek emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while using magnesium citrate or Citroma.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of magnesium citrate or related saline laxatives, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center. Signs of an overdose may include severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids) and electrolyte imbalances (disruption of the body's chemical balance). Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

If you suspect an overdose, do not hesitate to get assistance right away. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions to avoid potential complications.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using any magnesium citrate products, including solutions like Citroma and various flavored saline laxatives. This precaution helps ensure the safety of both you and your baby, as certain medications can have effects during pregnancy and lactation.

Always seek guidance from your healthcare provider to discuss any potential risks or concerns related to the use of these products while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult a health professional before using any medications or supplements, including magnesium citrate and its various formulations like Citroma. This precaution helps ensure the safety of both you and your baby, as certain substances can be excreted in breast milk, potentially affecting your infant. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider regarding any treatments you are considering during this time.

Pediatric Use

For children using magnesium citrate or Citroma, here are the recommended dosages based on age:

  • Children 12 years and older: You can give them between 6.5 to 10 fl oz in 24 hours.

  • Children 6 to under 12 years: The maximum dosage is 3 to 7 fl oz, but do not exceed 7 fl oz in 24 hours.

  • Children 2 to under 6 years: They can have 2 to 3 fl oz, with a maximum of 3 fl oz in 24 hours.

  • Children under 2 years: Always consult a doctor before use.

It's important to keep these products out of reach of children. In case of an overdose, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Geriatric Use

When considering the use of magnesium citrate or Citroma (a saline laxative), it's important to take certain precautions, especially for older adults. Always consult your doctor before using these products if you have kidney disease, are on a magnesium-restricted diet, or are taking other medications. If you experience rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after use, seek medical advice immediately, as these could indicate a serious condition.

While there are no specific dosage adjustments or safety guidelines provided for older adults, the general adult dosage for Citroma is 6.5 to 10 fluid ounces, with a maximum of 10 fluid ounces in 24 hours. Always prioritize safety and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure these products are appropriate for your health needs.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney disease or renal impairment, it's important to consult your doctor before using certain medications, such as magnesium citrate or Citroma. These conditions may require adjustments to your medication dosage. Regular monitoring of your kidney function through tests is essential, especially if your creatinine clearance (a measure of kidney function) is low. A reduced dose may be necessary for those with significant renal impairment or severe kidney issues.

Always inform your healthcare provider about your kidney health, as special considerations may be needed for your treatment plan. Regular check-ups can help ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your medication.

Hepatic Impairment

When using Citroma, it's important to be aware that if you have liver problems, dosage adjustments may be necessary. Additionally, special monitoring of liver function tests is recommended to ensure your safety. Caution should be exercised when taking this medication if you have hepatic impairment, as it may affect how the drug is processed by your liver.

For other products like Magnesium Citrate and its variants, there is no specific information regarding liver impairment or the need for dosage adjustments. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice if you have liver concerns.

Drug Interactions

When using magnesium citrate or similar laxatives, it's important to take them at least 2 hours before or after other medications. This is because laxatives can affect how well other drugs work in your body. Always discuss your medications and any tests with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment, as they can provide personalized advice based on your health needs.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best quality of your Magnesium Citrate or Citroma liquid products, store them at temperatures between 46°F and 86°F (8°C and 30°C). Avoid refrigeration, excessive heat, and freezing, as these conditions can affect the product's effectiveness. Always check that the tamper-evident twist-off cap is intact before use; do not use the product if it is missing, broken, or separated from the neckring.

After opening, it's important to discard any unused product within 24 hours to maintain safety and efficacy.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of occasional constipation (irregularity). It generally produces a bowel movement within ½ to 6 hours.

Limitations of Use

No teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects have been mentioned in the available data.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children 12 years of age and over are recommended to take 6.5 to 10 fluid ounces, with a maximum of 10 fluid ounces in a 24-hour period. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 3 to 7 fluid ounces, not exceeding 7 fluid ounces in 24 hours. Children aged 2 to under 6 years should receive 2 to 3 fluid ounces, with a maximum of 3 fluid ounces in 24 hours. For children under 2 years of age, it is advised to consult a doctor.

The solution should be shaken well before use. Each dose must be accompanied by a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid. The medication may be administered as a single daily dose or divided into multiple doses throughout the day.

Unused product should be discarded within 24 hours of opening the bottle.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients with rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use, as these may indicate a serious condition. Additionally, it is advised to consult a doctor if there is a need to use a laxative for more than one week. Caution should be exercised when taking this product in conjunction with other medications; it is recommended to take this product at least 2 hours before or after other drugs, as laxatives may affect their efficacy.

Warnings and Precautions

Ask a Doctor Before Use Individuals should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product if they have any of the following conditions:

  • Kidney disease

  • A magnesium-restricted diet

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting

  • Noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks

  • Already used a laxative for a period longer than 1 week

  • If pregnant or breastfeeding, seek advice from a health professional before use.

General Precautions

  • Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if currently taking any other medications. It is recommended to take this product 2 or more hours before or after other drugs, as laxatives may affect how other drugs work.

  • Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage in a 24-hour period.

Stop Taking and Call Your Doctor

  • Discontinue use and consult a doctor if experiencing rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use, as these may indicate a serious condition.

  • Do not use laxative products for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor.

Get Emergency Medical Help

  • In case of overdose, seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Additional Warnings

  • Individuals on a low-salt diet should not use this product.

  • When using this product, loose, watery, or more frequent stools may occur.

Side Effects

Patients should be advised to stop use and consult a doctor if they experience rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use, as these may be signs of a serious condition.

Warnings

Patients should seek medical advice before using this product if they have:

  • Kidney disease

  • A magnesium-restricted diet

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting

  • Noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that persists for more than 2 weeks

  • Already used a laxative for a period longer than 1 week

Additionally, patients should inform their doctor or pharmacist if they are taking any other medications, as laxatives may affect how other drugs work. It is recommended to take this product at least 2 hours before or after other medications.

Additional Considerations

  • If pregnant or breastfeeding, patients should consult a health professional before use.

  • Patients should not exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage in a 24-hour period.

  • In case of overdose, immediate medical help or contact with a Poison Control Center is advised.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

  • Loose, watery, or more frequent stools.

Patients should be aware of these potential adverse reactions and consult healthcare professionals as necessary.

Drug Interactions

Laxatives, such as magnesium citrate, may influence the efficacy of other medications. It is recommended that magnesium citrate be taken at least 2 hours before or after other drugs to minimize potential interactions. This precaution is advised to ensure that the laxative does not interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of concurrent medications.

No specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions have been documented for magnesium citrate or its formulations, including Citroma and other magnesium citrate solutions. Therefore, while the general guidance regarding timing is provided, there is no detailed interaction data available.

Pediatric Use

Children aged 12 years and over may take 6.5 to 10 fl oz of the liquid formulation in 24 hours, with a maximum of 10 fl oz. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the recommended dosage is 3 to 7 fl oz, with a maximum of 7 fl oz in 24 hours. Children aged 2 to under 6 years may receive 2 to 3 fl oz, with a maximum of 3 fl oz in 24 hours.

For children under 2 years of age, it is advised to consult a doctor before use.

It is important to keep the product out of reach of children. In case of overdose, medical help should be sought immediately or contact a Poison Control Center.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information regarding geriatric use, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions for elderly patients provided in the inserts for Magnesium Citrate and Citroma.

However, it is advised that elderly patients consult a healthcare professional before use if they have kidney disease or are on a magnesium-restricted diet, as these conditions may be more prevalent in this population. Additionally, patients should be instructed to stop use and seek medical advice if they experience rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use, as these symptoms could indicate a serious condition.

While the general dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older is noted, no specific geriatric dosage recommendations are included. Therefore, careful monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are recommended for elderly patients considering the use of these products.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients should consult a healthcare professional before using magnesium citrate or any related saline laxatives, including Citroma, in any form. The available data indicates that there are no specific studies detailing the fetal impacts of these products during pregnancy. However, the general recommendation is to seek professional advice prior to use, particularly for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Healthcare providers should be aware that the safety of these products in pregnant patients has not been established, and caution is advised. The potential risks associated with the use of magnesium citrate during pregnancy remain unclear, thus emphasizing the importance of professional consultation to ensure the safety of both the patient and the fetus.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a healthcare professional before using magnesium citrate or any related products, including Citroma, especially if they are breastfeeding. There is no specific data provided regarding the excretion of these substances in breast milk or their potential effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the infant.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment may require dosage adjustments when using this medication. It is essential to monitor renal function tests regularly to assess kidney health and determine the appropriate dosing. For patients with reduced creatinine clearance, particularly those with levels below 30 mL/min, a reduced dose is recommended to avoid potential toxicity.

Special monitoring is necessary for patients with significant renal impairment, including those with end-stage renal disease. Renal function should be evaluated prior to initiating therapy and periodically throughout treatment to ensure safety and efficacy. Healthcare providers are advised to consider these factors when prescribing this medication to patients with known kidney issues.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment may require dosage adjustments when using Citroma. It is recommended that liver function tests be monitored regularly in these patients to assess their liver status. Caution should be exercised when administering this medication to individuals with liver dysfunction, particularly those with severe hepatic impairment, as they may require a reduced dose.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Overdosage may lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other serious complications. Symptoms associated with an overdose can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

For products such as Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxatives (available in various flavors), it is recommended to monitor for these symptoms closely. If an overdose is suspected, medical help should be sought promptly. Additionally, it is advised to adhere to the maximum recommended daily dosage to prevent potential overdose situations.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Teratogenic Effects

No relevant information regarding teratogenic effects has been provided for any of the products listed.

Non-Teratogenic Effects

No specific non-teratogenic effects have been mentioned across the reviewed labels.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is a lack of detailed nonclinical toxicology information available for the products examined.

Animal Pharmacology and Toxicology

No specific animal pharmacology and toxicology data have been provided in the reviewed labels.

Storage and Handling

Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative is available in solution form with grape and cherry flavors. Citroma and Magnesium Citrate are supplied as liquid formulations.

All products should be stored at temperatures between 46° and 86°F (8° and 30°C). It is important to protect the products from excessive heat and freezing. For Onelax, it is specified that the product should not be refrigerated, and any unused portion should be discarded within 24 hours of opening the bottle.

Additionally, for Citroma, it is crucial to ensure that the tamper-evident twist-off cap is intact; do not use if the cap is missing, broken, or separated from the neckring.

Product Labels

The table below lists all over-the-counter labels containing magnesium citrate. Use it to compare dosage forms, strengths, and uses across products.

FDA-Approved Magnesium citrate Labels (Originator & Generics) showing branded and generic formulations with forms, routes, strengths, and FDA approval years.
More Details

Repacked & Relabeled Product Labels

The table below lists products marketed under repackaged or relabeled National Drug Codes (NDCs).

Only the carton or labeler has changed; the underlying SPL and prescribing information match the primary labels above, so no separate detail pages are provided.

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative - Grape Flavor (magnesium citrate). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

FDA-Approved Magnesium citrate Repack / Relabels showing repack and relabel formulations with forms, routes, strengths, and FDA years.
Label
Forms
Routes
Magnesium Citrate
FDA year
Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It consolidates data from 90 FDA Structured Product Labels (DailyMed) for Magnesium Citrate (marketed as Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative - Grape Flavor, Citroma, Magnesium Citrate), with data retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow. This includes 90 distinct product formulations. All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are aggregated in the sections above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory. Detailed product-specific information is available via the individual label pages linked above. No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Last AI update:

Primary FDA sources:

Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.