Magnesium citrate is a supplement commonly used to treat occasional constipation. It belongs to a class of medications known as saline laxatives, which work by increasing the amount of water in the intestines, thereby softening the stool and promoting bowel movements¹.

It is typically administered in liquid form or as a powder mixed with liquid. A typical dose induces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours¹. Magnesium citrate is also used to cleanse the colon before certain medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy¹.

It's important to follow the prescribed dosage, and it is generally not recommended to take magnesium citrate for more than a week unless directed by a healthcare professional¹.

Footnotes

1. MedlinePlus: Magnesium Citrate ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴