Citrate of Magnesia - How long the it take to work, on average? When should I expect results?

Dear DeeBee83 - Magnesium Citrate ( seen it used both ways) does a fairly good job at cleansing the bowel. For me, the best way to take is at bed time. Chilled, of course, makes it a little easier to tolerate. It does take time to work, several hours at least. for proper cleansing, be sure to finish the complete bottle. My experience is taking it a bed time, or as close to sleep that I can get it to. There fore missing a lot of the cramping that comes a long with it. By morning, or before, you are ready to exafate immediately in most cases and can get it all over with several trips to restroom. Some will disagree and say that taking in a.m. is better, but, then you have to wait for product to work, have to stay close to home for obvious reasons and worry all day about when its going to work. By taking at nite, you may be awaken if it works quickly on you, or you may be jolted awake ahead of normal schedule, but, once again, missing the waiting, the cramping, etc that comes along with laxatives. Speedy recovery you will get. For me, the nightime worked best and most always was extremely productive next morning if not sooner, And got to sleep thru most of it, till the time comes, then there is no stopping. Years ago this was used a bowel cleansing along with enemas and other laxatives for a few days b4 colonoscopy. Now that was crazy. Had to start meal restrictions 3 days ahead and did laxatives for a few days, then Magnesium Citrate the night before , then enemas the morning of procedure. Thank goodness they have found another way. - Being something like Go Lytely, all prep is night before, but my goodness, a gallon is a lot to drink in an evening. Since Magnesium Citrate is now over the counter, but, behind the counter, all you have to do is ask for it. Whenever I get constpated for more than a few days, this is always my 1st choice as it cleanses very well. Good luck, wishing you well, Be well as can be...

It will depend on the individual - it could work in 30 minutes, or it could take 4 to 6 hours.
If you are having severe cramps you may want to try a suppository or an enema, the enemas work almost immediately. You can purchase these over the counter from a Pharmacy. Ask your Pharmacist for more advice.
https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/constipation-and-impaction.html