For constipation my doc recommended this. I drank 1/2 of the bottle yesterday and 2 hours later started evacuation. Now, it has been over 24 hours and the cramping is severe and diarrhea uncontrollable. I haven't eaten for 2 days and am hungry. I've been drinking hot green tea and water.
I need relief, please help!
Magnesium Citrate - When Does the Diarrhea and Cramping Stop?
Question posted by delgan on 12 Jan 2016
Last updated on 18 February 2019 by Zaza213
3 Answers
Official Answer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 3, 2020.
Magnesium Citrate is an osmotic laxative. It pulls water into the large intestine which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. It's important to take each dose with a full glass of water.
Magnesium citrate sometimes causes urgency or spasms especially if you have taken more than recommended, or if your body is sensitive to the product. The diarrhea and spasms should settle as the medicine starts to wear off.
If the diarrhea is ongoing, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking water or electrolyte solutions. If the spasms are intense and the diarrhea uncontrollable then see your doctor.
For more information on Magnesium citrate see:
https://www.drugs.com/mtm/magnesium-citrate.html
22Charlie
26 June 2017
Very difficult to see your doctor if you have uncontrollable diarrhea.
Zaza213
18 Feb 2019
Imodium ad will help. I’ve had that problem several times. The only thing that offers relief is Imodium.
Sungleska
1 July 2017
I hope someone is still around. I had a similar issue. This is only the second time in my life that I took a 10 ounce bottle of Magnesium citrate for constipation. I had not gone in 6 days. 2 hours after taking it I vomited all contents in my stomach. Several hours later running to the bathroom with explosive diarrhea. 27 hours of this before it quieted down, for a while. Still have Terrible cramping and loose stools and I am at the 48 hour mark. When does all this end!!! Can't eat well, still rather nauseous. I will never take this again... even though my GI recommended it. He said it might make me feel better.
Peasy
28 Jan 2019
I'm curious if anyone has a REAL answer to the question asked. I was told to take 1 bottle of Magnesium Citrate last Friday. It worked (very painfully) for the severe constipation I had, but as of today, Monday, I still can't hold any food in my stomach. I've been very careful to eat small amounts of food that are easy on the stomach, but I continue to have uncontrollable diarrhea and cramping. Does anyone know how to make it stop? The suggestion to see your doctor isn't reasonable as pointed out by someone else. You can't get to a doctor because you have to stay next to a bathroom at all times. If I ever have severe constipation again, I will find a different solution. I'll never take Magnesium Citrate again. If it causes problems that last this long, it can't possibly be good for your body.
Related topics
constipation, diarrhea, acute, magnesium citrate
Further information
- Magnesium Citrate uses and safety info
- Magnesium Citrate prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Magnesium Citrate (detailed)
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