Magnesium citrate

Magnesium citrate

Names
IUPAC name Magnesium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
Identifiers
CAS Number	7779-25-1 N
ChemSpider	8605 N
EC Number	231-923-9
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
PubChem	24511
InChI InChI=1S/2C6H8O7.3Mg/c2*7-3(8)1-6(13,5(11)12)2-4(9)10;;;/h2*13H,1-2H2,(H,7,8)(H,9,10)(H,11,12);;;/q;;3*+2/p-6 Y Key: PLSARIKBYIPYPF-UHFFFAOYSA-H Y
SMILES C(C(=O)O)C(CC(=O)[O-])(C(=O)[O-])O.[Mg+2]
Properties
Chemical formula	C6H6MgO7
Molar mass	214.41 g·mol−1
Solubility in water	20 g/100ml
Pharmacology
ATC code	A06AD19 A12CC04, B05CB03
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Related compounds
Related salts	Magnesium citrate (3:2)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Magnesium citrate is a magnesium preparation in salt form with citric acid in a 1:1 ratio (1 magnesium atom per citrate molecule). The name "magnesium citrate" is ambiguous and sometimes may refer to other salts such as trimagnesium citrate which has a magnesium:citrate ratio of 3:2.

Magnesium citrate is used medicinally as a saline laxative and to completely empty the bowel prior to a major surgery or colonoscopy. It is available without a prescription, both as a generic and under various brand names including Citromag and Citroma. It is also used in the pill form as a magnesium dietary supplement. It contains 11.3% magnesium by weight. Compared to trimagnesium citrate, it is much more water-soluble, less alkaline, and contains 29.9% less magnesium by weight.

As a food additive, magnesium citrate is used to regulate acidity and is known as E number E345.

Mechanism of action

Magnesium citrate works by attracting water through the tissues by a process known as osmosis. Once in the intestine, it can attract enough water into the intestine to induce defecation. The additional water stimulates bowel motility. This means it can also be used to treat rectal and colon problems. Magnesium citrate functions best on an empty stomach, and should always be followed with a full (eight ounce or 25 cl) glass of water or juice to help the magnesium citrate absorb properly and help prevent any complications. Magnesium citrate solutions generally produce bowel movement in one half to six hours.

Through the same osmotic process, magnesium citrate functions as an anti-cramping agent. It is useful for prevention of cramps and for muscular relaxation when taken before and after exercise. It is especially useful in relief of muscle cramps, often within seconds of ingestion when taken as powdered form dissolved in warm water.

Use and dosage

The maximum upper tolerance limit (UTL) for magnesium in supplement form for adults is 350 mg per day of elemental magnesium according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, according to the NIH, total dietary requirements for magnesium from all sources (i.e., food and supplements) is 320–420 mg of elemental magnesium per day, though there is no UT for dietary magnesium.

As a laxative syrup with a concentration of 1.745 g of magnesium citrate per fluid ounce, a typical dose for adults and children twelve years or older is between 7 and 10 US fluid ounces (210 and 300 ml; 7.3 and 10.4 imp fl oz), followed immediately with a full 8 US fluid ounces (240 ml; 8.3 imp fl oz) glass of water. Consuming an adult dose of 10 oz of laxative syrup (@ 1.745 g/oz) implies a consumption of 17.45 g of magnesium citrate in a single 10 oz dose resulting in a consumption of approximately 2.0 g of elemental magnesium per single dose. Given that this laxative dose contains five times the recommended nutritional dose for magnesium, caution should be taken to avoid prolonged usage (i.e., over five days) and to follow the manufacturer's instructions strictly. For children between three and twelve years of age, the typical dose is roughly half that, based on physician recommendation. Magnesium citrate is not recommended for use in children and infants two years of age or less.

Although less common, as a magnesium supplement the citrate form is sometimes used because it is believed to be more bioavailable than other common pill forms, such as magnesium oxide. However, according to one study, magnesium gluconate is marginally more bioavailable than magnesium citrate.

Magnesium citrate, as a supplement in pill form, is useful for the prevention of kidney stones.

Side effects

Magnesium citrate is generally not a harmful substance, but care should be taken by consulting a healthcare professional if any adverse health problems are suspected or experienced. It is always important to correctly follow the prescribed doses; extreme magnesium overdose can result in serious complication such as slow heart beat, low blood pressure, nausea, drowsiness, etc. If severe enough, an overdose can even result in coma or death. However, a moderate overdose will be excreted through the kidneys, unless one suffers from serious kidney problems. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use could be signs of a serious condition.

See also

• ATC code A12

External links

• Saline laxatives. MedicineNet.
• Magnesium citrate Patient Advice. Drugs.com.