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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Magnesium Citrate Be Taken For Constipation?

Hi. Thinking .... 87 yo mom has megacolon, no complete bowel void for past month though small bowel movements with Fleet-type enemas every 7-10 days. Have given mineral oil and castor oil. Discharging mucusy stuff but very little feces. Increased appetite, no abdominal pain other than when gas moves. Am considering magnesium citrate.
Wed, 2 Jan 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Your mom is suffering from megacolon, this means that her colon is extremely enlarged. However, we do not know what the cause is: is it related to any paralysis? or a lazy colon? or any other issue? So, first, we make sure there is no such paralysis.

If you use a potent laxative like magnesium citrate, that will induce severe cramps and bowel movements. In case she has paralysis, I'm afraid very unpleasant and serious complications will happen.

Better give fibre supplement (e.g. psyllium) and gentle laxatives like senna; they all are better than magnesium citrate at this point.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician
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Can Magnesium Citrate Be Taken For Constipation?

Hello, Your mom is suffering from megacolon, this means that her colon is extremely enlarged. However, we do not know what the cause is: is it related to any paralysis? or a lazy colon? or any other issue? So, first, we make sure there is no such paralysis. If you use a potent laxative like magnesium citrate, that will induce severe cramps and bowel movements. In case she has paralysis, I m afraid very unpleasant and serious complications will happen. Better give fibre supplement (e.g. psyllium) and gentle laxatives like senna; they all are better than magnesium citrate at this point. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician