Magnesium citrate is a laxative used in bowel preparation for colonoscopy or as a magnesium supplement. Magnesium citrate is a low volume and osmotic cathartic agent.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 1 reference
It mainly works through its property of high osmolality which will draw large amounts of fluid into the colonic lumen. There is also a possible stimulation of fluid excretion by cholecystokinin release and activation of muscle peristalsis.
- Primary indication
- Magnesium citrate has been used in bowel preparations prior to a colonoscopy as a cathartic agent.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C12H10Mg3O14 · 451.113 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1996
- Also known as
- Magnesium dicitrate · Trimagnesium citrate · Trimagnesium dicitrate
- Brand names
Resolves to
Clinical / RWD
Structure
InChIKey
PLSARIKBYIPYPF-UHFFFAOYSA-HSMILES[Mg++].[Mg++].[Mg++].OC(CC([O-])=O)(CC([O-])=O)C([O-])=O.OC(CC([O-])=O)(CC([O-])=O)C([O-])=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Magnesium citrate, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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