Magnesium Citrate vs Magnesium Hydroxide Comparison - Drugs.com (2024)

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Magnesium citrateMagnesium hydroxide
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Magnesium citrateMagnesium hydroxide
Prescription and OTC

Prescribed for Constipation. magnesium citrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription and OTC

Prescribed for Constipation, Acne, Indigestion. magnesium hydroxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

More aboutMagnesium citrateMore aboutMagnesium hydroxide
Ratings & Reviews

Magnesium citrate has an average rating of8.7 out of 10 from a total of493 ratings on Drugs.com.83% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 6% reported a negative effect.

Magnesium hydroxide has an average rating of8.4 out of 10 from a total of251 ratings on Drugs.com.80% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 9% reported a negative effect.

View all 493 reviews

View all 251 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

See also: magnesium citrate side effects in more detail.

See also: magnesium hydroxide side effects in more detail.

Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic

Pricing and Coupons* Prices are without insurance
Quantity296 mL
Dosage1.745 g/30 mL
Per Unit*$0.03
Cost*$10.32

View all magnesium citrate prices

We could not find an exact match for this medicine. Try searching the Price Guide directly.

Get free Discount Card

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Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral liquid
  • Oral concentrate
  • Oral liquid
Brand Names
Citrate of Magnesia, Citroma, LiquiPrepDulcolax Milk of Magnesia, Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia, Milk of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax Chewable Tablets, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia
Half LifeThe half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

N/A

N/A

CSA Schedule **View glossary of terms

N

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

N

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

C

Category CRisk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

N

Category NNot classified

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 264 drugs are known to interact with magnesium citrate:

  • 3 major drug interactions (8 brand and generic names)
  • 260 moderate drug interactions (1002 brand and generic names)
  • 1 minor drug interactions (2 brand and generic names)

A total of 410 drugs are known to interact with magnesium hydroxide:

  • 11 major drug interactions (27 brand and generic names)
  • 325 moderate drug interactions (2116 brand and generic names)
  • 74 minor drug interactions (339 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

N/A

N/A

WADA ClassView World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources

N/A

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Magnesium Citrate vs Magnesium Hydroxide Comparison - Drugs.com (2024)

FAQs

Magnesium Citrate vs Magnesium Hydroxide Comparison - Drugs.com? ›

Magnesium citrate has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 493 ratings on Drugs.com. 83% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 6% reported a negative effect. Magnesium hydroxide has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 251 ratings on Drugs.com.

Why was magnesium citrate taken off the market? ›

On July 14, 2022, Vi-Jon, LLC recalled all lots of Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Oral Solution Lemon Flavor, 10 FL OZ (296 mL) within expiry. The recall was initiated after Vi-Jon, LLCs third party microbial testing identified the presence of Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens.

Is it better to take magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide? ›

Magnesium citrate

It is often an ingredient in supplements and appears easier for the body to absorb than other forms. An older 2003 study of 46 adults found magnesium citrate absorbed better than magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate.

Who should not take magnesium hydroxide? ›

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, appendicitis or symptoms of appendicitis (such as stomach/abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting), magnesium-restricted diet, sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for longer than 2 weeks.

What is the most effective form of magnesium to take? ›

Magnesium L-threonate

This form is easily absorbed. Animal research notes it may be the most effective type for increasing magnesium concentrations in brain cells ( 22 ).

Why is magnesium citrate not recommended? ›

However, long-term use at very high doses (such as the dosages used for laxatives and antacids, which may be as high as 5,000 mg/day) may cause magnesium toxicity. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include: low blood pressure. nausea and vomiting.

Is magnesium citrate still recalled in 2024? ›

Pharma Nobis is recalling 24,684 bottles of Good Neighbor Pharmacy magnesium citrate saline laxative because of microbial contamination. According to the January 24, 2024, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report, Acetobacter nitrogenifigens bacteria were identified in the product.

Which is better, magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide? ›

Magnesium citrate has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 493 ratings on Drugs.com. 83% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 6% reported a negative effect. Magnesium hydroxide has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 251 ratings on Drugs.com.

Why is magnesium hydroxide prescribed? ›

Magnesium hydroxide is used to treat occasional constipation in children and adults on a short-term basis. Magnesium hydroxide is in a class of medications called saline laxatives. It works by causing water to be retained with the stool.

Can I take magnesium hydroxide every day? ›

Do not use magnesium hydroxide for longer than 7 days without medical advice.

Which magnesium is best for sleep and anxiety? ›

Among different forms of magnesium, magnesium glycinate is often regarded as the best choice for anxiety and sleep. Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium combined with glycine, an amino acid known for its calming properties.

Which magnesium is absorbed best? ›

Forms of magnesium that dissolve well in liquid are more completely absorbed in the gut than less soluble forms [2,12]. Small studies have found that magnesium in the aspartate, citrate, lactate, and chloride forms is absorbed more completely and is more bioavailable than magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate [12-16].

What is a good substitute for magnesium citrate? ›

If you are unable to find magnesium citrate at the pharmacy, our gastroenterologists recommend taking Dulcolax 5 mg, one tablet every evening for three (3 )evenings prior to your procedure.

Is it safe to buy magnesium citrate? ›

Magnesium citrate supplements are generally considered safe but they may reduce the absorption of certain medications and increase the effects of others. Blood pressure-lowering medications: Magnesium supplements may lower blood pressure and increase the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications.

Why is Walgreens out of magnesium citrate? ›

All flavors of Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Oral Solution are affected by the recall, which the Food and Drug Administration said is being initiated over concerns about bacterial contamination.

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