Brookshire Cypress Jersey Village Katy
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Magnesium Citrate Bowel Preparation

Dr. Bharat Pothuri Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG

Learn how Magnesium Citrate effectively clears your colon for a successful colonoscopy. Get expert preparation tips and step-by-step instructions today!

Schedule Appointment 832-632-4070

Video Instructions

Written Instructions

General Instructions

2 Weeks Before the Procedure
Foods No change
Liquids Drink plenty of water

1 Week Before the Procedure
Foods

No Nuts or Seeds - berries, cashews, corn nuts, peanuts, pecans, popcorn, walnuts

Low Fiber Diet

  • Foods - white bread, cheese, eggs, yogurt
  • Soups - clear vegetable, chicken or beef broth
  • Vegetables - cooked without skin like mashed potatoes
  • Fruits - pureed fruits without skin like applesauce
Liquids Drink plenty of water
Medications
  • Take as usual unless otherwise instructed
  • Hold - Anti-Diarrheal Medication - Imodium, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol
  • Hold - Iron Tablets
  • Hold - Multivitamins
  • Hold - GLP1 Agonist Medication:
    • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
    • Exenatide (Byetta)
    • Exenatide Extended Release (Bydureon BCise)
    • Liraglutide (Victoza)
    • Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)
    • Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
    • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Pharmacy

  • Fill or buy preparation
  • Pick up 3 days before your procedure

1 Day Before the Procedure
Foods
  • Clear Liquid Diet
  • Soups - clear vegetable, chicken or beef broth
  • Juices - clear only without pulp
Liquids
  • Drink plenty of water
  • No alcohol
  • No red or purple colored drinks
Medications
  • Hold - Oral Diabetes Medication
  • Insulin - Take ½ the dose the entire day
  • Blood Pressure Medication - The pre-anesthesia team (PAT) will instruct you on how to take your blood pressure medications.
  • All other medications - continue as normal

Procedure Day
Foods No food or liquids the day of the procedure

Medication Instructions

Attention
Expected Symptoms Do not stop the bowel preparation
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Bloating
  • Cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Nausea
Take
Generic Simethicone
or
Brand Name Gas-X
Chewable Tablets Only

Take one of the following based on the tablet strength available:

  • 80mg x 4 tabs
  • 125mg x 3 tabs
  • 250mg x 2 tabs

Chew tablets completely before taking the first dose.

First Dosage → 4PM - 6PM
Step 1 4PM - 5PM

Drink 1st 10 ounce bottle of Magnesium Citrate
Step 2 5PM - 6PM

Drink 16 ounces of water
Take
Generic Simethicone
or
Brand Name Gas-X
Chewable Tablets Only

Take one of the following based on the tablet strength available:

  • 80mg x 4 tabs
  • 125mg x 3 tabs
  • 250mg x 2 tabs

Chew tablets completely before taking the second dose.

Second Dosage → 10PM - 12PM
Step 1 10PM - 11PM

Drink 2nd 10 ounce bottle of Magnesium Citrate
Step 2 11PM - 12AM

Drink 16 ounces of water

12AM
Foods No - food or liquids after midnight
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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know before taking magnesium citrate?

Magnesium citrate is a laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines. Avoid it if you have kidney disease, dehydration, or bowel obstruction. Drink plenty of fluids.

What does magnesium citrate do to your bowels?

Magnesium citrate softens stool and increases bowel movements by pulling water into the intestines. This results in rapid bowel evacuation, often within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Is magnesium citrate used for bowel prep?

Yes, magnesium citrate is sometimes used for bowel prep before procedures like colonoscopies. However, it is often combined with other laxatives for a complete colon cleanse.

How much water to drink with magnesium citrate?

Drink at least 8 ounces of water with magnesium citrate. To prevent dehydration, continue drinking clear fluids throughout the day after taking it.

Which magnesium is best for bowel movements?

Magnesium citrate is the most effective for constipation relief. Magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide also help, but citrate is preferred for faster bowel movements.