Composition

Each 5 gm sachet contains:
Magnesium citrate ........................

1.125 g

Therapeutic Indications

Cases of oxaluria.

Mild laxative to relieve constipation.


Dosage and Administration

The contents of one sachet are to be dissolved in half glass of water and given 3 times daily or as directed by the physician.


Contraindications

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms of appendicitis.

Abdominal surgery.

Intestinal obstruction or perforation.

Rectal fissures.


Warnings and Precautions

Oral magnesium salts, including magnesium citrate, should be used cautiously in: Patients with impaired renal function.

Patients with rectal bleeding.

Pregnancy and lactation.


Drug Interactions

Magnesium citrate, and other magnesium salts, may interact with many other drugs both by alterations in gastric pH and emptying, and by formation of complexes that are not absorbed.
Generally, magnesium salts may impair absorption of many other drugs.
Administration should be separated by a number of hours.
The following drug classes may interact with magnesium: Aminoquinolones (e.g.
chloroquine).

Fluoroquinolones (e.g.
ciprofloxacin).

Nitrofurantoin.

Penicillamine, and tetracyclines.


Undesirable Effects

Gastrointestinal irritation, abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and laxative dependence with long-term or excessive use.

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances.


Pharmacological Properties

Magnesium salts have a variety of actions and uses.
Magnesium is needed for normal enzyme activity, muscle contraction, and nerve condution.
Magnesium ions inhibit formation of calcium oxalate crystals by combination with exogenous dietary oxalate thus preventing formation of renal crystalluria.
The citrate ions render urine alkaline so that urates may dissolve and are easily eliminated.
Also, citrate ions, by chelating calcium ions, inhibit formation of calcium oxalate.
Therefore, magnesium citrate may be prescribed to prevent recurrence of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative.

Pharmacokinetics :
Oral magnesium salts, including citrate, are generally very slowly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
They are excreted rapidly in the urine (absorbed fraction) and the faeces (unabsorbed fraction).


Packaging

Epimag Sachets: Box of 10 sachets of 5 g each.