Magnesium-based laxatives

Saline laxatives (magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and disodium phosphate) or saccharide laxatives (sorbitol, mannitol, lactulose) are also used in poisoned patients. Common adverse effects are abdominal cramps, excessive diarrhea, and abdominal distension. Dehydration and electroljde imbalance in children, and hjrpermagnesemia and magnesium toxicity (with magnesium-based cathartics) have also been reported. [Pg.1904]

Antacid preparations based on aluminium hydroxide sometimes contain magnesium salts (and carbonate or oxide) to offset the constipating effect of the alumina. This laxative effect of salts such as magnesium sulphate (or citrate) and other saline cathartics such as potassium sodium tartrate is due to their incomplete absorption from the digestive tract so that, by osmotic forces, they retain water in the intestinal lumen. [Pg.186]