Studies suggest magnesium citrate is a more potent saline laxative. Besides being used for constipation, magnesium citrate is ...

A doctor may prescribe magnesium citrate as a laxative in order to evacuate a patient's bowels completely prior to surgery or colonoscopy. It may also help with symptoms of constipation and heartburn.

Examples of osmotic laxatives include milk of magnesia (which also softens stools), sodium phosphates and magnesium citrate.8 Although very effective, they should be used with caution in older ...