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Compare Fibercon vs. Magnesium citrate

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) and magnesium citrate (Citroma) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat occasional constipation, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Calcium polycarbophil is a bulk-forming laxative that keeps water in the stool, making it easier to pass, and typically takes 12 to 72 hours to produce a bowel movement. In contrast, magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that helps your intestines hold onto water, usually working within 30 minutes to 6 hours. FiberCon is a synthetic fiber supplement and is less likely to cause gas and bloating compared to natural fiber supplements like Metamucil. On the other hand, magnesium citrate can cause nausea and vomiting and is not recommended for people with kidney problems or electrolyte imbalances. While both medications should be taken with plenty of water, magnesium citrate comes in liquid form and can be flavored, whereas FiberCon is available in tablet form.

  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
    Magnesium citrate
  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
    Magnesium citrate

  • Summary of Fibercon vs. Magnesium citrate

    Summary for Bulk-forming laxative

    Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) is an over-the-counter medication that's used to treat occasional constipation in people 12 years and older. This bulk-forming laxative is found as a generic as well as under some familiar brand names like FiberCon and Fiber-Lax. It's available as tablets and is taken by mouth up to 4 times a day. Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) doesn't cause many side effects, and it's less likely to cause gas and bloating than similar medications.

    Summary for Saline laxative

    Magnesium citrate is a oral laxative solution that can ease the occasional constipation. It's available over the counter (OTC) and can help produce a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Magnesium citrate might not be a safe option if you have kidney problems or electrolyte levels that are out of balance.

  • Indications of Fibercon vs. Magnesium citrate

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation

  • Pros and Cons of Fibercon vs. Magnesium citrate

    Pros and Const for Bulk-forming laxative
    Pros
    •Available over the counter (OTC) so you don't need a prescription from a healthcare professional
    •Causes less gas and bloating than other bulk-forming laxatives
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Doesn't work right away; can take 12 hours to 3 days to work
    •Can be a choking hazard if you don't take it with enough water
    •Not for children under 12 years old
    Pros and Const for Saline laxative
    Pros
    •Works fast, produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours
    •Available OTC without a prescription
    •Comes in different flavors
    •Many generic products available
    Cons
    •Only for use with occasional constipation
    •Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems or those who need to limit magnesium or sodium intake
    •Can cause nausea and vomiting
    •Needs to be separated from other medications

  • Common Side Effects of Fibercon vs. Magnesium citrate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bloating
    •Gas
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Fibercon vs. Magnesium citrate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Choking hazard
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Complete or partial blockage of intestines
    •Kidney and other health conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Fibercon vs. Magnesium citrate

    Learn more about Calcium polycarbophil
    Learn more about Magnesium citrate

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