Key takeaways
Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) and Citroma (magnesium citrate) are both over-the-counter saline laxatives used to treat occasional constipation. They work by drawing water into the intestines to help produce a bowel movement. However, Milk of Magnesia is also used to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and indigestion, which is not the case for Citroma. Milk of Magnesia is available in liquid form and is typically dosed at 30 mL to 60 mL for adults, while Citroma comes in a 10 fl oz bottle, with a typical dose of 6.5 fl oz to 10 fl oz for adults. Both medications should be used with caution if you have kidney problems, but Citroma is specifically noted to be unsafe for those with electrolyte imbalances. Common side effects of Citroma include nausea and stomach pain, whereas Milk of Magnesia generally has fewer side effects at recommended doses. Both medications can interact with other medications, so it's important to separate their use from other medications by at least two hours.
