CITRATO ESPRESSO GABBIANI*ORANGE

CITRATO ESPRESSO GABBIANI
8.155 g/100 g + 0.7 g/100 g
Powder for Oral Solution Orange Flavour
Powder for Oral Solution Lemon Flavour
Magnesium oxide and Magnesium carbonate

What it is and what it is used for
Citrato Espresso Gabbiani is a laxative.

Citrato Espresso Gabbiani is used for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation.

Health education notes
First and foremost, it must be noted that, in most cases, a balanced diet rich in water and fibre (bran, vegetables and fruit) can permanently resolve the problem of constipation.
Many people think they suffer from constipation if they do not have a bowel movement every day.
This is an incorrect belief as this situation is entirely normal for a large number of individuals.
Instead, constipation occurs when bowel movements are reduced compared to one's personal habits and are associated with the passing of hard stools.
If episodes of constipation occur repeatedly, a doctor should be consulted.

What you need to know before taking this medicine
Do not take Citrato Espresso Gabbiani
- if you are allergic to magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- if you suffer from appendicitis.
- if you suffer from acute abdominal pain or pain of unknown origin, nausea or vomiting, intestinal obstruction or stenosis (complete or partial blockage of the small or large intestine), rectal bleeding of unknown origin, severe dehydration.

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Citrato Espresso Gabbiani:
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (see 'Pregnancy and breastfeeding').
- if you are under 12 years of age (see 'Children and adolescents').
- if you suffer (or have suffered in the past) from kidney disease.

Magnesium salts should be administered with caution to patients undergoing treatment with digitalis glycosides (medicines used to treat heart problems or arrhythmia).

The treatment of chronic or recurrent constipation always requires medical intervention for diagnosis, prescription of medicines and monitoring during therapy.

Consult your doctor when the need for a laxative arises from a sudden change in previous bowel habits (frequency and characteristics of bowel movements) that has lasted for more than two weeks, or when the use of a laxative fails to produce effects.

It is also advisable for elderly people or those in poor health to consult their doctor before using the medicine.

It is important to know that
The abuse of laxatives (frequent or prolonged use with excessive doses) can cause persistent diarrhoea with consequent loss of water, mineral salts (especially potassium) and other essential nutrients.
In the most severe cases, dehydration or hypokalaemia (decrease in blood potassium) may occur, which can cause heart or nerve dysfunction controlling the muscles, especially if simultaneously treated with cardiac glycosides (medicines used to treat heart problems or arrhythmia), diuretics or corticosteroids.
The abuse of laxatives, especially contact laxatives (stimulant laxatives), can cause dependence (and, therefore, possible need to progressively increase the dosage), chronic constipation and loss of normal intestinal functions (intestinal atony).

Children and adolescents
In children under 12 years of age, the medicine can only be used after consulting a doctor.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Occasionally: pain manifesting as isolated cramps or abdominal colic, more frequent in cases of severe constipation.
Continued use, especially in the presence of kidney dysfunction, can lead to an accumulation of magnesium in the body, with a series of side effects, such as dizziness and lightheadedness.

These side effects are generally transient. However, if they occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Adherence to the instructions contained in the package leaflet reduces the risk of side effects.

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system at: https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazionireazioni-avverse.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.