CITRATE EXPRESS GABBIANI*LIM

CITRATO ESPRESSO GABBIANI
8.155 g/100 g + 0.7 g/100 g
Powder for Oral Solution Orange Flavor
Powder for Oral Solution Lemon Flavor
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 of all, it must be remembered that, in most cases, a balanced diet rich in water and fiber (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 a mistaken belief, as this situation is completely 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 emission of hard stools.
If episodes of constipation occur repeatedly, a doctor should be consulted.

What you need to know before taking the 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 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 in patients treated with digitalis glycosides (medicines used in the treatment of 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 the 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 the laxative fails to produce effects.

It is also advisable for elderly or unwell individuals 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 diarrhea with consequent loss of water, mineral salts (especially potassium) and other essential nutrients.
In the most severe cases, dehydration or hypokalemia (decrease in potassium in the blood) may occur, which can lead to dysfunction of the heart or nerves that control the muscles, especially in the case of simultaneous treatment with cardiac glycosides (medicines used in the treatment of 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 temporary. However, if they occur, it is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, including any 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.