Magnesium Supplements, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: nutritional supplement

Generic and brand names: magnesium, oral; magnesium chloride, oral; magnesium gluconate, oral; magnesium oxide, oral; magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride; Almora; Chloromag; Mag 64; Mag Delay; Mag Ox; Mag G; Mag SR; Maginex; Magnacaps; Magonate; Magtrate; Uro-Mag; Slow Mag (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to provide your body with magnesium when you are not getting enough in your diet or when you need extra magnesium. Magnesium is vital to good health. You can buy some products without a prescription.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• Addison's disease
• heart disease
• hepatitis
• kidney problems
• myasthenia gravis
• stomach or intestinal problems such as ulcerative colitis

Females of childbearing age: Since magnesium deficiency is rare, you do not need to take extra magnesium during pregnancy unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

How do I take it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the medicine package. Do not take more than the amount listed in the directions. If you are taking sustained release tablets, be sure to swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

If you have the liquid form of this medicine, use a special measuring spoon rather than a common kitchen spoon to make sure you are getting the right dose.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, flushing, slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma.

What should I watch out for?

Large dosages of magnesium (2 grams or more) may cause vomiting or diarrhea.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Slow or irregular heartbeat, slowed breathing, flushing, fainting, nausea, vomiting.

Other: Stomach upset, bloating, gas, diarrhea.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
• antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), tetracycline (Achromycin V, Sumycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and oxytetracycline (Terramycin)
• medicines to treat bone loss such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), and risedronate (Actonel) (Take 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine.)
• mycophenolate (CellCept) Take 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine.
• penicillamine (Cuprimine)
• potassium sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium), and spironolactone (Aldactone)
• trientine (Syprine)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.