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Magnesium Information

Magnesium is used to regulate many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves. People get Magnesium from their diet but may need supplements if magnesium levels are too low. Magnesium gluconate is used as a supplement to treat low levels of Magnesium in the body. Magnesium oxide is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. The drug may also be used as a laxative for short-term, rapid emptying of the bowel. Magnesium citrate is used to treat short-term, occasional constipation. Minerals and electrolytes like Magnesium gluconate and Magnesium oxide increase magnesium levels in the body. Saline laxatives like Magnesium citrate increase water retention in stool, making it easier to pass and increasing the number of bowel movements.

Magnesium Side Effects

The most common side effects of Magnesium may include upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, and loose stools. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Fast or slow heart rate;
• Lightheadedness;
• Muscle weakness,
• Painful or difficult urination;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Magnesium Precautions

Do not use Magnesium if you are allergic to Magnesium citrate, Magnesium oxide, Magnesium gluconate, or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have Kidney disease, A low-magnesium diet, A low-salt diet, A sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted longer than two weeks, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Magnesium and other medications, such as tetracycline, nalidixic acid, etidronate, sevelamer, other laxatives, other antacids, etc. Do not use Magnesium if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if Magnesium will harm an unborn baby. Do not use Magnesium while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is not known if Magnesium passes into breastmilk or if it may harm an unborn baby. Magnesium supplements are safe for use in children. However, inform your doctor before giving this medicine to a child.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this drug with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets or capsules. Use Magnesium with a meal or just after eating to help your body absorb it better. If you are using Magnesium oxide as a laxative, it may be best to take your dose at bedtime. Magnesium citrate should produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours after taking the medicine. Stop using Magnesium oxide or Magnesium citrate, and inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after seven days of treatment. Not having a bowel movement after using a laxative may be a sign of a condition more serious than occasional constipation. Do not take magnesium oxide as an antacid for longer than two weeks except if your doctor tells you to. Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Magnesium?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Magnesium.