Magnesium oxide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What is Magnesium Oxide?

What is Magnesium Oxide for?

Magnesium oxide is a mineral supplement that is used to both prevent and treat magnesium levels that are too low in the blood (hypomagnesemia). Magnesium itself is an important mineral that supports the function of cells, nerves, muscles, bones and heart so that they can work properly.

Actually, this mineral is widely contained in daily food. Ranging from nuts, whole wheat seeds, milk and its derivatives, to green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and mustard greens. Even so, some people cannot get enough magnesium from these foods. As a result, they need additional magnesium intake in supplement form.

Hypomagnesemia is usually caused by decreased absorption of magnesium in the intestines or increased excretion of magnesium in the urine. This can happen because of alcohol addiction, experiencing indigestion, taking certain drugs, to the influence of a medical condition.

This mineral supplement can also act as an antacid to treat digestive disorders due to high stomach acid, such as ulcers, heartburn (burning sensation in the chest), and so on. In addition, this supplement can also act as a laxative so that people with constipation can have easier bowel movements.

Your doctor may use magnesium oxide for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How is Magnesium Oxide used?

Not everyone needs mineral supplements. It's best to ask your doctor and pharmacist whether you need it or not.

Follow all directions for using the drug as instructed by the doctor or listed on the product packaging. If you don't really understand how to use this drug, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.

In tablet form, take the medicine with a glass of water so that the drug can be swallowed all. As for the liquid form, first shake the bottle so that the medicine can be mixed evenly. After that, then pour the liquid medicine onto a spoon or measuring cup which is usually available in packaged packages with the recommended dosage.

Don't use a regular tablespoon as you may not get the correct dose. Medicines in liquid form are best taken without being accompanied by other fluids, except plain water. Water helps the drug flow into the body.

In order to avoid stomach upset or diarrhea, use this supplement after meals. Also find out the schedule for taking the best medication. Especially when you have to take several types of drugs at once. This is done to prevent dangerous side effects.

Use this supplement regularly for best benefits. In order not to miss a dose, take the supplement at the same time every day. It is better not to start or stop medication without first consulting a doctor.

Do not increase your dose or take your medication more often than recommended by the product packaging or your doctor. Too much magnesium in the blood can cause serious side effects.

The dose of the drug is adjusted to the health condition and the patient's response to treatment. This is why the dosage for each person may be different.

If you still experience tingling sensations, muscle cramps, body weakness and weakness, and irritability, tell your doctor immediately. You should also see a doctor immediately if the symptoms you are complaining of are getting worse from day to day.

How is Magnesium Oxide stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Magnesium Oxide Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for Magnesium Oxide for adults?

The dosage for each person may be different. The dosage of drugs is usually adjusted according to the patient's age, overall health condition, and their response to treatment.

To treat digestive disorders associated with high stomach acid, the recommended dosage of the drug is 400 milligrams (mg) per day.

As a laxative, this supplement is given in a single dose of 3.5 grams (g). Supplements can be combined with other medications such as bisacodyl or sodium picosulfate.

Meanwhile, to meet magnesium intake for people who experience hypomagnesemia, the drug dose is 800 mg per day.

Be sure to always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any type of medication. This is solely to ensure that you are taking the drug according to the recommended dosage.

What is the dosage of Magnesium Oxide for children?

There is no definite dosage requirement for children. The dosage of drugs for children is usually adjusted according to their weight, health condition, and their response to treatment.

This drug can be dangerous for children if used improperly. Therefore, consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is Magnesium Oxide available?

This supplement is available in tablets and capsules.

Magnesium Oxide side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Magnesium Oxide?

Like other medicines, supplements can cause side effects from mild to severe. Some of the most common side effects that people complain about after using this supplement include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach ache
• Warm sensation on the face or neck

Very serious allergic reactions to the use of this drug are reported to be rare. However, if at any time you or those around you experience it, seek medical help immediately. Some of the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction that need to be aware of include:

• Rash
• Itchy rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Asphyxiate
• Swelling in the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• Blackened stool
• Vomit that looks like coffee

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Magnesium Oxide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Magnesium Oxide?

• Before using this drug, there are a number of things you need to do and know:
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to magnesium oxide, antacids, laxatives, or other magnesium supplements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a constituent list of drugs before you use them.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have a history of liver and kidney disease. This supplement may interfere with kidney and liver function if not used carefully.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have a history of digestive disorders, such as sores in the stomach, high stomach acid, and so on.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have a chronic medical history, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have a weakened immune system due to certain diseases. For example, HIV / AIDS, lupus, and so on.
• Tell the doctor about all medicines that are routinely taken every day. Whether it's prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, to herbal medicines. Especially if you have to take anticoangulant drugs (blood thinners), tetracycline antibiotics, thyroid drugs, and others.
• Tell your doctor if you need to be on a low salt, low sugar, or other special diet.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not yet known whether this drug is safe to drink for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, you should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

One of the most common side effects of this drug is stomach upset and diarrhea. If you experience both side effects for more than 3 days, go to a doctor immediately. In essence, don't hesitate to check with your doctor every time you feel something strange or unusual about your own body.

Also, be sure to follow all doctor's advice and / or therapist's instructions. Your doctor may need to change your medication dose or monitor you carefully to prevent certain side effects.

Is Magnesium Oxide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Meanwhile, for breastfeeding mothers, there is no clear evidence whether this drug harms the baby or not. To avoid various negative possibilities, do not take this medicine carelessly or without the doctor's permission.

Magnesium Oxide Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with magnesium oxide?

Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change your dose without your doctor's approval.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription / herbal products you may use, especially:

Medicines that have the potential to trigger negative interactions with this drug include:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as walrarin because of the increased risk of side effects when used with this supplement.
• Penicillamine antibiotics, due to their effectiveness may be reduced when used with magnesium oxide
• Non Streoid Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin
• Diuretic drugs or water pills

There may be many other types of drugs that have not been mentioned. Don't forget to check the labels on all prescription and over-the-counter medicines / herbal products (eg antacids, laxatives, vitamins) as they may contain magnesium. Ask your pharmacist how to use this drug safely.

Can food or alcohol interact with Magnesium Oxide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Magnesium Oxide?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Appendicitis
• Chronic diarrhea
• Blocked urinary tract
• Heart problems
• Kidney problems
• Alcohol addiction
• Have high magnesium levels in the blood (hypermagnesemia)

Magnesium Oxide overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Bring a medicine box, container, or label with you when you go to the hospital to help the doctor with any necessary information.

When someone has an overdose, various symptoms that may arise are:

• Too low blood pressure (hypotension) which makes the head dizzy
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Slower than normal heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your dosing schedule. Do not use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you continue to miss doses, consider setting an alarm or asking a family member to remind you.

Please consult with your doctor to discuss changes in your dosing schedule or a new schedule to make up for a missed dose, if you have missed too many doses recently.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Image source: Freepik by Pressfoto