Generic name: magnesium oxide (mag NEE see um OCK side)
Brand name: MagGel, Phillips' Cramp-free, Uro-Mag, Mag-200, Mag-Ox 400, UroMag
Dosage forms: oral capsule (140 mg; 600 mg); oral tablet (250 mg; 400 mg; 420 mg; 500 mg; base 500 mg)
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.
Magnesium oxide is used as a supplement to maintain adequate magnesium in the body.
Magnesium oxide is also used as an antacid to treat indigestion, or as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.
Magnesium oxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Before you take magnesium oxide, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In some cases, you may not be able to take magnesium oxide, or you may need a dose adjustment or special precautions.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use magnesium oxide if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use magnesium oxide if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- kidney disease;
- heart disease;
- nausea, vomiting;
- a blockage in your intestines;
- low levels of calcium in your blood; or
- a sudden change in bowel habits for 2 weeks or longer.
It is not known whether magnesium oxide will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether magnesium oxide passes into breast milk or if it could affect a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
Magnesium oxide should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old.
How should I take magnesium oxide?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
When using this medicine as a laxative, it may be best to take your dose at bedtime.
Magnesium oxide may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if symptoms get worse.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since magnesium oxide is sometimes used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, breathing problems, slow reflexes, weak pulse, extreme drowsiness, and feeling dizzy or light-headed.
What should I avoid while taking magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take magnesium oxide. You may need to wait 4 hours to take your other medicines after taking magnesium oxide. Ask your doctor how to best schedule your medications.
Magnesium oxide side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using magnesium oxide and call your doctor at once if you have:
- rectal bleeding;
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- bloody or tarry stools; or
- no bowel movement after using magnesium oxide as a laxative.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea; or
- upset stomach.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect magnesium oxide?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take magnesium oxide if you are also using any of the following drugs:
- an antibiotic;
- a diuretic or "water pill";
- penicillamine;
- a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
- medicine to treat osteoporosis or Paget's disease--alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with magnesium oxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.