Type of medicine: nutritional supplement
Generic and brand names: magnesium, oral; magnesium chloride, oral; magnesium gluconate, oral; magnesium oxide, oral; magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride; Chloromag; Mag 64; Mag Delay; Mag Ox; Mag G; Maginex; Magnacaps; Magonate; Magtrate; Uro-Mag; Slow Mag (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
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.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
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.
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.
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.
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, confusion, decreased urination, fainting, slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma.
Large dosages of magnesium (2 grams or more) may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Check the labels of all nonprescription medicines you take, including antacids and laxatives. Taking other medicines that contain magnesium while you take this medicine may give you too much magnesium. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
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.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Slow or irregular heartbeat, slowed breathing, flushing, fainting, nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea.
Other: Stomach upset, bloating, gas, diarrhea.
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:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. 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.
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.
