Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium Oxide is used in the treatment of:

• Dyspepsia

Magnesium Oxide is used in the prevention of:

• Magnesium Deficiency

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Dyspepsia:

400 mg tablets: 1 tablet orally twice a day
Maximum dose: 2 tablets per 24 hour period
Duration of therapy: Up to 2 weeks

Comments:
-May have a laxative effect.

Uses: Acid indigestion, upset stomach

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

Oral:
Caplets (500 mg): 2 to 4 caplets orally daily with a full 8 ounce glass of liquid.

Caplets may be taken all at bedtime or separately throughout the day.

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation during Pregnancy/Lactation:

Recommended DIETARY intake:
Women 19 to 30 years: 508 mg magnesium oxide (MgOx) (310 mg elemental magnesium) orally daily

Women 31 years and older: 525 mg MgOx (320 mg elemental) orally daily

Men 19 to 30 years: 656 mg MgOx (400 mg elemental) orally daily

Men 31 years and older: 689 mg MgOx (420 mg elemental) orally daily

Maximum SUPPLEMENT dose: 574 mg MgOx (350 mg elemental)

Comments:
-There is no upper level of intake for magnesium from food.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation:

500 mg caplets:
12 years and older: 2 to 4 caplets orally daily, as a single dose or divided dose
Maximum dose: 4 caplets per day
Duration of therapy: 7 days or less

Comments:
-Bedtime is the preferred administration time for a single dose.
-Take with a full glass of water.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation during Pregnancy/Lactation:

Recommended DIETARY intakes:
14 to 18 years:
Males: 672 mg magnesium oxide (MgOx) (410 mg elemental magnesium) per day
Females: 590 mg MgOx (360 mg elemental) per day
Maximum SUPPLEMENT dose (both sexes): 574 mg MgOx (350 mg elemental) per day

9 to 13 years: 394 mg MgOx (240 mg elemental) per day
Maximum SUPPLEMENT dose: 574 mg MgOx (350 mg elemental) per day

4 to 8 years: 213 mg MgOx (130 mg elemental) per day
Maximum SUPPLEMENT dose: 180 mg MgOx (110 mg elemental) per day

1 to 3 years: 131 mg MgOx (80 mg elemental) per day
Maximum SUPPLEMENT dose: 107 mg MgOx (65 mg elemental) per day

7 to 12 months: 123 mg MgOx (75 mg elemental) per day

Birth to 6 months: 49 mg MgOx (30 mg elemental) per day

Comments:
-There is no upper level of intake for magnesium from food.

• Electrolyte Supplement, Oral
• Magnesium Salt

Magnesium is important as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body involving protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism (at least 300 enzymatic reactions require magnesium). Actions on lipoprotein lipase have been found to be important in reducing serum cholesterol and on sodium/potassium ATPase in promoting polarization (eg, neuromuscular functioning).

Absorption

Oral: Up to 30%

Excretion

Urine (IOM 1997); feces (as unabsorbed drug)

Dietary Reference Intake for Magnesium: Dosage is in terms of elemental magnesium (IOM 1997): Oral:

Children:

1 to 6 months: Adequate intake: 30 mg daily

7 to 12 months: Adequate intake: 75 mg daily

1 to 3 years: RDA: 80 mg daily

4 to 8 years: RDA: 130 mg daily

9 to 13 years: RDA: 240 mg daily

14 to 18 years: RDA:

Females: 360 mg daily

Pregnant females: 400 mg daily

Lactation: 360 mg daily

Males: 410 mg daily

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, magnesium is renally excreted. Use with caution; accumulation in renal impairment may lead to magnesium toxicity.

Administer at least 2 hours apart from other medications.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very loose stools (diarrhea).