What is this medication for?
Magnesium is a type of mineral that the body requires to support bone, nerve and muscle health. It can be found as one of the ingredients in laxative or antacid medications. This medication can also be used to replace low magnesium levels.
It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How should I take or use this medication?
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- You have kidney disease
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
What are some common side effects of this medication?
Diarrhoea (if taken in higher than recommended dosage)
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
This medication may decrease the absorption of some medications such as:
- Medicines used to treat osteoporosis eg. alendronate
- Medicines used to treat HIV infections eg. dolutegravir
- Levothyroxine
- Antibiotics: eg ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and tetracyclines
Take Magnesium at least 4 hours after taking tetracyclines and levothyroxine, and at least 2 hours after taking other medications listed above.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore