Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Magnesium Oxide?
Magnesium is a mineral that your body needs to function properly.
Magnesium oxide is a supplement that contains magnesium and oxygen ions. It’s used to treat a variety of conditions, including heartburn, indigestion, constipation, a magnesium deficiency, and other ailments.
This supplement is available without a prescription.
When magnesium oxide is sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) product, there aren’t universal manufacturing standards in place. You should be sure to purchase this supplement from a reliable source.
Magnesium oxide is one type of magnesium supplement. There are a variety of other formulations available, including magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium citrate, and magnesium chlorate. It’s best to talk with your physician or a nutritionist before taking magnesium or using it for long periods.
Warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Magnesium Oxide (Mag-Ox 400)?
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 this medicine 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 use Magnesium Oxide
Use Magnesium Oxide (Mag-Ox 400) 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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
What to Expect
Some studies suggest that magnesium oxide is poorly absorbed by the digestive tract.
The best way to get enough magnesium is to eat a well-balanced diet. Good sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Stop taking magnesium and let your physician know if you experience any unusual side effects.
Additional Dosage Information
The amount of magnesium you require will depend on your age, sex, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that women younger than age 30 consume 310 milligrams (mg) of magnesium a day and that men under age 30 consume 400 mg a day. In adults over age 30, the recommended daily allowance is 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women.
Secondary Uses
Though its effectiveness isn’t conclusively proven, magnesium oxide is generally safe and well tolerated and is sometimes taken to help treat other conditions, such as migraines or depression.