Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves.

Magtrate is used as a supplement to maintain adequate magnesium in the body.

Magtrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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.

To help your body to better absorb Magtrate, take the medication with a meal or just after eating.

Take the Magtrate tablet with a full glass of water.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Magtrate if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• kidney disease; or

• if you have any allergies.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

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.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of magnesium can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, or coma.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking an antacid, a laxative, or any vitamin or mineral supplement. Many such products contain magnesium. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this mineral.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Magtrate may cause serious side effects. Stop using Magtrate and call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;

• severe nausea or vomiting;

• muscle weakness; or

• slow heart rate.

Common side effects of Magtrate may include:

• diarrhea;

• bloating gas; 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.

Magtrate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. This can make certain medicines much less effective when taken at the same time. Ask your doctor about how long you should wait between doses of magnesium gluconate and any of the following medicines:

• antibiotics;

• medicine to treat Paget's disease of bone;

• osteoporosis medication; or

• thyroid medication.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Magtrate if you are also using any of the following drugs:

• cellulose sodium phosphate;

• digoxin; or

• sodium polystyrene sulfonate

These lists are not complete. Other drugs may interact with magnesium gluconate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.