Magnesium Salts capsules, tablets, or oral solution
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What are magnesium salts?
MAGNESIUM SALTS can be given as a dietary supplement to prevent or correct low blood magnesium caused by malnutrition or certain diseases. Magnesium salts can also be taken to relieve constipation or to cleanse the bowel before medical procedures.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dehydration
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• stomach blockage
How should I take this medicine?
Directions for taking the capsules or tablets:
Magnesium capsules and tablets are taken by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. Take your doses at regular intervals only if you are treating a mineral deficiency. Otherwise only take as needed. Do not take more often than prescribed.
Directions for taking the oral solution:
Add the prescribed dose to a full glass of water (at least 8 oz). Drink the solution at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Follow the directions on the label. Take your doses at regular intervals only if you are treating a mineral deficiency. Otherwise only take as needed. Do not take more often than prescribed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you are taking magnesium salts on a regular basis and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with magnesium salts?
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• certain antibiotics
• ethanol
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for heart problems
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain
• other magnesium-containing antacids, laxatives or supplements
• water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking magnesium sulfate?
Do not use magnesium salts as a laxative for more than one week without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. Laxative products should only be taken as single and infrequent doses. Continued use can lead to problems with the amounts of water and salts in your blood. Continued constipation may indicate a more serious problem needing medical attention.
Take magnesium salts with plenty of water to improve the laxative effect and prevent dehydration.
What side effects may I notice from taking magnesium salts?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare:
• flushing
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• low body temperature
• slow or difficult breathing
• slow reflexes
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the daily amount of a vitamin or mineral needed to supply adequate nutrition for healthy persons. The RDA is different for each group of people based on age, physical state (i.e. pregancy), and sex. Your needs can be met by the foods you eat, by taking a supplement, or the two of these together. Ask your health care professional if you have questions regarding these recommendations. The RDA for magnesium is:
Group
Females, pregnant or breast-feeding: 350—400 mg
Adult females: 310—320 mg
Adult males: 400—420 mg
Adolescents 14 to 18 years old: 360—410 mg
Children 9 to 13 years old: 240 mg
Children 1 to 8 years old: 80—130 mg
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
