Magnesium oxide

Generic name: Magnesium oxide

Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Dosage form: Capsule, Tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 140,250,400,420,500 mg

Mechanism of action: Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.

Drug usage cases: 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.

Drug contra indications: 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 magnesium oxide 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. 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.

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. Magnesium oxide may cause serious side effects. 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.

Warnings: Before you take magnesium oxide, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In some cases, you may not be able to take magnesium oxide, or you may need a dose adjustment or special precautions.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: 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.