Why Would a Patient Take Magnesium Oxide and Are There Side Effects?

Magnesium oxide is a common medication that is most often used to treat constipation and heartburn. You take it to treat constipation and heartburn and potential side effects are diarrhea and kidney problems.

Magnesium oxide is a common medication that is most often used to treat constipation and heartburn. Its main component, magnesium, is an important mineral that is critical for many different bodily functions. 

Magnesium oxide is an over-the-counter medication that is essentially a magnesium salt. It is typically used as a laxative, especially when there is an urgent need to empty the bowels (for instance, prior to surgery). Magnesium oxide can also be used to treat heartburn or an upset stomach.

Magnesium oxide can be used to supplement magnesium in the diet. However, it is typically sold in concentrations that are too high for daily use.

Magnesium oxide is a type of salt that contains both magnesium and oxygen. Magnesium salts tend to dissolve in water, making the magnesium available for use by the body. However, magnesium oxide is less soluble than other magnesium salts, meaning that less magnesium is available for the body to use. 

Magnesium on its own is a common mineral found in the body that is critical for several important bodily functions. Magnesium is essential for energy production in the body and is important for bone development and DNA synthesis. 

Additionally, magnesium ensures that hundreds of protein interactions occur correctly. It is also an important component of the nervous system, where it helps regulate the activity of some nerve receptors. 

There is a significant amount of magnesium in the body, but it’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough magnesium in your diet. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes are great dietary sources of magnesium. 

Still, although getting enough magnesium is important, it’s also critical to not consume too much. Consuming too much magnesium can have negative health effects.

The kidneys are typically very good at getting rid of excess magnesium. However, people with certain conditions should be aware of how much magnesium they’re consuming in their diet or taking as supplements. 

The recommended daily values of magnesium are around 320 milligrams for adult females and 420 milligrams for adult males. 

Typically, patients take magnesium oxide to treat constipation. After magnesium oxide is taken, it converts into slightly different magnesium compounds in the stomach. These compounds help transfer water into hardened stools, which can trigger movement in the intestine and relieve constipation.

Magnesium oxide is also useful as an antacid and can help treat indigestion and heartburn. Magnesium oxide is an alkali, which means that it can neutralize acids. When magnesium oxide hits the stomach, it helps to reduce the acidity of the gastric juices that cause heartburn.  

There is some research suggesting that magnesium oxide has other benefits beyond acting as a laxative or antacid. 

Magnesium oxide may help with migraines. One study examined the effect of magnesium oxide on migraine severity. The study found that patients suffering from migraines who took 500 milligrams of magnesium oxide experienced shorter migraines and had less severe migraine pain.

Magnesium oxide may prevent some types of stroke. Another study examined the effects of magnesium oxide on stroke risk. Patients who were given 100 milligrams of magnesium oxide per day were less likely to suffer certain kinds of strokes. 

Although there are some interesting studies suggesting that magnesium oxide has beneficial health effects, more research has to be done to confirm these findings. Additionally, since excessive magnesium can have severe side effects, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking daily magnesium oxide or magnesium supplements. 

Magnesium oxide is generally safe to use. However, it’s important to closely follow the instructions provided to make sure that you ingest an appropriate amount. 

Typically, magnesium oxide should only be taken at the prescribed dose for short periods of time — no more than 2 weeks if you are using it as an antacid or 1 week if you are using it as a laxative. 

Potential side effects of short-term use. Potential side effects of short-term use include stomach cramping and diarrhea. Consult your physician immediately if you experience a rash, itching, dizziness, weakness, or vomiting, as these symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction. 

Magnesium oxide can interact with certain kinds of medications, such as antibiotics and medications used to treat osteoporosis, if they’re taken at the same time. If you have to take magnesium oxide with another medication, try to take them at least two hours apart so that there’s enough time for the medication to be absorbed. 

Potential side effects with long-term use. Excess magnesium in the bloodstream is typically well-regulated by the kidneys. However, people with kidney issues may have trouble clearing magnesium out of their system. Additionally, high doses of magnesium or magnesium oxide in otherwise healthy people may cause symptoms of magnesium toxicity. 

Magnesium toxicity can have very severe side effects, including low blood pressure, vomiting, urine retention, and lethargy. Untreated, it can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and even cardiac arrest.

Be sure to talk to your medical professional before taking magnesium oxide or magnesium supplements if you’re concerned about your kidney function, are taking other medications or supplements, or plan on taking a dose larger than the recommended daily allowance. 

Magnesium oxide is an over-the-counter medication that is safe to use at recommended doses and for short periods of time. It is especially effective as a laxative and as a method for treating heartburn. 

Magnesium, a key component of magnesium oxide, is an essential mineral involved in numerous bodily functions. Unfortunately, too much magnesium can cause severe side effects. Discuss any supplements or over-the-counter medications with a healthcare professional before you start using them.