Slow-Mag Side Effects

Generic Name: magnesium chloride

Please note - some side effects for Slow-Mag may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Slow-Mag - for the Consumer

Slow-Mag Sustained-Release Tablets

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Slow-Mag Sustained-Release Tablets:

Diarrhea.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); nausea; slow reflexes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Other

Other side effects have resulted from toxicity (hypermagnesemia). Mild hypermagnesemia is generally well-tolerated. Moderate or severe hypermagnesemia primarily affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems. The effects of hypermagnesemia may be worsened by the presence of hypocalcemia, especially in patients with uremia.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included diarrhea. Magnesium toxicity has been associated with nausea (magnesium levels of 4 to 5 mEq/L) and rare cases of paralytic ileus (magnesium levels greater than 5 mEq/L).

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have resulted from the suppression of neuromuscular transmission in the CNS and at the neuromuscular junction by magnesium (antagonized by calcium). The degree of severity of these side effects has been dependent on the serum magnesium level. Clinically, if serum magnesium (Mg) levels increase to 4 to 7 mEq/L, there may be a decrease in tendon reflexes, muscle weakness and/or mental confusion/sedation. At levels of 7 to 10 mEq/L the respiratory rate slows and the blood pressure falls. At levels of 10 to 15 mEq/L there is usually profound mental depression, areflexia, coma and respiratory paralysis. Magnesium also has a curare-like effect at the neuromuscular junction at serum levels above 10 mEq/L. Death is not uncommon when serum magnesium levels rise to 15 mEq/L.

Cardiovascular

The cardiovascular consequences of hypermagnesemia are due to peripheral vasodilation. Hypotension may be observed when serum magnesium levels rise to 7 to 10 mEq/L, becoming severe when serum magnesium levels rise above 10 mEq/L. Magnesium can also depress myocardial conductivity at levels greater than 10 mEq/L. This can result in bradyarrhythmias. While some patients are inexplicably able to tolerate extraordinary magnesium levels, there is a significant risk of asystole when levels rise to 25 mEq/L. The risk of cardiotoxicity from hypermagnesemia is increased in the presence of hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, acidosis, digitalis therapy, and renal insufficiency.

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypotension, depressed myocardial conductivity and asystole.

Metabolic

Acute hypermagnesemia may cause hypocalcemia due to suppression of the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and competition for renal tubular reabsorption between calcium (Ca) and magnesium. The latter can lead to decreased Ca reabsorption and hypercalciuria, which aggravates the hypocalcemia produced by decreased release of PTH.

Metabolic side effects have included hypocalcemia.

General

Magnesium chloride is generally well tolerated.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.