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Magnesium gluconate

Generic name: magnesium gluconate [ mag-NEE-see-um-GLOO-koe-nate ]
Brand names: Mag-G, Optimum Magnesium Gluconate, Magtrate, Almora, Magonate Natal
Dosage form: oral tablet (250 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is magnesium gluconate?

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

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

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

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

Common side effects of magnesium gluconate may include:

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.

Warnings

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.

Before taking this medicine

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

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.

How should I take magnesium gluconate?

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 magnesium gluconate, take the medication with a meal or just after eating.

Take the magnesium gluconate 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.

Magnesium gluconate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Dietary Supplement:

500 to 1000 mg magnesium gluconate (27 to 54 mg elemental magnesium) orally once a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dietary Supplement:

Recommended dietary intake (RDA) for magnesium:
Birth to 6 months: 30 mg (adequate intake)
7 to 12 months: 75 mg (adequate intake)
1 to 3 years: 80 mg
4 to 8 years: 130 mg
9 to 13 years: 240 mg
14 to 18 years, male: 410 mg
14 to 18 years, female: 360 mg


Tolerable upper intake level (UL) for supplemental magnesium:
1 to 3 years: 65 mg
4 to 8 years: 110 mg
9 to 18 years: 350 mg

Comments:
-Magnesium gluconate contains 5% elemental magnesium

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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.

What should I avoid while taking magnesium gluconate?

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.

What other drugs will affect magnesium gluconate?

Magnesium gluconate 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:

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

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.