Magnesium Oxide Side Effects
Applies to magnesium oxide: oral capsule, oral tablet.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Follow all directions on the label and package.
Use exactly as directed.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using magnesium oxide and call your doctor at once if you:
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have rectal bleeding; or
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do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium oxide as a laxative.
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For healthcare professionals
Applies to magnesium oxide: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral tablet.
Metabolic adverse events
- Frequency not reported: Hypermagnesemia, magnesium toxicity[Ref]
Magnesium toxicity symptoms may include: hypotension, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, urine retention, ileus, depression, lethargy, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, coma, and death.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping[Ref]
References
1. Guerrera MP, Volpe SL, Mao JJ (2009) "Therapeutic uses of magnesium." Am Fam Physician, 80, p. 157-62
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2017) Magnesium: fact sheet for health professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to take magnesium, morning or night?
- Should I take magnesium with or without food?
- Does magnesium help with restless leg syndrome (RLS)?
- Does magnesium help with headaches and migraines?
- Can magnesium help with menopause symptoms?
- Does magnesium help with weight loss?
More about magnesium oxide
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Patient resources
Other brands
Mag-Oxide, Mag-200, MagGel, Phillips' Cramp-free, Uro-Mag
Related treatment guides
Further information
Magnesium oxide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
