Magnesium Oxide Dosage

Magnesium, the element as you know is essential for the proper functioning of the body. People who are diagnosed with symptoms of low magnesium, are prescribed with the dietary supplement magnesium oxide to restore the nutrient to its functioning level in the body. Apart from this, it is used for a variety of medical conditions like constipation, gastric cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, renal stones (kidney stones), dyspepsia, duodenal ulcer, etc.

Standard Dosages of Magnesium Oxide

The below data presents a summary of the standard dosages of this nutritional supplement, which are recommended by experts.

For Hypomagnesemia
This condition is characterized by an abnormally low levels of magnesium in the blood. The dosage for this condition is 400 - 800 mg of tablets once a day, and 140 mg of capsules, 3 - 4 times daily.

For Constipation
For the condition of constipation, an adult and child patient would be prescribed a caplet (500 mg). It should be taken 2 - 4 times daily with a full glass (8 oz.) of liquid. The medication can be taken in separate amounts throughout the day, or all at bedtime.

For Renal Stones (Kidney stones)
The recommended dosage for this condition is 140 - 420 mg, orally once a day. The dietary supplement, in some cases, may also be used in conjunction with pyridoxine.

For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The dosage of tablets prescribed is 400 - 800 mg, once a day. In case of capsules, 140 mg must be taken 3 - 4 times a day.

For Gastric Ulcer
The dosage for this condition is the same as that of the two above. That is, 400 - 800 mg, once a day (tablets) and 140 mg 3 - 4 times a day (capsules).

For Dyspepsia, and Pathological Hypersecretory Disorder
Even here the dosages do not differ from what has been mentioned for gastric ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and must not, in any way, be considered as a substitute the advice of a medical expert.

Risks Associated with Magnesium Oxide

Sometimes, due to drugs or supplements there could occur abnormally elevated levels of magnesium in the blood. This is known as hypermagnesemia. The condition is, however, rare because in healthy people the kidneys are efficient enough to get rid of the excess magnesium. The overdose occurs more often than not in people with kidney disease. So if you have a history of kidney problem, and are on magnesium oxide, then it is important that you are aware of the common magnesium oxide overdose symptoms, which may include:

• Diarrhea
• Muscle Weakening
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Skin flushing
• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal swelling

Speaking of side effects, there are certain drugs which interact with magnesium oxide. These are:

• Nitrofurantoin
• Tetracycline
• Demeclocycline
• Fluoroquinolone
• Ciprofloxacin
• Ofloxacin
• Enoxacin
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
• Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

So this was regarding the interactions which magnesium oxide may have with certain drugs. This makes it important for the patient to inform his/her healthcare provider about any kind of medicines he/she is already taking. Also, expecting mothers and nursing mothers must consult their healthcare providers, before going for this medication. Although the effects of the supplement on fetus is still unknown, medical experts recommend to err on the side of caution. So to avoid any complications, it is always better to get the supervision of a professional. The same goes for those who are suffering from any kind of kidney diseases, as already mentioned.

As you can see, some conditions share similar dosages of the supplement, while some don't. It is always safe to follow what your doctor recommends, as too much or too less of the medication would never turn out to be helpful, but could lead to negative repercussions.