Magnesium oxide is an antacid that's used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. Some other magnesium oxide products can also be used as a supplement for many other health problems, including low magnesium levels. Some side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping. Magnesium oxide is available as a tablet that you take by mouth and is found over the counter.
Heartburn
Indigestion
Upset stomach
Magnesium oxide is an antacid. It neutralizes the acid in your stomach. This helps relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.
Magnesium oxide can also be used as a dietary supplement for people who have low blood magnesium levels. Magnesium is important to your health. It helps your body systems, like your nerves, muscles, and heart, work well.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Interacts with many medications, including certain antibiotics and thyroid medications
Might cause diarrhea and other stomach-related side effects
Magnesium is available in many different forms and dosage strengths. Read the package label carefully to make sure you have the correct form of magnesium that you need and confirm that you're taking the correct dose. If you have questions about your dose, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.
If you're taking magnesium oxide for acid reflux and your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider. There might be a more serious health problem going on that your provider should check out.
If you're using magnesium oxide as a supplement to boost up your magnesium levels, eating foods that are high in magnesium can also help restore your nutrient levels.
Stay hydrated as much as possible to avoid dehydration from possible diarrhea. During treatment, let your provider know if you get dehydrated (e.g., dry mouth, not urinating as much, lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches).
Magnesium can interact with certain medications. Tell your pharmacist or provider about all the medications you're taking before starting magnesium oxide. This is especially important if you're taking osteoporosis medications called bisphosphonates, doxycycline (Vibramycin), or fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Don't start any new medications while taking magnesium oxide without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. They can make sure your medications are safe to take and whether you need to space out when you take your medications to avoid interactions.
Magnesium oxide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
A possible side effect of magnesium oxide is diarrhea. Since you can lose a lot of fluids from your body when you have diarrhea, you might be at risk of getting dehydrated. Contact your provider if you feel dehydrated or have signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, not urinating as much, lightheadedness, dizziness, headache). If you experience diarrhea that's bothersome or if you get dehydrated, your provider can recommend ways to help manage these problems.
Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking more magnesium than recommended
Having kidney problems or taking too much magnesium oxide can cause your blood magnesium levels to be too high and lead to serious side effects. Early symptoms of high magnesium levels can include dizziness, flushed skin, nausea, vomiting, and having lower energy. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Sometimes high magnesium levels can become more serious and lead to difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and abnormal heartbeat. If this happens, get emergency help right away.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
400mg | 30 tablets | $3.17 | $0.11 |
Magnesium oxide 400 mg tablets
Antacid: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth twice per day, or as directed by your provider.
Supplement: The typical dose is 1 to 2 tablets by mouth per day, or as directed by your provider.
Magnesium oxide 420 mg tablets
Supplement: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth once per day with food, or as directed by your provider
Heartburn
Indigestion
Upset stomach
Sour or upset stomach
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