Has your doctor prescribed you a magnesium pill? Maybe it's for muscle cramps, to help with various bodily functions, or maybe it's because your magnesium levels are low. This is a mineral that many people take, and it's an essential mineral for our bodies. But like any medicine, there are a few things we need to know before using it. Let's talk about it simply and clearly today.
Why is magnesium so important for our bodies?
Simply put, magnesium is a wonderful helper that helps hundreds of processes in our body. It is especially essential for the healthy functioning of our nervous system and muscles . Think about it, magnesium helps with many things, such as controlling your heartbeat, keeping your bones strong, and maintaining blood pressure at the right level. So when it is low in the body, doctors recommend these types of pills to make up for that deficiency.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important to know the full details of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medication is suitable for you, and if so, how much to give. In particular, be sure to mention the following:
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have kidney disease . (This is very important, because the kidneys remove excess magnesium from the body.)
- If you have an allergic reaction to magnesium or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your own safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple.
It is usually advised to take these pills with a glass of water . Follow the instructions on the medicine label or package exactly. Most importantly, never take more than the amount or frequency your doctor tells you to take.
If given to children: Children may need special care when giving this medicine. Therefore, do not give this to children without medical advice. Talk to your doctor and give it only as directed.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you thought, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly, as an overdose of magnesium can also be harmful to the body.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Not all medications you take will affect each other. However, some medications can interact with magnesium. This means that either the magnesium pill may reduce the effectiveness of the medication, or the other medication may change its effectiveness. Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Type of medicine | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Medicines such as Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline , and Tetracycline. Magnesium may reduce the absorption of these by the body. |
| Medicines for heart disease | Drugs like Digoxin and Nifedipine. |
| Other things that contain magnesium | Laxatives , antacids, or other vitamins may also contain magnesium. |
| Vitamin D and calcium | Since these interact with magnesium in the body, inform your doctor if you are taking these. |
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, if you are taking any other traditional medicines, vitamins, or supplements , in addition to Western medications, please tell your doctor about all of them.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, magnesium tablets can cause side effects in some people. But don't worry, most people won't. The important thing is to be aware.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If any of these occur, tell your doctor or hospital immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of high magnesium levels | Confusion, excessive sleepiness, flushing, sweating, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing. |
| Usually not dangerous, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Diarrhea | Stomach bloating. Sometimes this can be resolved by reducing the amount of medication. But talk to your doctor about it. |
Important: Not everything that says 'natural' is safe. Even though advertisements say, 'This is a vitamin, a mineral, so it's okay,' using such things without medical advice can be risky. Only your doctor knows the amount your body needs.
Take-Home Message
- Magnesium is a medication that should be taken under medical advice. Don't take it on your own just because you think you need it.
- Tell your doctor completely about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling while taking the medicine, go to a hospital immediately.
- If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at once.
- This medicine is for you only. Don't give it to a friend who has the same symptoms as you, even if it makes you feel better.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What are Magnesium (Magnesium / Magnesium Oxide, Citrate) pills/supplements for?
Magnesium is an essential mineral for our body's nerves/heart to function. These pills are mainly taken to eliminate severe muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythms that occur when magnesium levels in the body are low (Hypomagnesemia). It is also used as a laxative for severe 'Constipation' and to control dangerous pressure seizures (Preeclampsia/Eclampsia - IV) in pregnant mothers.
💬 How does taking magnesium relieve muscle cramps?
It's like putting oil on a piece of iron! For our muscles to contract/contract, we definitely need 'Calcium' in our body. Too much calcium means the muscles become stiff (Cramps). What magnesium does is that it works 'against calcium' (like a Calcium channel blocker), controls the entry of calcium into the muscles, and instantly relaxes the muscle system (and the entire nervous system).
💬 What are the possible dangers of taking too much of this supplement/pill (Magnesium)?
This is not something you can just drink on top of other vitamins! The biggest problem is that if you drink too much, you will get 'severe diarrhea'. The other fatal danger is that if people with kidney problems/kidney failure drink this, they will become poisoned (Hypermagnesemia), the patient's breathing will stop and the heart will stop completely (Cardiac Arrest / Coma) and they may die!
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