Do you sometimes get cramps in your legs? Or do you just feel tired and have joint pain all the time? At times like these, a doctor may have diagnosed a low magnesium level in your blood and prescribed a pill for it. While many people think of this as something as simple as a vitamin, this is a medication that needs to be used with caution. So today, let's talk about magnesium pills, especially the extended-release type.
Why is magnesium so important for our bodies?
Simply put, magnesium is a very important mineral that helps with many processes in our bodies. Just like a car's engine needs engine oil to run properly, some things in our bodies simply cannot function without magnesium.
- Muscle function: Magnesium helps our muscles contract and relax. When it is low, things like muscle spasms and pain occur.
- Nervous system: Magnesium is essential for the proper transmission of signals in our nervous system.
- For heart health: This also helps maintain a steady heart rate.
- Strengthens bones: Like calcium, magnesium also contributes to keeping bones strong.
The pill your doctor prescribed for you may be an "extended-release" pill. This means that after you take it, the medicine in it is slowly released into your body over a period of hours. You don't get a large dose all at once.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is very important. It can be dangerous to start this medication without your doctor knowing about your other medical conditions. Therefore, be sure to inform your doctor about the following:
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| If you have kidney disease | The kidneys are responsible for removing excess magnesium from the body through urine. If this doesn't happen properly in someone with kidney problems, magnesium can build up in the body and become toxic. |
| If you have heart disease | Because magnesium affects heart function, people with pre-existing heart disease should be especially careful when taking this medication. |
| If you have allergies to magnesium or other medications or foods | If you have had a previous allergy, it is imperative to inform your doctor about it. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | During this time, any medication can affect the baby, so do not use anything without medical advice. |
How exactly do I use this pill?
As the doctor said, it is very important to take the right amount at the right time.
- Take with a glass of water: Take this pill with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew: This is the most important thing. These are "extended-release" pills, so they should be swallowed whole. If you break or crush them, the entire dose of medication can be absorbed into your body at once, which can cause dangerous side effects.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take your medicine, 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 two doses at the same time.
- Overdose: If you think you have overdosed, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is prescribed for you only. Do not give it to a friend who has the same symptoms as you. Everyone's body is different.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
If you are taking magnesium tablets while taking other medications, the two medications may interact. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (even vitamins, Panadol).
| Type of medicine | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Such as Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline , Tetracycline. |
| Medicines for heart disease | Such as Digoxin, Nifedipine. |
| Vitamin D and calcium supplements | These can affect the body's absorption of magnesium. |
| Other magnesium-containing medications | Some antacids and laxatives used for gastritis may contain magnesium. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, Ayurvedic or herbal supplements .
Possible side effects
Like any medication, magnesium tablets can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are dangerous, while others are common.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased magnesium levels in the body | Confusion, excessive sleepiness, flushing, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Usually nothing to worry about (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Diarrhea | This is a common side effect. It usually subsides within a few days. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- Take magnesium tablets as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time.
- If these are "Extended-Release" tablets, do not break, crush, or chew them for any reason. Swallow them whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and Ayurvedic products you are taking.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions, such as kidney disease or heart disease, before starting medication.
- If you experience severe allergy symptoms such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Although this is a supplement, it is also a medicine. Therefore, use it with caution and only under medical advice.
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