Magnesium Oxide: Dosage, Importance, Side Effects, and Interactions

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is essential for normal bone structure in the body. Magnesium is vital for many systems in the body, especially the nerves and muscles. 

People get magnesium from their diet, but sometimes magnesium supplements are required if magnesium levels are too low. Dietary consumption of magnesium may be low, especially among women. Low magnesium levels in the body have been connected to diseases such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, hereditary heart disease, clogged arteries, diabetes, and stroke.

Magnesium oxide is utilized as a supplement to maintain adequate magnesium in the body. Magnesium oxide also works as an antacid to treat indigestion or as a laxative to help occasional constipation. 

Magnesium Oxide Dosage

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium for young adults is 400 mg per day for men and 310 mg per day for women. In adults over 30 years old, the RDA is 420 mg per day for men and 320 per day for women.

Magnesium oxide supplements should be used by mouth with meals to decrease stomach upset. For pregnant women 18 or older, the requirements are raised to 350–360 mg per day.

Magnesium supplements are taken orally. Magnesium oxide is available in 140-mg capsules as well as 400- and 425-mg tablets. Magnesium gluconate is available in 500-mg tablets. Supplements should not be chewed or crushed because doing so will raise the risk of side effects. 

If you take magnesium supplements, they should be used daily and at the same time every day to get the most benefit. The dose should not be increased without a doctor’s consent. If you are taking a magnesium oxide supplement, any missed doses should be taken as soon as you remember—if it is already time for the next dosage, you can skip the missed dose. 

Though magnesium oxide provides many health benefits, too much magnesium in the blood can cause severe side effects.

Anyone who considers they have low magnesium levels should discuss with their doctor. The most common symptoms of deficiency are fatigue, muscle cramping, depression, and irritability.

Importance of Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium is an essential mineral for your body and brain. Here are some ways that magnesium can improve your health.

• Constipation. Magnesium oxide supplement is helpful as a laxative for constipation and to prepare the bowel for medical procedures.

• Indigestion. Taking magnesium by mouth as an antacid decreases symptoms of heartburn. Many magnesium compounds can be used, but magnesium hydroxide appears to work the fastest.

• Magnesium deficiency. Taking magnesium helps treat and prevent magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency generally occurs when people have liver disorders, vomiting or diarrhea, heart failure, kidney dysfunction, and other conditions.

• High blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia). Giving magnesium intravenously (by IV) or as a shot is deemed the treatment of choice for reducing high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) and treating eclampsia, which involves the development of seizures. 

 Side Effects Associated With Using Magnesium Oxide

Common side effects of Magnesium Oxide include:

• Gastrointestinal irritation

• Diarrhea with an excessive dose

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: difficult breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop using magnesium oxide and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Rectal bleeding;

• Coughing up blood or vomit that seems like coffee grounds;

• No bowel movement after taking magnesium oxide as a laxative.

• Tarry or bloo

Magnesium Oxide Drug Interactions

If your doctor has advised you to use this medication, your pharmacist or doctor may already be aware of any potential drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, change, or stop the dosage of any medicine before checking with your healthcare provider, doctor, or pharmacist first.