What is magnesium oxide side effects and Why Do We Use Them?

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Ates M, et al. (). Dose-dependent absorption profile of different magnesium compounds.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Banjanin N, et al. (). Changes of blood pressure and hemodynamic parameters after oral magnesium supplementation in patients with essential hypertension—An intervention study.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Blancquaert L, et al. (). Predicting and testing bioavailability of magnesium supplements.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Boyle NB, et al. (). The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress—A systematic review.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Dolati S, et al. (). The role of magnesium in pathophysiology and migraine treatment.
  https://link.springer.com/article/10./s-019--z
• Esumi S, et al. (). Effects of magnesium oxide on the serum duloxetine concentration and antidepressant-like effects of duloxetine in rats.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Hamedifard Z, et al. (). The effects of combined magnesium and zinc supplementation on metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Incorporating nutraceuticals for migraine prevention. ().
  https://americanheadachesociety.org/news/incorporating-nutraceuticals-for-migraine-prevention
• Karimi N, et al. (). The efficacy of magnesium oxide and sodium valproate in prevention of migraine headache: a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover study.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Kashihara Y, et al. (). Effects of magnesium oxide on pharmacokinetics of L-dopa/carbidopa and assessment of pharmacodynamic changes by a model-based simulation.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Kirkland AE, et al. (). The role of magnesium in neurological disorders.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Kuruvilla D, et al. (). Evidence based integrative treatments for headache.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Magnesium: Fact sheet for consumers. ().
  https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
• Magnesium and migraine. ().
  https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/magnesium/
• Magnesium for migraine prevention. ().
  https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/magnesium-migraine/
• Magnesium oxide. (n.d.).
  https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Magnesium-oxide
• Maor MR, et al. (). Effect of magnesium oxide supplementation on nocturnal leg cramps: A randomized clinical trial.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Moradian ST, et al. (). Oral magnesium supplementation reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal complications following cardiac surgery: a randomized clinical trial.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Mori H, et al. (). Magnesium oxide in constipation.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Mori S, et al. (). A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial on the effect of magnesium oxide in patients with chronic constipation.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Morishita D, et al. (). Senna versus magnesium oxide for the treatment of chronic constipation: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Pickering G, et al. (). Magnesium status and stress: The vicious circle concept revisited.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Shahbah D, et al. (). Oral magnesium supplementation improves glycemic control and lipid profile in children with type 1 diabetes and hypomagnesaemia.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Uberti F, et al. (). Study of magnesium formulations on intestinal cells to influence myometrium cell relaxation.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Uysal N, et al. (). Timeline (bioavailability) of magnesium compounds in hours: Which magnesium compound works best?
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Wang F, et al. (). Oral magnesium oxide prophylaxis of frequent migrainous headache in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Yamaguchi H, et al. (). Severe hypermagnesemia induced by magnesium oxide ingestion: a case series.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/
• Yoshida H, et al. (). Co-administration of magnesium oxide reduces the serum concentration of hydrophobic basic drugs in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//
• Yoshimura Y, et al. (). Pharmacokinetic studies of orally administered magnesium oxide in rats.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

What Is Magnesium Oxide?

Magnesium oxide (Mag-Ox®) supplements' main uses include treating low magnesium levels in the body. The body needs magnesium for normal functioning of nerves, muscles, and cells. Lack of magnesium after a liver transplant can lead to irritability, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or seizures. Magnesium-providing medications also can be used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach.

Meishen Product Page

Note: The best dietary sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, nuts, peas, beans, wheat germ, and grains. A high-fat diet causes the body to absorb smaller amounts of magnesium than normal to be absorbed. Cooking decreases the magnesium content of foods.

Magnesium Oxide Dosage

Magnesium supplements are taken orally. Magnesium oxide is available in 140-mg capsules as well as 400- and 425-mg tablets. Magnesium gluconate (Magonate®)is available in 500-mg tablets.

How to Properly Take Magnesium Oxide

Your child should swallow magnesium oxide along with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew magnesium oxide tablets. It is best to take magnesium supplements with or just after a meal to improve absorption. Do not take tacrolimus (Prograf, FK-506).

Missed Doses

If your child misses a dose of magnesium oxide, take it as soon as you or your child remembers. However, if it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your child’s usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Magnesium Oxide Side Effects

It is not uncommon to experience diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, and gas while taking magnesium supplements. If any of these side effects persists or becomes bothersome, inform your child’s transplant doctor or transplant coordinator.

For more magnesium oxide side effectsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

he side effects of magnesium oxide listed below occur only rarely. If your child experiences any of these, inform the doctor or coordinator immediately.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Slow reflexes
• Change in heart rate
• Flushing or faintness

Magnesium Oxide Drug Interactions

Tell your coordinator about all the medication your child uses, whether over-the-counter or prescription, so you can be warned of undesirable interactions and prevent them.

How to Store

Store magnesium oxide at room temperature.

Precautions for Children and Teenagers

Your child should take magnesium supplements exactly as prescribed. Do not take tacrolimus (Prograf, FK506). Avoid taking this medication within one hour of taking medications that are coated to prevent breakdown in the stomach. Avoid taking this medication within one to two hours of taking tetracycline or quinotone antibiotics. Magnesium supplements taken soon after these medications may interfere with their absorption.

Magnesium Oxide Availability

Most pharmacies stock magnesium oxide and magnesium gluconate.

For more information, please visit magnesium oxide vs hydroxide.