Magnesium
Uses
Magnesium is distributed all through the body. It is present in the body tissues, fluids, muscles and the bones. It is necessary for the maintenance of the good health of the nerves, heart muscle, bones and the nervous system.
Symptoms of Deficiency
Weakness, tiredness, muscle pain, heart disturbance, sleep disturbance. It affects both the brain and the body.
Causes of Deficiency
Poor diet, bowel problems, alcohol abuse, diuretics, diabetes, high calcium intake, liver or kidney diseases.
Natural Sources
Fish, meat, milk, seeds, nuts, whole grain, green leafy vegetables.
Dosage
Discuss the dosage
and duration of use with the pharmacist before taking the medication. It can be
taken with other medications for other conditions on the advice of a pharmacist
or a doctor.
Recommended daily dose is 250-300 mg for adults.
Overdosage
If serious overdosage then contact the poison control center or emergency room. If you miss a dose then take it as soon as remembered, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and go back to the regular dosing regimen. If taken an extra dose by mistake then contact the pharmacist or a doctor.
Some of the symptoms of overdosage include muscle cramps, diarrhea, tiredness, low blood pressure, dry mouth.
Pregnancy
Tell the pharmacist/doctor if pregnant or planning to become pregnant or if breast feeding.
Possible Side Effects
When starting to take any new medication, if one notices any side-effect, contact the physician or pharmacist:
Dry mouth, tiredness, muscle cramps/weakness, diarrhea, low blood pressure, flushing, kidney stones.
Interactions
This is not an all inclusive list, discuss it with the pharmacist:
Alcohol, digoxin, tetracycline, diuretics, oral contraceptives, calcium, vitamin D.
Storage
Store medication in a safe place at room temperature; away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or on top of the fridge. Out dated medications must be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
Warnings
Avoid magnesium supplement in kidney diseases or heart problems.
Tell the pharmacist/doctor your complete medical history.
One must inform the pharmacist or doctor if taking any prescription medication, over the counter medication, herbal or alternative medications before starting any new medication, food supplement, herb or vitamin.
