Magnesium Oxide Healing

Magnesium oxide is a white powder often prescribed in tablet or capsule form either as an antacid or laxative. Sometimes magnesium oxide is used as a dietary supplement for patients with magnesium deficiency. Magnesium oxide has a higher percentage of magnesium than other magnesium salts. Magnesium oxide may be part of over-the-counter preparations or it may be prescribed.

Magnesium Supplement

• Lab tests may reveal that magnesium levels in your blood are too low. Low levels may result from frequent vomiting or diarrhea, alcoholism or a poor diet (artichokes, spinach, legumes, nuts and whole grains are high in magnesium). Magnesium oxide may be recommended in cases of poorly controlled diabetes and digestive absorption problems. Postmenopausal women who are not on hormone replacement therapy may have it prescribed as well.

Dosing

• Take magnesium oxide two hours apart from other medications. Ask your doctor about the right dosage, frequency and duration. If used as a laxative, magnesium oxide should be taken with a full glass of water. It should not be taken on an empty stomach if late in the day. Generally, treatment is short: a maximum of two weeks as an antacid and one week as a laxative or dietary supplement.

Side Effects

• Mild side effects can include diarrhea, stomach upset or cramping. If taken in powder form, inhaling the fumes can cause fever symptoms and a metallic taste in the mouth. Allergic reactions may include dizziness; fainting; difficulty breathing and swallowing; and swelling of your face, lips or tongue. Consult your doctor before taking magnesium oxide if you have heart or kidney problems. Taken over too long a period, magnesium oxide may cause low blood pressure, osteoporosis or heart disease.