Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium Oxide: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is magnesium oxide?

Magnesium oxide is an over-the-counter supplement made of magnesium and oxygen ions. It can treat conditions like constipation, heartburn, indigestion, depression, migraines, and magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is a naturally forming alkaline metal that is important for our organs and systems, particularly the muscles and nerves. Magnesium oxide is derived when oxygen is exposed to magnesium salts in underground deposits or seawater. Magnesium oxide contains more magnesium than any other magnesium supplement.

What are the uses of magnesium oxide?

This mineral supplement prevents and treats low magnesium levels in the blood. Some brands also treat stomach-related ailments like excess stomach acid, preventing stomach upsets, heartburn, and indigestion.

Organs and tissues require magnesium to function normally. Poor nutrition, alcoholism, severe diarrhea and vomiting, uncontrolled diabetes, or stomach and intestinal absorption issues can cause your body to lose magnesium faster than it can replace it. In such cases, magnesium supplements may help to relieve headaches and symptoms of low blood pressure and blood sugar.

Magnesium oxide may also have uses not listed in this medication guide.

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    What are the side effects of magnesium oxide?

    Although magnesium oxide is quite helpful for your body, it does possess some side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you face any of these symptoms while administering this drug:

    • Diarrhea
    • Dizziness
    • Excessive tiredness
    • Itching
    • Mood swings
    • Nausea
    • Skin rashes or hives
    • Stomach cramping
    • Weakness
    • Vomiting

    If you experience any of these side effects, you or the doctor can send a health report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or call 1-800-332-1088.

    What is Magnesium Oxide

    Uses of Magnesium Oxide

    Side effects of Magnesium Oxide

    References

    1. Magnesium Oxide: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
    2. Magnesium oxide Uses, Side Effects & Warnings
    3. Magnesium Oxide
    4. drug monograph Magnesium Oxide Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
    5. Magnesium Oxide (Mag-Ox 400) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings
    6. Magnesium Oxide: Side Effects, Dosages, Treatment, Interactions, Warnings
    7. Magnesium oxide: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action
    8. Magnesium Oxide Side Effects, Dosage & Uses | Children’s Pittsburgh
    9. Magnesium – Health Professional Fact Sheet
    10. Magnesium oxide | MgO – PubChem 
    11. Hypermagnesemia – Wikipedia
    12. Types of magnesium: Differences, benefits, and side effects

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Magnesium Oxide

    Magnesium oxide is a magnesium-containing compound coupled with oxide ions. It is chemically basic and has a pH level of 8–10. But these basic properties are not very strong, as its oxide ions are weakly bound. It reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide which is also a base.

    Both magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide are stable at high temperatures and are typically mostly insoluble in water. Magnesium oxide (MgO) reacts with water (H2O) under certain conditions to form the alkaline magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2). MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2 This reaction can be reversed by heating the solution.

    You can take magnesium oxide daily for nutritional purposes, but most tablet or capsule brands recommend only 250 mg per day. You can obtain the rest of the magnesium your body requires from your diet. You should take the medicine with approximately one glass (~250ml) of water with a meal.

    Magnesium oxide may help in improving how well you sleep, as it plays a significant role in strengthening the nervous system. It activates system mechanisms that can calm you and improves sleep quality. It can also help to reduce depression and anxiety, which are two of the main factors behind disturbed sleep.

    High dosages of magnesium oxide may cause dangerously high levels of magnesium in your blood. Some people may experience side effects such as bloating and diarrhea. These, in turn, reduce the effectiveness of other medications. Take precautions to keep this medication out of children’s reach to avoid unwanted consumption.

    A 2003 study found that the body absorbs magnesium citrate more effectively than magnesium oxide. Doctors also prescribe a dosage of magnesium citrate for treating constipation. On the other hand, some may face undesirable digestive side effects, like diarrhea, with magnesium citrate. Your doctor will consider your medical history and symptoms before prescribing either magnesium oxide or citrate.

    Magnesium oxide is generally safe when you take the appropriate dosage. However, excessive magnesium oxide over long periods can result in high magnesium levels in the blood, or hypermagnesemia, an electrolyte disorder. The complications of hypermagnesemia, like lowered breathing rate and decreased reflexes, can prove to be fatal thus adequate precautions must be taken while administering the drug.

    Don’t take magnesium oxide as an antacid for over 2 weeks unless your doctor prescribes it to you. Don’t use it as a laxative for over a week, unless you’re specifically prescribed an appropriate dosage for a longer duration. Take suitable precautions as this supplement can have side effects like diarrhea, stomach upsets, bloating, and gas.

    Magnesium regulates neurotransmitters that signal the nervous system and brain. Some studies have found that magnesium oxide can work as a natural treatment for anxiety and depression in select populations. A 2017 review found that magnesium oxide, when supplemented with vitamin B6, reduced anxiety and stress in women with premenstrual syndrome.

    Yes, magnesium oxide can help you to lose belly fat when accompanied by a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a definite calorie count as per your Body Mass Index (BMI). If you’re looking at magnesium oxide as a supplement for losing abdominal fat, ensure you’re also following a healthy fitness regime. Our team at Yashoda Hospitals is on a constant search for offering the best healthcare practices. We are committed to superior quality and performance and advanced healthcare technology for your safe treatment. Consult our medical experts today for solving your queries regarding the uses, side effects, dosages, and precautions of magnesium oxide and other medications.