Magnesium 300mg Capsules

Manufacturer NATIONAL VITAMIN Active Ingredient Magnesium(mag NEE zee um) Pronunciation mag-NEE-zee-um
It is used to treat or prevent low magnesium levels.
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Drug Class
Dietary Supplement; Mineral; Electrolyte Replacement
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Pharmacologic Class
Essential Mineral; Cation
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Pregnancy Category
Not formally assigned (Generally considered safe)
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FDA Approved
Jan 1970
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Magnesium is an important mineral that your body needs for many functions, like keeping your muscles and nerves working properly, maintaining a healthy heart rhythm, and building strong bones. This capsule helps ensure you get enough magnesium, especially if your diet doesn't provide enough.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication Correctly

To get the most benefit from your medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully read all the information provided with your prescription, and follow the instructions closely. When taking your medication, be sure to:

Take it with food to help your body absorb the medication properly
Swallow the medication with a full glass of water

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication:

Store it at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding areas with high humidity
Keep it away from heat sources and direct light
Do not store your medication in a bathroom
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you forget to take a dose of your medication, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in magnesium (e.g., leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes).
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol intake, which can deplete magnesium.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 300 mg elemental magnesium orally once daily (for supplementation)
Dose Range: 200 - 400 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Magnesium Deficiency: 200-400 mg elemental magnesium orally 1-2 times daily, adjusted based on serum levels and tolerance.
Constipation (as laxative): Higher doses (e.g., 1-2 grams of magnesium citrate or hydroxide) may be used, but 300mg capsule is typically for supplementation.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established (Consult pediatrician for specific dosing)
Infant: Not established (Consult pediatrician for specific dosing)
Child: Not established for 300mg capsule; elemental magnesium doses vary by age and weight (e.g., 65-110 mg/day for 1-3 years, 130-240 mg/day for 4-8 years).
Adolescent: Not established for 300mg capsule; elemental magnesium doses vary by age (e.g., 360-410 mg/day for 14-18 years).
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution; monitor serum magnesium.
Moderate: Reduce dose; monitor serum magnesium closely. Risk of hypermagnesemia.
Severe: Contraindicated due to high risk of hypermagnesemia.
Dialysis: Contraindicated; magnesium is not effectively removed by dialysis and accumulation can occur.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate: No specific adjustment needed.
Severe: No specific adjustment needed.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Magnesium is an essential mineral and cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those involved in ATP production, DNA and RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and cellular energy metabolism. It plays a crucial role in nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, cardiac rhythm, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. It also contributes to the structural development of bone.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Variable (25-60% depending on salt form, dose, and individual factors)
Tmax: Not well-defined for oral supplementation; effects are gradual.
FoodEffect: Absorption may be slightly reduced by high fiber or phytate-rich foods; generally taken with food to minimize GI upset.

Distribution:

Vd: Approximately 0.5-0.7 L/kg (total body magnesium is about 25g, with 50-60% in bone, 39% intracellular, 1% extracellular)
ProteinBinding: Approximately 25-30% (bound to albumin)
CnssPenetration: Limited (maintains tight regulation of CSF levels)

Elimination:

HalfLife: Not applicable for a mineral; body turnover is continuous. Serum half-life is short (hours) but tissue stores are long-term.
Clearance: Primarily renal excretion; glomerular filtration followed by tubular reabsorption.
ExcretionRoute: Renal (urine), small amounts in feces and sweat.
Unchanged: 100%
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Gradual (days to weeks for deficiency correction); immediate for laxative effect (hours).
PeakEffect: Not applicable for supplementation; steady state achieved over time.
DurationOfAction: Continuous as long as supplementation is maintained.

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe stomach upset or vomiting

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to monitor your response to the medication. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance:

* Diarrhea

Important Note

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects, so don't hesitate to contact them if you need assistance.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe diarrhea or persistent stomach upset
  • Unusual muscle weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing (rare, with very high doses)
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular blood tests will be necessary, as directed by your doctor, to monitor your condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, notify your doctor immediately. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Muscle weakness
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
  • Absent deep tendon reflexes
  • Respiratory depression
  • Cardiac arrest (in severe cases)

What to Do:

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222). Treatment may involve intravenous fluids, diuretics, and in severe cases, calcium gluconate to counteract magnesium's effects.

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min)
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Major Interactions

  • Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): Magnesium can chelate these antibiotics, significantly reducing their absorption. Administer at least 2-4 hours apart.
  • Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline): Similar to quinolones, magnesium can chelate tetracyclines, reducing absorption. Administer at least 2-4 hours apart.
  • Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate): Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of bisphosphonates. Administer at least 30 minutes to 2 hours apart.
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Moderate Interactions

  • Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem): Concomitant use may lead to additive hypotensive effects or increased risk of bradycardia.
  • Digoxin: Hypermagnesemia can potentiate the effects of digoxin, increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Diuretics (loop and thiazide): Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) and thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) can increase renal excretion of magnesium, potentially leading to hypomagnesemia with long-term use.
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride): May increase serum magnesium levels, especially in patients with renal impairment.
  • Neuromuscular blockers (e.g., rocuronium, succinylcholine): Magnesium can enhance the effects of neuromuscular blockers, leading to prolonged paralysis.
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Minor Interactions

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole): Long-term use of PPIs can reduce magnesium absorption, potentially leading to hypomagnesemia.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Serum Magnesium Level

Rationale: To assess baseline status, especially if deficiency is suspected or high doses are planned.

Timing: Prior to initiation, if clinically indicated.

Renal Function (Serum Creatinine, eGFR)

Rationale: Magnesium is primarily renally excreted; impaired renal function increases risk of accumulation and toxicity.

Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in elderly or those with risk factors for kidney disease.

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Routine Monitoring

Serum Magnesium Level

Frequency: Periodically, especially with high doses, prolonged use, or in patients with renal impairment or other risk factors for hypermagnesemia/hypomagnesemia.

Target: 1.7-2.2 mg/dL (0.70-0.90 mmol/L)

Action Threshold: If > 2.5 mg/dL (hypermagnesemia) or < 1.7 mg/dL (hypomagnesemia), investigate cause and adjust dose.

Symptoms of Hypermagnesemia

Frequency: Daily, especially during initiation or dose changes.

Target: Absence of symptoms

Action Threshold: Muscle weakness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, absent deep tendon reflexes.

Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia

Frequency: Daily, if deficiency is being treated.

Target: Absence of symptoms

Action Threshold: Muscle cramps, tremors, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping)
  • Muscle weakness or fatigue
  • Lethargy or drowsiness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
  • Irregular heartbeat (rare, with significant hypermagnesemia)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Magnesium is generally considered safe and often beneficial during pregnancy, particularly for conditions like leg cramps or pre-eclampsia (though IV magnesium is used for pre-eclampsia). Oral supplementation at recommended doses is not associated with adverse fetal effects.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: No known specific risks at recommended supplemental doses.
Second Trimester: No known specific risks at recommended supplemental doses.
Third Trimester: No known specific risks at recommended supplemental doses.
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Lactation

Magnesium is considered safe during breastfeeding. It is a natural component of breast milk, and supplementation at recommended doses is unlikely to cause adverse effects in the infant.

Infant Risk: Low risk (L1 - Safest)
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Pediatric Use

Dosing must be carefully determined by a healthcare professional based on age, weight, and specific needs. Risk of hypermagnesemia is higher in infants and young children, especially with impaired renal function. Not typically recommended for self-administration in children without medical guidance.

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Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may have reduced renal function, increasing the risk of magnesium accumulation and hypermagnesemia. Lower doses or more frequent monitoring of serum magnesium levels may be necessary. They may also be more susceptible to the laxative effects.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Magnesium comes in various salt forms (e.g., oxide, citrate, glycinate, malate), which differ in elemental magnesium content and bioavailability. Magnesium oxide, while common, has lower bioavailability than forms like citrate or glycinate.
  • Oral magnesium is commonly used for dietary supplementation, constipation, muscle cramps, and migraine prophylaxis.
  • The laxative effect of magnesium is dose-dependent and more pronounced with certain salt forms (e.g., magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide).
  • Patients should be advised to take magnesium supplements at least 2-4 hours apart from certain antibiotics (quinolones, tetracyclines) and bisphosphonates to prevent reduced absorption of these medications.
  • Symptoms of magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) can include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias or seizures.
  • Symptoms of magnesium excess (hypermagnesemia) include diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, lethargy, and in severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Dietary sources of magnesium (e.g., leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes)
  • Other mineral supplements (e.g., calcium, potassium, if indicated for other deficiencies)
  • For constipation: Fiber supplements, stool softeners, other laxatives.
  • For muscle cramps: Potassium supplementation, hydration, stretching.
  • For migraine prophylaxis: Riboflavin, CoQ10, Butterbur, Feverfew (herbal remedies), or prescription medications.
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Highly variable (e.g., $5 - $30) per 30-100 capsules
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Generally not covered by insurance as it is an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement, unless specifically prescribed for a medical condition and a prescription is filled at a pharmacy.
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.