Magnesium Oxide Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
Antacid, laxative, dietary supplement
Forms:
Tablet, capsule
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
- Heartburn and acid indigestion
- Constipation
- Magnesium deficiency
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Magnesium Oxide Drug Class
Magnesium oxide (mag-nee-zee-uhm ox-ide) is an antacid, laxative, and dietary supplement.
Magnesium Oxide Age Range
Magnesium oxide is generally safe for adults and children over the age of 6 years. Do not give this supplement to a child younger than 6 years.
Magnesium Oxide Uses
Magnesium Oxide Uses
Magnesium supplements are over-the-counter medications. They act as antacids and are used to treat heartburn and acid indigestion. Magnesium supplementation is also used in people who don’t have enough magnesium in their diet. In addition, magnesium supplements are used for short-term laxative effect, i.e., to rapidly empty the bowels, for example, before surgery. However, magnesium oxide should not be used repeatedly as a laxative.
Note that there are other forms of elemental magnesium available, such as magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium malate, magnesium lactate, magnesium glycinate, and others. These other forms of magnesium supplements vary in their medical uses, how easily they are absorbed, and their potential side effects.
There may be other uses of magnesium oxide. Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can give you further drug information.
Magnesium Oxide Mechanism of Action
Magnesium oxide contains elemental magnesium, which counteracts stomach acid and helps relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. In addition, magnesium oxide passes into the intestines and causes them to release more water into the stool. This softens the stool and has laxative effects. In people with low magnesium levels, Mag-Ox 400 provides supplemental magnesium to make up for the lack of magnesium in the diet.
Magnesium Oxide Doses
Magnesium oxide is available as 400 mg tablets and capsules. The dose can vary with the specific product and the condition being treated. The usual dose of magnesium oxide used as an antacid is 1 tablet by mouth twice a day. A magnesium supplement for low magnesium levels is usually taken 1-2 tablets by mouth once a day.
Magnesium Oxide Directions
How To Use Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide comes in the form of a tablet or capsule to be taken by mouth with water 1-4 times a day.
Read the package instructions on your magnesium supplement carefully. Do not take a bigger dose or more frequent doses than indicated on the package or prescribed by your doctor. Do not stay on magnesium oxide supplements for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.
If you are taking magnesium oxide as a laxative to regularize bowel habits, take it with a full glass (240 mL or 8 ounces) of cold water or fruit juice. Do not take it on an empty stomach late in the day. Also, make sure you do not take magnesium oxide as a laxative for more than one week without talking to your doctor.
Take magnesium oxide at least 2 hours away from other medications for the most benefit.
Missed dose: If you are taking magnesium oxide regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage: Store magnesium oxide at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Unused magnesium oxide should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw magnesium oxide in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded magnesium oxide is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on magnesium oxide. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about magnesium oxide, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.
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Magnesium Oxide Side Effects
Magnesium Oxide Side Effects
Possible side effects of magnesium oxide are listed below. Call your doctor if these side effects are severe or persistent after a few days.
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
Some of the adverse effects of magnesium oxide can be more serious. Call your doctor right away or seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Skin rash, hives, itching, or other signs of allergic reactions
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Weak pulse
- Dizziness
- Extreme drowsiness
- Mental changes
- Slow reflexes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of magnesium oxide. Tell your doctor if the side effects are unusual or severe or they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Magnesium oxide Overdose: In case of an overdose of magnesium oxide, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the local poison control center or national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If a person has trouble breathing, cannot be awakened, or has had a seizure, call 911. Overdose symptoms may include flushing, nausea, dizziness, lack of energy, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and abnormal heartbeat.
Magnesium Oxide Warnings
Magnesium Oxide Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Magnesium oxide can cause or worsen health conditions in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options if you are at increased risk of complications from magnesium oxide use.
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Precautions Before Starting Magnesium oxide
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to magnesium oxide, other antacids, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients in magnesium oxide supplements.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a full list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Magnesium oxide may not be right for people with certain medical conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, intestinal diseases, and high blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt or low-sugar diet.
Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breast feeding (this medicine may pass into breast milk and affect a nursing baby).
Precautions During Use of Magnesium Oxide
Tell all your healthcare professionals you are taking magnesium oxide.
Stop using magnesium oxide and call your healthcare provider immediately if you have bloody or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee-grounds, or you are coughing up blood.
Call your doctor if you become pregnant while on magnesium oxide.
Magnesium Oxide Drug Interactions
Certain other drugs can affect how magnesium oxide works. Possible interactions between magnesium oxide and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions.
The following medications may have interactions with magnesium oxide:
- Other antacids
- Medicines used to treat stomach ulcers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Other laxatives
- Aspirin
- Diuretics or water pills
- Certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and doxycycline
- Bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax)
- Anticoagulants or blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)
- Vitamins
The above list may not describe all possible interactions of magnesium oxide. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, OTC (non-prescription) medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professionals if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with medications and supplements.
Magnesium Oxide Pros & Cons
Magnesium Oxide Pros and Cons
- Magnesium oxide contains elemental magnesium which has several health benefits. It is required for the normal functioning of many body systems.
- You can purchase magnesium supplementation products like Mag-Ox 400 without a doctor’s prescription.
- Using magnesium oxide is not recommended in children younger than 6 years.
- High magnesium levels from magnesium supplementation can cause serious side effects.
- Mag-Ox 400 and other magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea and other side effects.
Magnesium Oxide Pharmacist Tips
Magnesium Oxide Tips from Pharmacists
Elemental magnesium is available in various forms and dosage strengths. Read the package label carefully to ensure you are taking the correct form and dose.
Keep in mind that most people do not need magnesium supplementation. You can get enough magnesium from foods like nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
Stay well hydrated while taking magnesium oxide. Tell your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness, lightheadedness, or reduced urinary output.
Magnesium Oxide Rx Savings Tips
Magnesium Oxide Rx Savings Tips
Magnesium oxide is a generic medication and is available at significantly lower prices than the brand names. Brand names Mag-Ox 400, Uro-Mag, and Maox and generic magnesium oxide contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx magnesium oxide coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic forms of the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Magnesium oxide may be under $7.00 for 90 tablets of the 400 mg dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on magnesium oxide, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx magnesium oxide discount coupon when you purchase dietary supplements.
Lowest Price for Magnesium Oxide | |
| Brand $9.28 | Generic $6.98 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Magnesium Oxide Common Questions
Common Questions about Magnesium Oxide
Is it okay to take magnesium oxide every day?Magnesium oxide is generally safe to take. However, you should not take magnesium oxide for more than 1 week as a laxative or more than 2 weeks as an antacid without talking to your doctor. High doses or long-term use of a magnesium supplement can lead to serious side effects |
What is magnesium oxide best for?Magnesium oxide is an effective antacid. It can help to relieve symptoms of heartburn and acid indigestion. This supplement also acts as a laxative. It can help supplement magnesium in people with low magnesium levels. Magnesium may also lower blood pressure and have other health benefits. |
Who should not take magnesium?People with heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, intestinal diseases, and high blood pressure should not take supplemental magnesium without talking to their healthcare provider first. |
Is magnesium oxide good for sleep?Some studies have found that taking magnesium oxide is good for sleep. It has been found to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and reduce the number of nighttime awakenings. However, you should not take magnesium oxide long-term as it can have severe side effects. Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatments for insomnia. |
What vitamins don’t go with magnesium oxide?Experts recommend taking your magnesium oxide at least 2 hours away from other medications, including vitamins and multivitamins. This is because magnesium can affect the absorption of other vitamins and minerals. |
What is the price of magnesium oxide without insurance?Without insurance, magnesium oxide can be as high as $19.82, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $6.98 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of magnesium oxide with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on magnesium oxide—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for magnesium oxide. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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