Never Use Magnesium Without Checking These Medication Interactions
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in normal muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and many other processes in the body. It is found naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
Magnesium supplements, however, can interact with certain medicines. The important issue is often timing and dosage, rather than having to avoid magnesium altogether.
1. Certain Antibiotics
Magnesium can bind to some antibiotics in the digestive tract and reduce how much of the medicine the body absorbs.
This includes certain tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline, and quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.
Because the appropriate spacing depends on the specific medicine, follow the instructions from your doctor or pharmacist rather than taking magnesium at the same time as these antibiotics.
2. Bisphosphonates for Bone Health
Some medicines used to treat osteoporosis, including oral bisphosphonates such as alendronate, can be absorbed less effectively when taken too close to magnesium-containing supplements or medicines.
The NIH notes that separating magnesium from an oral bisphosphonate by at least two hours can help minimize this interaction.
3. Some Diuretics
Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, can affect magnesium levels in different ways.
Some loop and thiazide diuretics can increase magnesium loss through urine, while potassium-sparing diuretics can reduce magnesium loss. This doesn’t automatically mean magnesium supplements are appropriate; the need for supplementation depends on the individual’s situation and laboratory results.
4. Certain Acid-Reducing Medicines
Some proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, can contribute to low magnesium levels when used for a long time.
This is different from saying that magnesium and these medicines cannot be used together. In some people, magnesium supplementation may be considered when a healthcare professional identifies low magnesium levels.
5. Other Medicines May Also Matter
Magnesium is also found in some antacids and laxatives, so it is important to consider all sources of magnesium, not just a bottle labeled “magnesium supplement.”
People taking several medicines should tell their doctor or pharmacist about vitamins, minerals, antacids, laxatives, and other supplements they use.
Don’t Stop Your Medicine on Your Own
If you take prescription medication and are considering a magnesium supplement, don’t stop or change your medication yourself.
A pharmacist or healthcare professional can check the exact medicines you take and tell you whether magnesium needs to be avoided, separated by several hours, or monitored.
Too Much Magnesium Can Also Cause Problems
High amounts of magnesium from supplements or magnesium-containing medicines can cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. Extremely high amounts can be dangerous, particularly when the kidneys cannot remove excess magnesium effectively.
Bottom Line
Magnesium is not automatically unsafe with every medication. The most important interactions involve certain antibiotics and osteoporosis medicines, while some other medicines can change magnesium levels in the body.
If you take medication regularly, check with a healthcare professional before starting a magnesium supplement rather than assuming that a supplement is harmless simply because magnesium is a natural mineral.
