Search results
People also ask
What happens if you overdose on milk of Magnesia?
What if I miss a dose of milk of Magnesia?
What are the side effects of milk of Magnesia?
Can you take milk of Magnesia if you take other medications?
How do you take milk of Magnesia?
May 26, 2023 · What happens if I overdose on Milk Of Magnesia (Magnesium Hydroxide)? Overdose symptoms may include severe diarrhea, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and little or no urination. Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms of a magnesium overdose
- How likely is a magnesium overdose?
- Risk factors and treatment
- Medications that contain magnesium
- Why a person needs magnesium
- Sources of magnesium
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
High magnesium levels (hypermagnesemia) can result from taking too many magnesium supplements. It can lead to lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrest.
The body needs magnesium for more than 300 biochemical processes.
Having too much magnesium in the blood is uncommon. It is more likely to occur in people with existing health conditions, such as kidney failure.
Excessive dosage of supplements or medications can also cause hypermagnesemia.
If the body has absorbed too much magnesium, a person may notice any of the following symptoms, which can range from mild to very severe:
•lethargy
•facial flushing
•diarrhea
•nausea
•stomach cramps
Severe overdoses of magnesium are rare in otherwise healthy people. Getting too much magnesium from the diet is not typically a cause for concern.
Occasionally, a high dosage of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause mild symptoms of an overdose, including diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
The following forms of magnesium are most likely to cause these symptoms:
•magnesium carbonate
•magnesium chloride
•magnesium gluconate
The risk factors for a magnesium overdose include:
•having kidney disease
•taking too many supplements or medications that contain magnesium
The first treatment for hypermagnesemia is to stop consuming magnesium in supplements or medications. Other treatments include:
•intravenous (IV) fluids
•diuretics
Laxatives, in particular, often contain high levels of magnesium, due to its natural laxative effects. Although these medications provide more than the recommended amount of magnesium, the body usually does not absorb it all.
For example, 1 tablespoon of milk of magnesia contains 500 mg of elemental magnesium. A daily dose for adults is up to 4 tablespoons per day, but the body excretes much of the magnesium because of the medication’s laxative effects.
The body requires magnesium to stay healthy. It is essential for over 300 processes, including:
•muscle function
•nerve function
•protein synthesis
•bone formation
•DNA synthesis
Foods
Magnesium is present in many foods, including: •legumes, such as black beans and kidney beans •nuts, including almonds, cashews, peanuts, and peanut butter •whole grains, such as brown rice and oats •potatoes, when a person eats the skin •leafy green vegetables, such as spinach •fortified breakfast cereals •soy products, including soymilk and edamame •dairy products, such as milk and yogurt There is no need to limit the amount of magnesium in the diet if the body can excrete it through the kidneys.
Supplements
People can take supplements to meet their magnesium requirements. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, most people in the United States do not get enough magnesium from their diets alone. However, by taking supplements, most people get more magnesium than necessary.
Topical magnesium sources
Some believe that the body can absorb magnesium particularly well through the skin, in a process called transdermal absorption. For this reason, a person may try meeting their requirements by using Epsom salts or topical magnesium oils. However, little if any scientific research currently supports the idea.
How do I know if I have not had enough magnesium?
If someone suspects that they are not getting enough magnesium, they will likely notice muscle cramps or twitches and an increase in fatigue. If a person suspects that they have a magnesium deficiency, they should schedule a visit with their doctor to have a blood test and confirm their magnesium levels.
Is 500 mg of magnesium too much?
The recommended dietary allowance of magnesium for an adult male over 31 years old is 420 milligrams (mg) per day. For an adult female of the same age who is not pregnant, it is 320 mg. Having too much magnesium in the form of supplements can cause symptoms such as abdominal cramping and nausea. Extremely high dosages can cause magnesium toxicity, which can be fatal. Usually, however, the kidneys normally filter out any extra magnesium the body may not need.
How much magnesium is too much during pregnancy?
For pregnant people, the recommended dietary allowance of magnesium is 350 mg a day.
Magnesium is essential for well-being, but too much can cause problems, including digestive issues, lethargy, and an irregular heartbeat. In rare cases, a magnesium overdose can be fatal.
Magnesium toxicity is rare in otherwise healthy people, and levels are more likely to be low than high.
People with conditions affecting the kidneys are among those at risk of absorbing too much magnesium. The risk of death is highest in older adults with renal failure.
A person is unlikely to overdose from magnesium in the diet, but supplements and medications can provide too much magnesium.
- Jayne Leonard
Aug 11, 2023 · Stop using Milk of Magnesia and call your doctor at once if you have: severe nausea , vomiting , or diarrhea ; no bowel movement after using the medicine as a laxative;
- (45)
- Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Milk of Magnesia...
- Do not use Milk of Magnesia without a doctor's advice if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for yo...
- Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.The c...
- Since Milk of Magnesia is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remem...
- Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include severe diarrhea, muscle weakness, moo...
- Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,...
- Other drugs may interact with magnesium hydroxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each...
Key Takeaways. Magnesium overdose is rare but can happen from excessive supplement use. Symptoms of too much magnesium include digestive issues and muscle weakness. People should consult a doctor before taking magnesium supplements. Understanding Magnesium. Magnesium is a crucial mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions.
Mar 16, 2023 · Milk of magnesia usually relieves constipation within 6 hours of taking it. If a person does not have a bowel movement after using milk of magnesia, they should stop using it and talk with a...
- Amanda Barrell
Feb 12, 2024 · Taking too many magnesium supplements or magnesium-containing medications can result in a magnesium overdose or toxicity. A magnesium overdose, which results from high levels of magnesium in the blood, is called hypermagnesemia.
May 1, 2024 · Risk factors. See a doctor. Takeaway. While rare in a person without certain chronic health conditions, you can overdose on magnesium. Symptoms can include digestive issues and respiratory...
