Magnesium gluconate (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Magnesium gluconate is used to treat low blood magnesium. Low blood magnesium is caused by gastrointestinal disorders, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, kidney disease, or certain other conditions. Certain drugs lower magnesium levels as well.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Magnesium gluconate comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day, depending on your condition. Follow the directions on your prescription label or package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take magnesium gluconate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To prevent side effects, magnesium gluconate should be taken with meals. If you are taking an extended-release (long-acting) product, do not chew or crush the tablet. There are some tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food.

Special precautions

Before taking magnesium gluconate:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to magnesium gluconate or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other products with magnesium or tetracycline (Achromycin V, Panmycin, Sumycin), digoxin (Lanoxin), nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin), penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen Titratable), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, stomach problems, or intestinal disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking magnesium gluconate, call your doctor.

Special dietary instructions

A balanced diet usually provides enough magnesium. Sometimes supplements are necessary because of illness or medication use. Magnesium is found in a variety of foods, including green leafy vegetables, nuts, peas, beans, and cereal grains with the outer layers intact.

A high-fat diet may decrease the amount of magnesium you absorb from your diet. Over- cooking food also may decrease the amount of magnesium you absorb from your food. Follow the diet recommended by your doctor or dietitian. Ask if you are not sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Magnesium gluconate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

• diarrhea
• stomach upset

Severe Side Effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• stomach cramps
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• flushing of skin
• dizziness

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to magnesium gluconate.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Almora®
• Magtrate®
• Magonate®