Magnesium oxide side effects

Information on Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide is an antacid which is commonly used for thetreatment of constipation, indigestion and similar digestion problems, due toits very potent acidity and laxative properties. Magnesium oxide may sometimesbe associated with the occurrence of certain side effects. Some people mayexperience no side effects at all, while other may experience minor orsometimes even severe side effects. The most common side effect which iscommonly associated with the use of magnesium oxide is diarrhea. If a personexperiences any of the severe side effects after using magnesium oxide,immediate medical attention must be sought. Severe side effects of magnesiumoxide may or may not include vomiting, rash, slow reflexes, nausea, itching,tarry stools, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, tightness in thechest, swelling of the lips, swelling of the mouth and swelling of the face.Hypermagnesemia is also commonly affiliated with the use of magnesium oxide.Mild instances of this medical condition are usually tolerable, but severe andeven moderate instances of hypermagnesemia may affect the cardiovascular andnervous system.

Side Effects of Magnesium Oxide

Gastrointestinal side effects of magnesium oxide include diarrheaand magnesium toxicity, while there have also been certain rare cases whichincluded paralytic ileus. Magnesium oxide is known for suppressing theneuromuscular junction and the neuromuscular transmission. The levels of serummagnesium usually determine the severity of these side effects. Mild increaseof the levels may result in sedation, decreased tendon reflexes, mentalconfusion and muscle weakness. Moderate increase of the levels may result in alow blood pressure and slower respiratory rate. Severe changes of the levels usuallytrigger respiratory paralysis, coma, mental depression and areflexia. Somecases may even be ended by death. The most common cardiovascular side effectsof magnesium oxide include bradyarrhythmia, depressed myocardial conductivityand hypotension. Peripheral vasodilation commonly triggers all the cardiovasculareffects of magnesium oxide. Cardiotoxicity and asystole may also be present incertain rare cases. Renal insufficiency, digitalis therapy, acidosis,hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia all increase the risk of the occurrence of theaforementioned side effects. Suppressed release of the parathyroid hormonecombined with renal tubular absorption of magnesium and calcium may be heldresponsible for the occurrence of hypocalcemia. These side effects may becomplicated even further and result in hypercalciuria and a decreasedreabsorption of calcium. These medical conditions actually aggravate the hypocalcemia,which is the most common metabolic side effect of magnesium oxide.