Why is this medicine 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 should this medicine 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.
What special precautions should I follow?
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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
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.
What should I do if I forget to take 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.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Magnesium gluconate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:
- diarrhea
- stomach upset
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 ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of 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).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p ) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
What other information should I know?
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.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.