⚠️ Taking Magnesium? These Medications Need Extra Attention
The claim that you should “never use magnesium” with certain medicines is too strong. Magnesium supplements can interact with some medications, mainly by reducing their absorption, while some medicines can alter magnesium levels. (ODs)
Medicines to watch for
- Certain antibiotics 💊
Magnesium can interfere with absorption of tetracyclines such as doxycycline and quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. They generally need to be separated by several hours. (ODs) - Bisphosphonates 🦴
Medicines such as alendronate can be absorbed less effectively when taken too close to magnesium supplements. (ODs) - Diuretics (“water pills”) 💧
Some diuretics increase magnesium loss through urine, while others can decrease it. This may require monitoring rather than automatically avoiding magnesium. (ODs) - Long-term proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Medicines such as omeprazole and lansoprazole can sometimes cause low magnesium levels when used for a prolonged period. (ODs) - Some thyroid medicines
Magnesium-containing products can interfere with absorption of certain oral medicines. If you take thyroid medication such as levothyroxine, ask your pharmacist about appropriate spacing and follow the medication’s instructions. (MedlinePlus)
🩺 One more important caution
People with significantly reduced kidney function need particular caution with magnesium supplements because the kidneys normally remove excess magnesium. Very high magnesium levels can cause low blood pressure, weakness, breathing problems, abnormal heart rhythms, and potentially cardiac arrest. (ODs)
Don’t stop a prescribed medication or magnesium supplement without medical advice. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications, vitamins, supplements, antacids, and laxatives you’re taking so they can check for interactions. (ODs)
