The claim “never use magnesium with these medications” is too strong. Magnesium supplements can interfere with the absorption of certain medicines, while some medications can alter magnesium levels.
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ODSPortal
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Medications that deserve particular attention
Doxycycline and other tetracycline antibiotics — magnesium can reduce their absorption.
Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and other quinolone antibiotics — magnesium can also reduce absorption.
Oral bisphosphonates, such as alendronate — magnesium can reduce absorption.
Some diuretics (“water pills”) — furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide can increase magnesium loss, while spironolactone and amiloride can reduce magnesium loss.
Long-term proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansoprazole — these can lower magnesium levels over prolonged use.
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ODSPortal
Timing matters
For doxycycline/tetracyclines, NIH guidance recommends taking the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after a magnesium-containing supplement. Oral bisphosphonates should generally be separated from magnesium by at least 2 hours.
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ODSPortal
Also, magnesium supplements aren’t automatically harmless. High supplemental doses can cause diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramps; extremely high levels can cause dangerous heart and blood-pressure problems. The adult upper limit from supplements and medications is generally 350 mg/day unless a healthcare professional recommends otherwise.
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ODSPortal
If you give me the names and doses of your medications (including vitamins/supplements), I can check which ones need to be separated from magnesium and by how long.
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