Magnesium Supplements: Medicines You Should Check First
Magnesium is an important mineral, but magnesium supplements can interact with some medications and affect how well they work.
1. Certain antibiotics
Magnesium can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics, including tetracyclines and quinolones. Timing the doses apart may help, but follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions.
2. Osteoporosis medicines
Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of oral bisphosphonates such as alendronate.
3. Some diuretics
“Water pills” can change how much magnesium your body loses or retains.
4. Some acid-reducing medicines
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors can affect magnesium levels.
Important
You do not necessarily need to stop magnesium if you take one of these medicines. The right timing and dose depend on the specific medication.
If you take prescription medicines regularly, ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting a magnesium supplement.
Food sources of magnesium are generally safe, while high doses from supplements can cause diarrhea, nausea, and—at very high levels—serious heart problems.
