Taking Magnesium? 7 Medicines You Should Discuss With Your Doctor
Magnesium is an essential mineral, but magnesium supplements can interact with certain medications. That doesn’t necessarily mean you must avoid magnesium—it may simply require different timing, a dose adjustment, or medical supervision.
1. Certain Antibiotics
Magnesium can bind to some antibiotics in the digestive tract and reduce how much medicine your body absorbs.
2. Levothyroxine
Magnesium-containing products can reduce absorption of levothyroxine. They generally need to be taken at different times.
3. Bisphosphonates
Medicines such as alendronate can have reduced absorption when taken too close to magnesium.
4. Some Diuretics
Certain water pills can affect magnesium levels in the body. Your healthcare professional may need to monitor your mineral levels.
5. Some Heart or Blood-Pressure Medicines
Magnesium can potentially interact with certain medications, so it’s important to review your complete medication list with a pharmacist or doctor.
6. Muscle Relaxants or Other Medicines Affecting Nerves and Muscles
High doses of magnesium can affect muscle and nerve function, making medication review particularly important.
7. Medicines When Kidney Function Is Reduced
This is especially important. The kidneys remove excess magnesium from the body, so people with significant kidney disease can be at greater risk of magnesium buildup.
Timing Can Matter
For some medications, the solution isn’t avoiding magnesium altogether—it is separating the doses by several hours. The correct interval depends on the specific medicine.
Don’t Stop Your Medication
Never stop a prescribed medicine simply because you’re taking magnesium. Instead, show your doctor or pharmacist every supplement and medication you use, including over-the-counter products.
