Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Magnesium supplements should be taken with meals. Taking magnesium supplements on an empty stomach may cause diarrhea.

For individuals taking the extended-release form of this dietary supplement:

  • Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew or suck on the tablet.
  • Some tablets may be broken or crushed and sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your health care professional first, since this should not be done for most tablets.

For individuals taking the powder form of this dietary supplement:

  • Pour powder into a glass.
  • Add water and stir.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules, chewable tablets, crystals for oral solution, extended-release tablets, enteric-coated tablets, powder for oral solution, tablets, oral solution):
    • To prevent deficiency, the amount taken by mouth is based on normal daily recommended intakes (Note that the normal daily recommended intakes are expressed as an actual amount of magnesium. The salt form [e.g., magnesium chloride, magnesium gluconate, etc.] has a different strength.):

      For the U.S.

      • Adult and teenage males—270 to 400 milligrams (mg) per day.
      • Adult and teenage females—280 to 300 mg per day.
      • Pregnant females—320 mg per day.
      • Breast-feeding females—340 to 355 mg per day.
      • Children 7 to 10 years of age—170 mg per day.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—120 mg per day.
      • Children birth to 3 years of age—40 to 80 mg per day.

      For Canada

      • Adult and teenage males—130 to 250 mg per day.
      • Adult and teenage females—135 to 210 mg per day.
      • Pregnant females—195 to 245 mg per day.
      • Breast-feeding females—245 to 265 mg per day.
      • Children 7 to 10 years of age—100 to 135 mg per day.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—65 mg per day.
      • Children birth to 3 years of age—20 to 50 mg per day.
    • To treat deficiency:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children—Treatment dose is determined by prescriber for each individual based on severity of deficiency.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss taking your magnesium supplement for one or more days there is no cause for concern, since it takes some time for your body to become seriously low in magnesium. However, if your health care professional has recommended that you take magnesium, try to remember to take it as directed every day.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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