Indications

Magnox is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

Relief of symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency.
Cardiovascular disorders including palpitations, irregular heartbeat, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and mild to severe hypertension.
Neuromuscular disorders including tetany, muscle spasms, gastrointestinal cramps, increased neuromuscular excitability and calf cramps.
Conditions associated with cramps and stress in newborns and small children.
Gynecological and obstetric conditions such as preterm uterine contractions, cervical insufficiency, premature rupture of membranes, eclampsia, pre-eclampsia and painful menstruation.
Orthopedic conditions involving calcification and ossification disorders.
Prevention of recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation.
Adjunctive treatment in diabetes mellitus and migraine.

Pharmacology

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body and is essential for over 600 cellular reactions. Magnesium Oxide is used to prevent or treat magnesium deficiency. It plays an important role in bone health and normal brain, heart and muscle function.

Magnesium prevents or controls convulsions by blocking neuromuscular transmission and reducing the release of acetylcholine at motor nerve endings. It has a depressant effect on the central nervous system but does not adversely affect the mother, fetus or newborn when used appropriately in eclampsia or pre-eclampsia.

Approximately 24% to 76% of orally administered magnesium is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, mainly in the small intestine. About 20% of serum magnesium is protein-bound, primarily to albumin. Magnesium is not significantly metabolized and is predominantly excreted through the kidneys.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children over 12 years of age:

The recommended daily dose is 1 to 2 tablets.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Renal Impairment

Do not use in patients with severe kidney failure.

Hepatic Impairment

There is no available information regarding dosage adjustment in liver failure.

Drug Interactions

Consult a physician before taking Magnox with:

Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers.
Antibiotics such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, quinolones, nitrofurantoin and penicillamine.
Digoxin.
Lithium.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Cellulose sodium phosphate.
Other magnesium-containing preparations.
Barbiturates, opioids and hypnotics.
Nifedipine.

The absorption of levothyroxine may be reduced when taken together with magnesium. A minimum interval of 4 hours should be maintained between administration of these two medicines.

Contraindications

Severe kidney disease unless advised by a physician.
Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Common

Diarrhoea
Abdominal cramping

Serious

Itching
Skin rash or hives
Mood or mental changes
Dizziness or light-headedness
Weakness
Unusual fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting

Consult a physician immediately if serious adverse effects occur.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use during pregnancy without consulting a physician.

Do not use during breastfeeding without consulting a physician.