5 medicines one should not take with magnesium supplements

Magnesium serves as a necessary mineral for the body which enables muscle and nerve function, and supports bone structure as well as heart health. The scarcity of magnesium in food sources prompts numerous people to select magnesium supplements as their health-promoting remedy. However, the combination of magnesium with particular medicines produces undesirable interactions which result in adverse reactions. Here are 5 such medications one should not take with magnesium supplements (images are representational)

Tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) show unfavorable interactions with stomach magnesium. Antibiotics show reduced body absorption because magnesium forms complexes that prevent their absorption. Because of this, Antibiotics become ineffective in fighting infections when they are taken. Patients need to take their antibiotics either before or after their magnesium supplement dosage, at least two to six hours apart. The simultaneous use of these medications increases the risk of an infection that either remains untreated or grows more severe.

Bisphosphonate medications including alendronate and risedronate, demand special attention from patients who use them because they impact bone strength. These medications absorb less effectively in the human body, because magnesium presence blocks their entry. Patients need to wait between 30 to 60 minutes after taking their osteoporosis medications before consuming magnesium-containing products to avoid this problem. Delaying osteoporosis medication intake after treatment reduces its therapeutic value and may lead to higher bone fracture risks in the future.

Blood pressure medicines referred to as calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil) work by relaxing blood vessel walls. Using magnesium together with blood vessel relaxation agents leads to excessive blood pressure reduction which causes dizziness, fainting and irregular heartbeats. Patients who take blood pressure medications need to consult with their doctor before starting magnesium supplements. The healthcare provider should conduct more frequent blood pressure checks and modify medications to stop negative side effects from occurring.

Patients who have heart conditions or BP issues, frequently use diuretics also known as water pills to eliminate body salt and water. Patients who receive either loop diuretics (furosemide) or thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide), experience decreased blood magnesium concentrations. Spironolactone and other potassium-sparing diuretics cause blood magnesium levels to increase. Diuretic and magnesium supplement combination usage results in either magnesium accumulation or depleted magnesium levels below normal range. A magnesium imbalance with other elements creates muscle weakness and abnormal heart rhythms, while leading to dangerous health problems.

The thyroid hormone drug levothyroxine requires specific conditions for absorption because it reacts strongly to variations in absorption. The consumption of magnesium with this medication, reduces the body's ability to properly absorb it. The thyroid function medication becomes less effective due to magnesium interference, which leads to inadequate thyroid symptom control. Medical professionals state that patients should take levothyroxine as their first medication in the morning on an empty stomach, while waiting at least four hours to consume magnesium supplements or any antacids containing magnesium. The correct timing of these medications will ensure they function as intended.

Sources

Medications you should avoid taking with magnesium - 1mg

5 Medications You Shouldn't Mix with Magnesium - EatingWell

Magnesium Oxide: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Magnesium - Uses, side effects, and more - WebMD

8 Magnesium Interactions You Should Know About - GoodRx

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice