Generic name: magnesium gluconate [ mag-NEE-see-um-GLOO-koe-nate ]
Brand names: Mag-G, Magonate, Magonate Natal, Magtrate
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 21, 2024.

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. It is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves.

Magnesium gluconate is used as a supplement to treat low levels or to maintain adequate levels of this mineral in the body.

Magnesium gluconate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Before taking magnesium gluconate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to anything, or if you have have kidney disease. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use magnesium gluconate, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking this medicine

Before taking magnesium gluconate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to anything, or if you have have kidney disease. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use magnesium gluconate, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment. It is not known whether magnesium gluconate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take magnesium gluconate without telling your doctor if you are pregnant plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether magnesium gluconate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take magnesium gluconate without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take magnesium?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

Take this medication with a full glass of water. To help your body to better absorb magnesium gluconate, take the medication with a meal or just after eating.

Measure the liquid form of magnesium gluconate with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store magnesium gluconate at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a magnesium gluconate overdose may include flushing, a slow heartbeat, severe drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using magnesium gluconate unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Magnesium side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using magnesium gluconate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nausea or vomiting;

• fast or slow heart rate;

• feeling light-headed, fainting; or

• warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin.

Continue taking magnesium gluconate and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• diarrhea;

• bloating, gas; or

• upset stomach.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Related/similar drugs

What other drugs will affect magnesium?

Certain antibiotics should not be taken at the same time as magnesium gluconate because they may not be absorbed as well by your body. If you are taking an antibiotic, avoid taking it within 2 hours before or after you take magnesium gluconate.

Before taking magnesium gluconate, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• naladixic acid (NegGram);

• penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen);

• an antibiotic such as tetracycline (Brodspec, Sumycin, Tetracap, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doryx, Doxy, and others), or minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others);

• a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin (Trovan); or

• a medication for osteoporosis or Paget's disease, such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel), or tiludronate (Skelid).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use magnesium gluconate, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect magnesium gluconate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Further information

• Your pharmacist has information about magnesium gluconate written for health professionals that you may read.

• Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
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