Magnesium is an essential mineral used by every organ system in the body. Supplements like magnesium glycinate help correct common deficiencies. Some people wonder whether magnesium negatively interacts with certain prescription drugs or medical conditions.
Medications impacted by magnesium
- Antibiotics – Magnesium sometimes reduces the absorption of certain antibiotics like quinolones and tetracyclines if taken too closely together. These drugs bind to metals, allowing less absorption if magnesium levels rise too high. Avoid supplements 1-2 hours before or after taking affected antibiotics.
- Diabetic & insulin medications – Magnesium helps regulate carbohydrate metabolism and insulin receptors. Those on insulin or oral diabetes drugs should only supplement under medical guidance. Blood glucose levels may drop too low if uncoordinated. Work with your healthcare provider to adjust meds as needed with added magnesium.
- Blood pressure medications – Magnesium relaxes blood vessels, naturally lowering blood pressure. Using magnesium alongside prescription blood pressure pills potentially amplifies effects. Monitor your pressure after starting supplements in coordination with your pharmacist or doctor. Adjust antihypertensives downward slowly and cautiously if levels dip too far.
- Muscle relaxers & pain medications – Magnesium has natural muscle relaxants and neuropathic pain-relieving properties. Taking magnesium glycinate could enhance the effects of certain muscle relaxants and narcotic pain medicines due to additive impacts. Use discretion with dosing of both concurrently.
- Diuretics – Magnesium imbalances sometimes stem from taking diuretics like Lasix (furosemide) and HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) that flush out minerals. Anyone on these meds long-term requires sufficient magnesium replacement to avoid depletion issues. Coordinate with the prescribing doctor to supplement as needed.
A few categories of drugs may theoretically be less effective if taking extra magnesium due to impacts on absorption pathways.
- Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis
- Antimicrobials like rifampin
- Thyroid hormones like levothyroxine
However, loss of efficacy seems more likely with very high doses of magnesium well above the RDA. Stick within normal supplemental ranges unless specifically directed otherwise by your physician.
General safety recommendations
Start low & go slow – When beginning to take magnesium glycinate or increase your dosage, increment slowly while monitoring body signals. This minimizes the risk of loose stools as your tolerance adapts. Finding your personalized ideal daily amount this way maximizes wanted benefits while preventing undesirable GI effects.
Watch for signs of excess – If you experience diarrhea lasting more than a day or two after taking supplemental magnesium, scale back your last dose. Abdominal cramping can also signal overdoing levels. Topping out beyond personal tolerance presents differently for each individual. Pay attention as your body acclimates.
Check with your doctor – Discuss adding top magnesium supplements with your physician if you take any medicines, especially cardiac, diabetic, or blood pressure drugs. Those with kidney dysfunction should exercise particular caution and stick to conservative doses unless otherwise directed.
While quite safe for most people lacking contraindications, carefully coordinating magnesium glycinate supplementation alongside your particular health profile and medication routine remains sensible. But, don’t let unnecessary worry prevent harnessing all the benefits magnesium offers for optimizing wellness and vitality.