Magnesium is an essential mineral and used by the body for proper function in everything from the heart and muscles to the kidneys. Many foods contain magnesium, including whole-grains, nuts and chocolate, however, despite being readily available through nutrition, it is possible to suffer from a deficiency. Symptoms of deficiencies include muscle pain and soreness, abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety and confusion or an inability to focus. Deficiencies can usually be treated with a supplement, such as chelated magnesium; the chelate makes the magnesium easier to digest. There are some drugs that should not be taken with magnesium chelate.
Antibiotics
Magnesium can interfere with some types of antibiotics, such as the quinolone and tetracycline classes. Taking magnesium one to two hours before or after ingesting the antibiotics can result in a decreased absorption of the medication. This can be dangerous if you are trying to fight off or heal from a serious infection. These types of antibiotics are usually used to treat respiratory, urinary tract and sinus infections.
Blood Pressure Medications
Some people who take certain blood pressure medications may experience adverse side affects when combining them with magnesium. These side effects can be quite dangerous and include dizziness, nausea and fluid retention. Consult a physician to learn whether your particular medication reacts negatively with magnesium.
Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid. Taking magnesium chelate along with levothyroxine can interfere with the absorption of the thyroid medication and therefore reducing its effectiveness. Avoid taking magnesium within four hours of ingesting the levothyroxine.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
It can be common for postmenopausal women to consume magnesium chelate supplements since magnesium levels tend to decrease during menopause. People undergoing hormone replacement therapy should have their magnesium levels tested before taking the supplement. The hormone therapy can help to prevent the magnesium levels from dropping, so doing both at once can result in too much magnesium.
Digoxin
Derived from leaves of the digitalis plant, digoxin is used to treat congestive heart failure and heart rhythm disorders in the atria. Patients who take digoxin should have their magnesium levels tracked by a physician before taking supplements.
Pencillamine
Magnesium chelate can be ineffective in patients who are taking penicillamine, which is used to treat Wilson’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. This possibility is increased in patients taking high doses of penicillamine, or those have been treated with the drug for an extended period of time. Consult with your doctor if you are magnesium deficient and taking penicillamine for the best course of treatment.
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