magnesium oxide

[megsquirrel]

Lately several of my home care patients have orders for magnesium oxide 400 mg BID and in one case, TID.

All of these patients have a cardiac dx, mostly CHF. When I asked why the mag oxide supplement, the patients told me it was for their heart.

I've been looking around, but I'm finding limited imformation about mag oxide.....mainly that it's a supplement and it's "good" for muscles and nerves.

Does anyone have any information for me???

Thanks!

[EastCoast]

Hi,

It is probably to aid with maintaining potassium balance as the patient may be on a diuretic. Magnesium loss can induce further potassium deficiency. Giving mag helps decrease the amount of potassium loss and giving potassium minimzes magesium loss. When i check electrolytes i also check the mag. too. Seldom will i replace a random low potassium without checking a mag. This is especially important in alcoholics who tend to be more mag depleted than the others.

Hope this helped.

[megsquirrel]

Makes sense! Thanks!

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

From what I've read nearly everyone in the States is magnesium deficient. It's claimed to be calming for the heart, and essential for proper rate control (besides its other effects as mentioned, i.e., muscle and nerve control).

Only true test for it is intracellular.

BTW, mag oxide is poorly absorbed. Glycinate or chelated is supposed to be significantly better.