1. Forms of Medicinal Magnesium
Magnesium is used in medicine in various forms:
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Magnesium hydroxide – often used as an antacid or laxative.
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Magnesium citrate – a laxative, sometimes used before bowel procedures.
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Magnesium sulfate – can be given intravenously for severe conditions like pre-eclampsia or low magnesium levels.
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Magnesium oxide – commonly used as a supplement to prevent or treat magnesium deficiency.
2. Uses in Medicine
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Electrolyte replacement: Treats low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia).
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Laxative/Antacid: Relieves constipation and heartburn.
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Heart & Muscle Health: Helps prevent irregular heartbeats and muscle cramps.
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Pregnancy-related complications: Magnesium sulfate can prevent seizures in severe pre-eclampsia.
3. How It Works
Magnesium is important for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including:
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Nerve and muscle function
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Heart rhythm regulation
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Bone health
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Energy production
4. Side Effects
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Diarrhea (especially with oral forms like magnesium citrate or hydroxide)
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Nausea or stomach upset
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Rarely, with high doses: low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat
Important: Magnesium medicine should be taken under medical supervision, especially in people with kidney problems.
If you want, I can make a quick table of the common medicinal forms of magnesium, their uses, and doses, which is super handy for study or quick reference. Do you want me to do that?