Magnesium Oxide Uses

Magnesium supplements are over-the-counter medications. They act as antacids and are used to treat heartburn and acid indigestion. Magnesium supplementation is also used in people who don’t have enough magnesium in their diet. In addition, magnesium supplements are used for short-term laxative effect, i.e., to rapidly empty the bowels, for example, before surgery. However, magnesium oxide should not be used repeatedly as a laxative. 

Note that there are other forms of elemental magnesium available, such as magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium malate, magnesium lactate, magnesium glycinate, and others. These other forms of magnesium supplements vary in their medical uses, how easily they are absorbed, and their potential side effects. 

There may be other uses of magnesium oxide. Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Magnesium Oxide Mechanism of Action

Magnesium oxide contains elemental magnesium, which counteracts stomach acid and helps relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. In addition, magnesium oxide passes into the intestines and causes them to release more water into the stool. This softens the stool and has laxative effects. In people with low magnesium levels, Mag-Ox 400 provides supplemental magnesium to make up for the lack of magnesium in the diet.

Magnesium Oxide Doses

Magnesium oxide is available as 400 mg tablets and capsules. The dose can vary with the specific product and the condition being treated. The usual dose of magnesium oxide used as an antacid is 1 tablet by mouth twice a day. A magnesium supplement for low magnesium levels is usually taken 1-2 tablets by mouth once a day.