Drug guide

Uro-Mag

Uro-Mag description. Magnesium is used as a dietary supplement for individuals who are deficient in magnesium. Although a balanced diet usually supplies all the magnesium a person needs, magnesium supplements may be needed by patients who have lost magnesium because of illness or treatment with certain medicines. Lack of magnesium may lead to irritability, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat. Injectable magnesium is given only by or under the supervision of a health care professional. Some oral magnesium preparations are available only with a prescription. Others are available without a prescription.

Why prescribed Uro-Mag. Magnesium is an element your body needs to function normally. Magnesium oxide may be used for different reasons. Some people use it as an antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. Magnesium oxide also may be used as a laxative for short-term, rapid emptying of the bowel (before surgery, for example). It should not be used repeatedly. Magnesium oxide also is used as a dietary supplement when the amount of magnesium in the diet is not enough. Magnesium oxide is available without a prescription. Uro-Mag is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How used Uro-Mag. Magnesium oxide comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken one to four times daily depending on which brand is used and what condition you have. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take magnesium oxide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Take any other medicine and magnesium oxide at least 2 hours apart. If you are using magnesium oxide as a laxative, take it with a full glass (8 ounces) of cold water or fruit juice. Do not take a dose late in the day on an empty stomach. Do not take magnesium oxide as an antacid for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to. Do not take magnesium oxide as a laxative for more than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to.

Some brand names:
- Phillips' Magnesia Tablets
- Phillips' Milk of Magnesia
- Slow-Mag
- Uro-Mag