Magnesium Depletion
Drug Side Effects
Can be a Deadly Problem
Magnesium Depletion is a side effect of some drugs that can have deadly consequences. Magnesium deficiency occurs when magnesium is lost because of the effects of the drug. Some drugs, like diuretics- also called 'water pills', simply cause magnesium deficiency due to the excess urine that they produce.
While taking magnesium is an option, and should be recommended far more often by doctors, for those who take diuretics- taking magnesium when taking Quinolone Antibiotics is not an option as it actually inactivates the activity of the antibiotics themselves. But other drugs, like the Quinolone Antibiotics, actually BIND the magnesium in your body, leading to magnesium deficiency by a process called Magnesium Chelation. Either of these processes has the same effect- magnesium depletion leading to Magnesium Deficiency. What Can Happen from Magnesium DepletionMany of the dangerous side effects of these drugs are a result of these magnesium losses. One of the most dangerous is a condition called Prolonged QT Interval which can cause heart rhythm disturbances and even lead to sudden death. It is this action that likely accounts for the high rates of Sudden Death in Heart Failure patients as they routinely take diuretics. In animal studies, this magnesium wasting effect of the Quinolone Antibiotics has led to a condition called Chondrotoxicity and Cipro Tendonitis, where the cartilage and tendon fails to grow properly in children or becomes damaged and even ruptured in adults! This has led to an across the board caution for these antibiotics not to be used in children at all! Other effects from magnesium deficiency are the Signs of Magnesium Deficiency that are simply EVERYWHERE when you know what to look for. 'Subclinical' magnesium deficiency is actually a huge problem that causes severe and mild chronic problems in tens of thousands in western countries. But these are rarely recognized due to the fact that standard laboratory blood Magnesium Level testing is completely inaccurate and unable to detect most magnesium deficiencies. How to Avoid Magnesium Deficiency from DrugsIdeally, you would stay away from these drugs in the first place if possible. The majority of drugs, like diuretics, that cause Magnesium Depletion also tend to cause electrolyte losses of potassium, sodium and other trace minerals that can be problematic in the short run AND the long run. Other drugs, like the Quinolone Antibiotics, have other toxic Side Effects that are best avoided. If you can't avoid taking these drugs, for MOST of these drugs, you can take magnesium with them following the guidelines on the Magnesium Dosage page. But be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist because taking Magnesium with Quinolone Antibiotics will inactivate them and cause them not to work. Drugs That Can Deplete MagnesiumThere are many drugs, substances and conditions (like sweating!) that can deplete magnesium. You can refer to each individual drug if you are concerned about Magnesium Depletion. While not a complete list of all of the drugs that can deplete magnesium, it's a start:  |
