Magnesium gluconate is used to treat low blood magnesium. Low blood magnesium is caused by gastrointestinal disorders, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, kidney disease, or certain other conditions. Certain drugs lower magnesium levels as well.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Magnesium gluconate comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day, depending on your condition. Follow the directions on your prescription label or package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take magnesium gluconate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To prevent side effects, magnesium gluconate should be taken with meals. If you are taking an extended-release (long-acting) product, do not chew or crush the tablet. There are some tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.