Magnesium overdose symptoms

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Magnesium Overdose Symptoms: Key Clinical Manifestations

Cardiovascular Symptoms of Magnesium Overdose

Magnesium overdose, also known as hypermagnesemia, can cause serious cardiovascular problems. Common symptoms include hypotension (low blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and in severe cases, cardiac conduction delays, asystole (cardiac arrest), and even death if not treated promptly 135. These symptoms are especially dangerous because they can develop quickly after an overdose, particularly when magnesium is given intravenously in high doses or by mistake 135.

Neurologic and Neuromuscular Effects

High levels of magnesium in the blood can depress the central nervous system, leading to severe mental depression, coma, and apnea (temporary cessation of breathing) 1235. Neuromuscular symptoms may include flaccid paralysis (loss of muscle tone and strength), muscle weakness, and loss of reflexes 12. These effects can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Vomiting and nausea are common early signs of magnesium toxicity 12. These symptoms may appear before more severe cardiovascular or neurologic complications develop, serving as an early warning sign of overdose 12.

Risk Factors and Causes

Magnesium overdose most often occurs in people with kidney problems, as their bodies cannot remove excess magnesium efficiently . However, accidental overdose can also happen due to medication errors, especially in hospital settings where intravenous magnesium is used 135. Confusing drug labels and varying units of measurement can contribute to these errors 13.

Summary of Key Symptoms

Hypotension and bradycardia (low blood pressure and slow heart rate) 135
Cardiac arrest and conduction delays 35
Flaccid paralysis and muscle weakness 12
Severe mental depression, coma, and apnea 1235
Vomiting and nausea 12

Conclusion

Magnesium overdose is a medical emergency that can cause severe cardiovascular, neurologic, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical to prevent life-threatening complications. Most cases are due to accidental overdose, especially in hospital settings, highlighting the importance of careful medication management and awareness of the symptoms of magnesium toxicity 1235.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Iatrogenic magnesium overdose: 2 case reports

Iatrogenic magnesium overdose in animals can be managed with prompt recognition and supportive care, leading to a good clinical outcome.

Case Report

2004·

26citations

·C. B. Jackson et al.

Magnesium poisoning with analytical aspects and its management

Magnesium poisoning can cause severe health issues, including depression of the CNS, neuromuscular and cardiovascular manifestations, with symptoms including vomiting, nausea, and paralysis.

2020·

4citations

·A. K. Jaiswal et al.

Iatrogenic magnesium overdose: two case reports.

Iatrogenic intravenous magnesium overdose can cause cardiac arrest and death, with one patient successfully resuscitated and another dying three days later.

Case ReportHighly Cited

1996·

71citations

·Robert J. Vissers et al.

Magnesium and Health

Magnesium deficiency can cause neuromuscular symptoms and neurologic disturbances, with mild to moderate deficits often causing nonspecific symptoms.

2019·

3citations

·M. Barbagallo et al.

Iatrogenic magnesium overdose in a patient with suspected acute myocardial infarction.

Iatrogenic magnesium overdose in an emergency department can cause bradycardia, hypotension, and apnea, highlighting the need for education on dosing regimens and adverse effects in emergency medicine.

Case Report

1995·

3citations

·W. Frohna

Magnesium deficiency and cardiac disorders.

Magnesium deficiency can cause serious cardiac arrhythmias, and its use is beneficial in treating hypomagnesemic or digitalis-toxic tachyarrhythmias.

Case ReportHighly Cited

1975·

252citations

·L. Iseri et al.

Magnesium-induced ketamine toxicity

Blood magnesium levels may affect the side effects of ketamine, leading to 'K-hole' symptoms in patients with hypomagnesaemia.

Case ReportRigorous Journal

2021·

0citations

·R. McConnell et al.

CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF THE USE OF MAGNESIUM IN OBSTETRICS, GYNECOLOGY AND PERINATOLOGY

Magnesium sulfate is recommended as the treatment of choice for premature birth, pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia, with neuroprotective effects on the fetus, but its use is limited due to potential overdose risks and deficiency issues.

2016·

1citation

·K. Dadak et al.

Effect of chronic administration of magnesium supplement (magnesium glycinate) on male albino wistar rats’ intestinal (Ileum) motility, body weight changes, food and water intake

Magnesium supplements can decrease intestinal motility through the beta adrenergic receptor pathway, potentially causing discomfort like bloating, vomiting, constipation, and nausea.

RCTAnimal Study

2023·

5citations

·Ekementeabasi Aniebo Umoh et al.

Magnesium and Drugs

Magnesium and drugs interact, posing a potential risk for adverse effects on patient health, and a need for increased attention in medical and pharmaceutical practice to minimize these risks.

Highly Cited

2019·

92citations

·U. Gröber

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