10 Side Effects of Antacids
Side Effect #10: Hypermagnesemia
Hypermagnesemia refers to a high level of magnesium in the blood. It can lead to symptoms such as decreased breathing rate, weakness, decreased reflexes, and confusion. If severe, it can cause complications such as cardiac arrest and low blood pressure.
Hypermagnesemia is most commonly caused by the ingestion of antacids, especially among those with kidney failure. Other potential causes include seizures, prolonged ischemia, and tumor lysis syndrome. Hypermagnesemia occurs if the magnesium level in the blood is more than 1.1 mmol/l, while severe cases occur if the level is more than 2.9 mmol/l. Electrocardiogram changes may also be present.
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