Hypermagnesemia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC

Hypermagnesemia
Magnesium on the periodic table
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Nausea, vomiting, neurological impairment, hypotension, cardiac arrest
Complications	Respiratory depression, cardiac arrest
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Renal failure, excessive intake of magnesium-containing medications
Risks	Kidney disease, lithium therapy, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease
Diagnosis	Blood test showing elevated magnesium levels
Differential diagnosis	Hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia
Prevention	Avoidance of excessive magnesium intake, monitoring in at-risk patients
Treatment	Calcium gluconate, diuretics, dialysis
Medication
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Hypermagnesemia is a condition characterized by an excess of magnesium in the blood. It is a relatively rare condition, often caused by excessive intake of magnesium from dietary supplements or medications, and less commonly, from foods that are high in magnesium.

Causes

The most common cause of hypermagnesemia is the overconsumption of magnesium, usually in the form of dietary supplements or medications. This can occur when individuals take more than the recommended daily amount of magnesium. Other causes can include kidney disease, which can reduce the body's ability to remove excess magnesium, and certain types of chemotherapy, which can cause the body to release more magnesium into the blood.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hypermagnesemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may not cause any symptoms. However, as the level of magnesium in the blood increases, symptoms can become more severe. These can include nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and drowsiness. In severe cases, hypermagnesemia can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest, and even death.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypermagnesemia is typically made through a blood test that measures the level of magnesium in the blood. Other tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for hypermagnesemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This can include discontinuing the use of magnesium supplements or medications, treating kidney disease, or adjusting chemotherapy treatments. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

See also

• Hypomagnesemia
• Magnesium (element)
• Magnesium in biology
• Magnesium deficiency (medicine)