Magnesium und Arzneimittel

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Medications and Magnesium balance

Some medications decrease the absorption of the mineral in the intestine, while others increase magnesium excretion via the kidneys. Consult your doctor if you are taking medicines from the group listed here!

Stomach acid blockers

So-called proton pump inhibitors are often used for heartburn. They curb the formation of gastric acid. As a result, the absorption of nutrients in the stomach is impaired - which also means that too little magnesium is supplied to the body.

Dehydration tablets/diuretics

Diuretics promote the excretion of fluid and thus relieve the heart. They are used primarily in the treatment of cardiac insufficiency. A side effect of diuretics is that they flush magnesium and other minerals out of the body.

ACE inhibitors

High blood pressure, cardiac insufficiency, renal insufficiency and myocardial infarction are the main areas of application for ACE inhibitors. They affect blood pressure regulation in the kidneys, leading to increased fluid excretion. This also depletes the body of magnesium.

Digitalis

Digitalis preparations have been used to strengthen the heart for 200 years. Exactly how they work, however, has only recently been investigated. It is known that they affect the magnesium balance. If you use such preparations, your magnesium status should be monitored regularly.

Laxatives

Laxatives are used for constipation and before bowel examinations. They stimulate the bowel's own movement and thus lead to its rapid emptying. As a result, they massively interfere with the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract.

Estrogen

The pill and other hormonal contraceptives often contain estrogen. They are also used in hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms. Estrogens lower magnesium levels and can thus lead to a deficiency of the mineral.