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Magnesium is indicated for a variety of diseases due to its variety of effects within the body. Administration of magnesium can be divided into FDA-approved and non-FDA-approved forms. Magnesium is also commonly used in over-the-counter products. This activity will highlight the mechanism of action, adverse event profile, pharmacology, monitoring, and relevant interactions of magnesium, pertinent for interprofessional team members in treating patients with conditions where magnesium is indicated. Objectives: Identify the physiological processes in which magnesium is involved. Assess the indications for endogenously administered magnesium therapy. Evaluate the contraindications and toxicity of magnesium therapy. Communicate interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination to properly use magnesium to improve patient outcomes in the varied scenarios where magnesium is effective. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Hypermagnesemia: Serum Magnesium Concentration Greater than 2.6 mg/dL Hypermagnesemia is a potential effect of administering magnesium. If too much magnesium is administered too quickly, hypermagnesemia may ensue. Symptoms include vasodilation causing flushing, hypotension, hyporeflexia, and respiratory depression. With a magnesium concentration above 6 mg/dL, electrocardiogram changes can consist of PR prolongation, widening of QRS, and peaked T waves. Cardiac arrest occurs whenever levels are above 15 mg/dL.[7][9][5] Hypermagnesemia is less common than hypomagnesemia. The most significant cause of hypermagnesemia is renal failure causing increased retention of magnesium. It can also occur in the overuse of magnesium-containing laxatives and antacids.[2] Treatment for hypermagnesemia includes calcium gluconate, diuresis, or dialysis. Maintaining circulatory and respiratory support for those with severe hypermagnesemia is important. Intravenous furosemide is the diuretic of choice, as it increases magnesium excretion.[10][5]

Magnesium is a vital mineral for many bodily functions. However, unless patients are diagnosed with hypomagnesemia, this mineral should not be empirically recommended by the prescribing clinicians, including MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs. These days, many people consume magnesium supplements because of a false understanding of how to correct the condition. Excessive magnesium intake is not safe either, as it can lead to hypotension, hyporeflexia, and respiratory depression. With a magnesium concentration above 6 mg/dL, electrocardiogram changes can include PR prolongation, widening of QRS, and peaked T waves. Cardiac arrest occurs whenever levels are above 15 mg/dL. When intravenous magnesium is administered, the nurse should constantly monitor the vital signs, especially blood pressure.[10] While magnesium is generally safe, given the potential for severe issues in specific cases, the interprofessional team needs to be aware of the patient's supplemental magnesium intake and record such in the patient's health record. This way, the team can make medical decisions based on complete and accurate data. It is incumbent on each interprofessional team member to provide input based on their area of expertise and counsel the patient on the appropriate use of the drug. Pharmacists need to examine the possibility of drug-drug interactions and report to the prescriber as appropriate. An interprofessional approach involving clinicians, mid-level practitioners, pharmacists, and nursing staff collaborating on the activities and openly sharing case information provides the safest and most successful patient care.