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What Is Magnesium Oxide?

Magnesium oxide is a magnesium salt found in over-the-counter antacids and dietary supplements. Current antacid tablets commonly contain 400 mg of magnesium oxide, equivalent to approximately 241.3 mg of elemental magnesium. They are labeled to relieve acid indigestion and upset stomach.

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What Is Magnesium Oxide?

Magnesium oxide is a magnesium salt found in over-the-counter antacids and dietary supplements. Current antacid tablets commonly contain 400 mg of magnesium oxide, equivalent to approximately 241.3 mg of elemental magnesium. They are labeled to relieve acid indigestion and upset stomach.

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How Does Magnesium Oxide Work?

Magnesium oxide reacts with stomach acid and helps neutralize excess acidity. Its magnesium content can also contribute to dietary magnesium intake. Unabsorbed magnesium can draw water into the intestines, producing a laxative effect in some patients.

Who Uses Magnesium Oxide?

Magnesium oxide antacid tablets are used by adults seeking temporary relief of acid indigestion or upset stomach. Magnesium oxide is also found in supplements used to increase magnesium intake. Patients with kidney disease or those taking prescription medicines require medical advice before use due to magnesium accumulation and possible drug interactions.

How Is Magnesium Oxide Dosed?

One current magnesium oxide antacid label directs one or two 400 mg tablets daily, with a maximum of two tablets in 24 hours unless a physician directs otherwise. Each tablet contains approximately 241.3 mg of elemental magnesium. Dosing for nutritional supplementation or other magnesium oxide products can differ from antacid directions.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Magnesium Oxide?

Magnesium oxide can cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Excessive intake can lead to hypermagnesemia, particularly in patients with impaired kidney function, potentially causing weakness, low blood pressure, and heart rhythm problems. Magnesium-containing antacids can interfere with absorption of certain prescription medicines. Current antacid labels limit prolonged maximum-dose use without medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnesium Oxide

What is magnesium oxide used for?

Current OTC magnesium oxide antacid tablets relieve acid indigestion and upset stomach. Magnesium oxide is also used in dietary supplements.

How much elemental magnesium is in a 400 mg tablet?

A magnesium oxide 400 mg tablet contains approximately 241.3 mg of elemental magnesium.

What is the labeled antacid dose?

One current product directs one or two 400 mg tablets daily, with a maximum of two tablets in 24 hours unless medically directed.

Can magnesium oxide cause diarrhea?

Yes. Magnesium oxide can have a laxative effect and cause loose stools or diarrhea.

References

DailyMed - MAGNESIUM OXIDE tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0af63651-f9d9-43b9-b6f0-4878466a82e6. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Magnesium. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519036/. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Magnesium - Health Professional Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Magnesium Oxide. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601074.html. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Magnesium Oxide. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Magnesium-Oxide. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.