Loading...
Loading...
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Magnesium Carbonate
Brand Name
Humco Dewees Carminative
Generic Name
Magnesium Carbonate
Active Ingredient
Magnesium CarbonateCategory
Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg/mL | SUSPENSION | ORAL | 0395-0713 |
Detailed information about Humco Dewees Carminative
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Humco Dewees Carminative, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Magnesium Carbonate is an inorganic salt used primarily as an antacid, laxative, and mineral supplement. It belongs to the drug class of antacids and is also utilized in urological irrigation to dissolve certain types of urinary calculi.
The dosage of Magnesium Carbonate varies significantly depending on the intended therapeutic effect. Patients must adhere to the specific instructions provided on the product label or by their healthcare provider.
Magnesium Carbonate should be used with caution in pediatric populations.
Patients with impaired kidney function are at a significantly higher risk of magnesium toxicity (hypermagnesemia). If the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is below 30 mL/min, Magnesium Carbonate should be avoided or used only under extreme caution with frequent serum magnesium monitoring.
No specific dosage adjustments are typically required for patients with liver disease, as magnesium is cleared renally. However, patients with cirrhosis may have underlying electrolyte disturbances that require careful monitoring.
Elderly patients are more likely to have age-related decreases in renal function. Dosing should start at the lower end of the range, and kidney function should be assessed before initiating long-term therapy.
If you are taking Magnesium Carbonate on a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular timing. Do not double the dose to catch up, as this increases the risk of diarrhea and magnesium toxicity.
Signs of a magnesium overdose (hypermagnesemia) include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, slowed heart rate (bradycardia), and low blood pressure (hypotension). In severe cases, respiratory depression or cardiac arrest can occur.
Emergency Measures: If an overdose is suspected, contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment usually involves intravenous calcium gluconate to antagonize the effects of magnesium on the heart and muscles, along with aggressive hydration or hemodialysis in patients with renal failure.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose or the frequency of use without medical guidance, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
The most frequent side effects associated with Magnesium Carbonate are gastrointestinal in nature. Because magnesium acts as an osmotic laxative, it draws water into the intestines.
> Warning: Stop taking Magnesium Carbonate and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms.
Prolonged use of Magnesium Carbonate, particularly at high doses, can lead to chronic electrolyte imbalances.
No FDA black box warnings currently exist for Magnesium Carbonate. However, it carries significant warnings regarding use in patients with renal failure, which are often highlighted in the 'Precautions' section of the clinical labeling.
Report any unusual symptoms or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider. Monitoring of serum electrolytes may be necessary for those on long-term therapy.
Magnesium Carbonate is generally safe when used as directed for short periods. However, it is not a 'risk-free' substance. The most critical safety point is that magnesium is primarily cleared by the kidneys. Therefore, any degree of renal impairment significantly increases the risk of magnesium accumulation and toxicity. Patients should not use Magnesium Carbonate for more than two weeks for antacid relief or more than one week for laxative relief without consulting a physician.
No FDA black box warnings for Magnesium Carbonate.
For patients taking Magnesium Carbonate chronically or those with underlying health issues, the following monitoring is recommended:
Magnesium Carbonate does not typically affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if a patient experiences significant diarrhea or the early signs of hypermagnesemia (such as drowsiness), they should refrain from these activities until the symptoms resolve.
Alcohol can increase the excretion of magnesium by the kidneys and may irritate the stomach lining, potentially worsening the symptoms for which Magnesium Carbonate was taken. While there is no direct toxic interaction, limiting alcohol is advised for optimal therapeutic results.
There is no specific withdrawal syndrome associated with Magnesium Carbonate. However, if it was being used to manage chronic constipation, symptoms may return upon discontinuation. It is best to taper the dose and increase dietary fiber and fluid intake to maintain bowel regularity.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially kidney disease and heart problems, with your healthcare provider before starting Magnesium Carbonate.
While few drugs are strictly contraindicated, the following should be avoided due to severe impairment of efficacy:
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. The timing of your doses is often the most critical factor in avoiding interactions.
Magnesium Carbonate must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis by a physician:
Patients who have had adverse reactions to other magnesium salts (such as Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate, or Magnesium Sulfate) are likely to react similarly to Magnesium Carbonate. While these are not true allergies in the immunological sense, the physiological intolerance is usually consistent across the class.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including your kidney function and heart health, before prescribing or recommending Magnesium Carbonate.
Magnesium Carbonate is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken in recommended doses for short periods (e.g., for occasional heartburn).
Magnesium is a natural component of breast milk.
No primary dose adjustments are needed, but patients with end-stage liver disease often have concomitant renal issues (Hepatorenal syndrome), which would then require strict magnesium restriction.
> Important: Special populations, particularly the elderly and those with kidney disease, require individualized medical assessment and monitoring while taking Magnesium Carbonate.
Magnesium Carbonate acts primarily as a chemical neutralizer. In the stomach, it reacts with hydrochloric acid:
$MgCO_3 + 2HCl \rightarrow MgCl_2 + H_2O + CO_2$.
This reaction increases the gastric pH, thereby inhibiting the proteolytic activity of pepsin and protecting the gastric mucosa.
In the urological context, its 'Calculi Dissolution' property stems from its ability to maintain an acidic urinary environment when combined with citric acid (forming magnesium citrate), which increases the solubility of calcium and magnesium phosphate stones. It also acts as a 'Calcium Chelator,' binding to calcium ions and preventing them from precipitating into crystalline stones.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 20% - 30% |
| Protein Binding | ~30% (to Albumin) |
| Half-life | Variable (Renal-dependent) |
| Tmax | 2 - 4 hours (for systemic absorption) |
| Metabolism | None (Inorganic salt) |
| Excretion | Renal (absorbed portion), Fecal (unabsorbed) |
Magnesium Carbonate is classified as a magnesium-containing antacid and an osmotic laxative. It is also categorized as a mineral supplement. In the EPC system, it is uniquely listed under 'Calculi Dissolution Agent' and as a stabilizing component in 'Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extracts.'
Common questions about Humco Dewees Carminative
Magnesium Carbonate is primarily used as an antacid to relieve symptoms like heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. It is also commonly used as a mineral supplement to treat or prevent magnesium deficiency in the blood. Additionally, it can act as an osmotic laxative to treat occasional constipation by drawing water into the intestines. In specialized medical settings, it is used in irrigation solutions to help dissolve certain types of kidney or bladder stones. Your doctor may also recommend it as a phosphate binder for specific kidney-related conditions.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, particularly diarrhea, which occurs because magnesium naturally draws water into the bowel. Many patients also experience abdominal cramping or 'rumbling' as the medication stimulates bowel movement. Because the reaction in the stomach produces carbon dioxide, belching and flatulence are also very frequent. Most of these side effects are dose-dependent and subside once the medication is stopped or the dose is lowered. If diarrhea becomes severe or persistent, it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
There is no direct, dangerous interaction between alcohol and Magnesium Carbonate; however, caution is advised. Alcohol can act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of magnesium your kidneys excrete, which may counteract the benefits of taking a supplement. Furthermore, alcohol is a known gastric irritant that can worsen heartburn and indigestion, the very symptoms Magnesium Carbonate is often used to treat. For the best results, it is recommended to limit alcohol consumption while managing digestive issues. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific alcohol intake and medication use.
Magnesium Carbonate is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken at recommended doses for short-term relief of acid reflux. It is often preferred over other antacids because it does not contain sodium, which can contribute to pregnancy-related swelling. However, it is vital to avoid excessively high doses, as very high magnesium levels in the mother can potentially affect the baby's muscle tone and breathing at birth. Pregnant women should always discuss any supplement or antacid use with their obstetrician. Your doctor will help determine the safest dose for you and your developing baby.
When used as an antacid, Magnesium Carbonate works very quickly, often providing relief from heartburn within 5 to 15 minutes of ingestion. If you are taking it as a laxative, the effect is much slower, typically taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours to produce a bowel movement. For those using it as a mineral supplement to raise blood magnesium levels, it may take several days or even weeks of consistent use to see a significant change in lab results. The duration of the antacid effect usually lasts about 1 to 3 hours depending on whether it was taken with food.
Yes, you can generally stop taking Magnesium Carbonate suddenly without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, as it is a mineral salt and not a habit-forming drug. However, if you were using it to manage chronic symptoms like acid reflux or constipation, those symptoms are likely to return once the medication is discontinued. If you have been taking high doses for a long time, it is often better to gradually reduce your intake while increasing dietary fiber and water. If you are taking it for a diagnosed magnesium deficiency, you should not stop without your doctor's approval. Always follow the specific guidance provided by your healthcare professional.
If you miss a dose of Magnesium Carbonate, you should take it as soon as you remember, provided it is not almost time for your next dose. If you are close to the time of your next scheduled dose, simply skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. You should never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one, as this significantly increases the risk of diarrhea and stomach upset. For antacid use, which is usually 'as needed,' missing a dose is not a concern. If you are on a strict supplementation protocol, try to stay as consistent as possible for the best results.
Magnesium Carbonate does not cause weight gain; in fact, it has no caloric value and does not affect fat storage in the body. Some patients might actually experience a slight, temporary weight loss if the medication causes significant diarrhea or fluid loss. However, it is not a weight-loss drug and should never be used for that purpose. If you notice unusual weight changes while taking this medication, it is more likely related to an underlying health condition or other medications you may be taking. Always discuss unexplained weight changes with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no other health concerns.
Magnesium Carbonate can interact with many other medications, so timing is very important. It can bind to certain drugs like antibiotics (tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), thyroid hormones, and osteoporosis medications, preventing them from being absorbed into your body. To avoid this, you should generally take other medications at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking Magnesium Carbonate. It can also change the acidity of your stomach, which affects how some 'delayed-release' tablets dissolve. Always provide your doctor or pharmacist with a full list of your current medications to check for specific interactions.
Yes, Magnesium Carbonate is widely available as a generic medication and is also a common ingredient in many brand-name antacid and supplement products. Generic versions are required by the FDA to have the same quality, strength, and purity as brand-name versions, and they are typically much more cost-effective. You can find it in various forms, including tablets, powders, and liquids, at most pharmacies and health food stores. Because it is often sold over-the-counter, you do not usually need a prescription, but it is still wise to consult a pharmacist. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the generic formulation that is best for your needs.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Magnesium Carbonate)