In hypermagnesemia, the level of magnesium in blood is too high.
(See also Overview of Electrolytes and Overview of Magnesium's Role in the Body.)
Magnesium is one of the body's electrolytes, which are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids such as blood, but the majority of magnesium in the body is uncharged and bound to proteins or stored in bone. Bone contains most of the magnesium in the body. Very little magnesium circulates in the blood.
Hypermagnesemia is uncommon. It usually develops only when people with kidney failure are given magnesium (Epsom) salts or take medications that contain magnesium (such as some antacids or laxatives).
Hypermagnesemia may cause
Muscle weakness
Low blood pressure
Impaired breathing
When hypermagnesemia is severe, the heart can stop beating.
The diagnosis is based on blood tests indicating that the magnesium level is high.
Treatment of Hypermagnesemia
Diuretics
Diuretics, medications that cause the kidneys to excrete excess fluid (particularly if given intravenously), can be given to increase the kidneys’ excretion of magnesium. However, if the kidneys are not functioning well or if hypermagnesemia is severe, dialysis is usually needed.
