Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508310069
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHICAGO LENGTH: Short
Fourteen deaths, 31 hospitalizations and four cases of disability linked to magnesium poisoning have been reported since 1968, researchers from the Food and Drug Administration reported in the August issue of the American Medical Association's Archives of Family Medicine.
``Maalox and Mylanta - people just drink them like water,'' said Dr. Man C. Fung, lead author of the report. ``They don't even think about it.''
Consumers and doctors often underestimate the danger and may not recognize the symptoms of magnesium poisoning from overuse of antacids and other medications, wrote Fung and Drs. Michael Weintraub and Debra L. Bowen.
Symptoms can include clumsiness, weakness, paralysis, drowsiness, confusion and coma.
Magnesium is an important nutrient in foods and in drinking water. It is common in over-the-counter antacids, laxatives and pain relievers.
Taken as directed, such products are safe, Fung said by telephone.
Excessive use, though, especially by susceptible people, can lead to magnesium poisoning, he said. Susceptible people include the elderly, longtime diabetics, people who have had digestive surgery and anyone taking medications that slow the digestive system, such as narcotics and some antidepressants.
by CNB