Severe Hypermagnesemia Caused by Laxative Use in Patients without Pre-Existing Renal Disfunction

Hypermagnesemia is an uncommon but a serious clinical condition that can be fatal. Magnesium-containing products are widely used as antacids or laxatives. We report severe hypermagnesemia in two constipated patients treated with magnesium-containing laxatives. This report demonstrates that excessive use of magnesium-containing laxatives can cause severe hypermagnesemia even in patients with normal renal function, especially in those patients with advanced age and concomitant bowel disorders. Physicians should be aware of the effects of these medications in constipated patients.

Cite this article as: Kumru G, Altıntaş ND, Şengül Ş. Severe Hypermagnesemia Caused by Laxative Use in Patients without Pre-Existing Renal Disfunction. Turk J Nephrol 2019; 28(3): 233-5.