Acid Suppressing Drugs Lead to Low Magnesium Levels
Magnesium is essential for good health, but this mineral doesn’t get nearly the respect that it deserves. Every cell in the body requires magnesium to function properly. Without adequate levels, people can suffer symptoms such as confusion, loss of appetite, weakness or muscle tremor, muscle cramps or spasms, irregular heart beats or convulsions.
Diuretics (water pills) are notorious for depleting the body of magnesium (along with potassium). Many physicians are careful to monitor potassium levels when they prescribe drugs containing ingredients such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), but they may not be as careful about monitoring for magnesium.
The FDA has just issued a warning about acid suppressing drugs (proton pump inhibitors or PPIs) used to treat heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Here is a list of common PPIs:
• AcipHex (rabeprazole)
• Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• Prevacid (lansoprazole)
• Prilosec (omeprazole)
• Protonix (pantoprazole)
• Vimovo (esoperrazole + naproxen)
• Zegerid (omeprazole + sodium bicarbonate)
The new caution from the FDA suggests that long-term use (more than one year) can result in low blood levels of magnesium. This is a really serious and unexpected side effect. Doctors must monitor patients on PPIs carefully. If someone is low in this mineral, taking a supplement may not be adequate to solve the problem. The FDA notes that some patients may need to stop taking the PPI.
That is easier said than done. Long-term use can lead to dependence. Stopping suddenly can cause rebound heartburn. Here is a link to an article about this phenomenon.
