Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis resulting from overuse of magnesium oxide.

Abstract

A 23 year old woman had taken large doses of magnesium oxide (up to 20 to 30g per day) initially for habitual constipation and later for idiopathic edema instead of diuretics, until the concealed abuse was discovered. During the abuse she showed hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. When the ingestion was stopped, the electrolyte imbalance recovered within two weeks.

• Authors: S Urakabe, K Nakata, A Ando, Y Orita, H Abe
• Journal: Japanese circulation journal (Jpn Circ J) Vol. 39 Issue 10 Pg. 1135-7 (Oct 1975) ISSN: 0047-1828 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 1195509 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Magnesium Oxide
• Potassium

Topics

• Adult
• Alkalosis (chemically induced, complications, metabolism)
• Constipation (drug therapy)
• Edema (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypokalemia (chemically induced, complications)
• Magnesium Oxide (adverse effects)
• Potassium (metabolism)
• Substance-Related Disorders