5th April 2024

Hypermagnesemia

This is defined as serum magnesium levels of greater than 1 mmol/L and is less common than hypomagnesaemia. In health, excess magnesium intake is excreted by the kidneys. Hypomagnesaemia is encountered in:

• End stage renal failure due to impaired excretion 
• When taking medications containing magnesium (antacids, laxatives and enemas)
• Parenteral nutrition
• In pregnancy, if treated with intravenous magnesium for eclampsia or preeclampsia. 

Causes of mild hypermagnesemia include hypercalcaemia, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, dialysis and lithium therapy.