Discharge Instructions for Hypermagnesemia (Pediatric)

Your child has been diagnosed with hypermagnesemia. This is too much magnesium in the blood. This condition often develops in people with kidney failure who are given magnesium salts or who take medications that contain magnesium (such as some antacids or laxatives). Babies can be born with this condition if their mothers were given magnesium during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about home care for you child.

Diet Changes

Limit your child’s intake of all foods that contain magnesium. In particular, help your child avoid the following foods:

• Dark green, leafy vegetables

• Almonds, pecans, cashews

• Soy products

• Millet

• Brown rice

• Avocado

• Dried apricots

Other Home Care

• Don’t give your child antacids or laxatives unless told to do so by your child’s doctor.

• Don’t give your child an enema that contains magnesium. Read the label carefully before you use an over-the-counter enema preparation for your child.

• Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, or herbal remedies your child is taking. Some medications, supplements, and herbs can increase magnesium levels.

• Give your child all medications exactly as directed.

• Learn to take your child’s pulse. Tell your child’s doctor if your child’s pulse rate is slower than 40 beats per minute.

Follow-Up

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

• Have your child’s magnesium levels checked regularly.

• Keep all follow-up appointments. Your child’s doctor needs to monitor your child’s condition closely, especially if your child has another medical condition that is causing the hypermagnesemia.