Discharge Instructions for Hypomagnesemia

You have been diagnosed with hypomagnesemia (not enough magnesium in your blood). Magnesium is a component of bone. It is important in the normal functioning of muscles, nerves, and enzymes.  Magnesium is also important in the normal functioning of many hormones. When your magnesium levels are low, it’s likely that your calcium levels are low too.

Symptoms of hypomagnesemia include: nausea or vomiting, sleepiness, weakness, personality changes, muscle spasms or tremors, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it can also lead to seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart attack.

Diet Changes

• Eat more foods that contain magnesium:

  • Dark-green, leafy vegetables, such as salad greens, kale, chard, and collards

  • All nuts and nut butters, including peanuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, and almond butter

  • Sunflower seeds

  • Soy products, including tofu and soy milk

  • Millet, including puffed millet cereal

  • Brown rice, including brown rice cakes

  • Avocado, including guacamole

  • Dried apricots

  • Bran cereals

  • Chocolate and cocoa powder

  • Meal replacement bars and drinks

Other Home Care

• Take a magnesium supplement as directed by your doctor.

• Have your magnesium levels checked regularly. This is especially important if you are taking a diuretic (a medication that keeps you from retaining body water).

• Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking. Some medications can decrease your magnesium levels.

• Take all medications exactly as directed.

• Keep all follow-up appointments. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition closely, especially if you have another medical condition that is causing your hypomagnesemia.

• Learn to take your own pulse. Tell your doctor if your pulse rate is higher than 100 beats per minute.

Follow-Up

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