Discharge Instructions for Hypomagnesemia (Pediatric)

Your child has been diagnosed with hypomagnesemia, which means that there is not enough magnesium in your child’s blood. Magnesium is a component of bone. It is important in the normal functioning of muscle, nerves, and enzymes. Magnesium is also important in the normal functioning of many hormones. When your child’s magnesium levels are low, it’s likely that his or her calcium levels are low too. Too little magnesium in the blood can lead to a variety of symptoms and serious problems such as seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart attack. Here's what you need to know about home care.

Home Care

• Encourage your child to eat more foods that contain magnesium:

  • Dark green, leafy vegetables

  • Almonds, pecans, cashews

  • Soy products

  • Millet

  • Brown rice

  • Avocado

  • Dried apricots

• Give your child a magnesium supplement or a multivitamin that contains magnesium, as directed by your child’s doctor.

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

• Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications your child is taking. Some medications can decrease your child’s magnesium levels.

• Give your child all medications exactly as directed.

• Learn to take your child’s pulse. Tell your child’s doctor if the child’s pulse rate is higher than 120 beats per minute.

Follow-Up

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

• 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 hypomagnesemia.