Can i take magnesium with warfarin?

If your doctor has prescribed you warfarin, it is only natural to be cautious about what other medications and supplements you may take. While magnesium is an essential mineral, it’s important to understand if taking it alongside warfarin is safe or not. In this article, we will go through everything you need to know – so grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and get ready for some fun facts!

What Is Warfarin and How Does It Work?

Warfarin belongs to a class of drugs known as anticoagulants or blood thinners used in the prevention of blood clots formation inside arteries or veins that increases the risk of stroke, heart attack or pulmonary embolism conditions.

Fun fact: The development of Warfarin originated from an accidental discovery made by farmers who noticed their cattle dying after consuming spoiled sweet clover hay which contained coumarins that inhibited clotting factors.

The chemical compound found in Warfarin works by blocking vitamin K from working correctly – this interrupts the normal process involved in forming a blood clot. Blood thinners are useful because they prevent dangerous clots but can also make you susceptible to bleeding more easily.

Understanding Magnesium

Magnesium is one amongst several essential minerals required for proper bodily functions like nerve transmission and muscle relaxation. Our bodies do not produce magnesium naturally; hence we have access to dietary sources like dark chocolate (yum yum), avocados, nuts & seeds (Healthy stuff!)

The daily value recommendation for adults ranges from 310 mg-420 mg per day depending on age/sex/gender/lifestyle. However dosages exceeding 350mg/day via supplement capsules/tablets may lead to unwanted side effects such as nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/or abdominal cramps(ewwwwwwww).

Risks Associated with taking Magnesium and Warfarin

Taking magnesium while on Warfarin can pose a risk of excessive bleeding due to the combined effect of both products. Daily intake of high doses exceeding 350-500mg/day may interfere with warfarin’s mechanism, cause it to be eliminated faster hence reducing its anti-coagulation effects leading increasing susceptibility to blood clots.

That’s right – too much magnesium could make your medication less effective and even put you at greater risk for blood clots!

Taking Magnesium Supplements

If you’re considering adding a magnesium supplement into your routine but are already taking warfarin, there are several things that you need to keep in mind when selecting the type and amount of supplements you take:

Choosing Right Supplement Form

The different forms/ Types include:
– Calcium/Magnesium combination
– Magnisium oxide
– Magnisium citrate
-​Magnisium lactate

Since some types have laxative properties like oxide/citrate which further increase gastrointestinal side effects when taken in large amounts or sensitive stomachs, It is better seeking consultation from healthcare professionals before making a choice.

Recommended Dosages When Combining With Warfarin

If using self-care measures, it is vital not consuming larger-than-normal dosages. Studies recommend sticking below 350 mg per day (Good Advice!) For people finding difficulty correctly balancing minerals intake; consulting doctor/nutritionist will be useful by guiding proper consumption amount concerning their health needs hence deterring unwanted drug interactions/side-effects.

Table: Recommended Intakes for Adults (per age group)

Age Group Recommended Dietary Allowance
19–30 years 400 mg/day
31–50 years 420 mg/day
51+ year males 420 mg/day
51 + year females 320 mg/day

Fun fact: It’s possible to get more magnesium by soaking in an Epsom salt bath – the salts contain magnesium sulfate which can help soothe sore muscles and soften skin.

Avoiding Drug Interactions

As with all medications or supplements, it is essential to remain aware of any potential drug interactions. There are a few things that you should keep in mind when it comes to taking Warfarin alongside Magnesium, such as:

  • Corticosteroids: may decrease magnesium levels leading to unwanted side effects
  • High-intensity doses of Vitamin K
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)such aspirin/ibuprofen may elevate bleeding risks
  • Dementia Medications like donepezil (may increase bradycardia / lower blood pressure if taken together)

Before adding any new supplements into your routine, consult with a healthcare professional about how they might interact with warfarin.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, while there are many benefits associated with taking magnesium supplements daily, you must be careful when doing so alongside Warfarin(even milk affects the medication dose!). Excess dosage intake could lead to complications(both body malfunctions + interaction) – this ends up proving harmful ultimately for health. As previously mentioned, it’s always a good idea first consulting a doctor/nutritionist before changing dietary habits/supplement injections(injections without proper precautionary measures also enhance undesirable reactions!)

At the end,…remember too much of anything can be bad: follow prescription guidelines/professional care instructions hence maximizing benefits from medicines instead of undesired outcomes.(Isn’t That Precious?)

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