Magnesium Carbonate
Magnesium Carbonate is an antacid that neutralizes excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn, indigestion, and acid-related discomfort.
Magnesium Carbonate is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- a02a
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Class
- atc-a02
- Brands
- Medi-Lyte, Gaviscon, Magonate Reformulated May 2022, Acid Gone, Renacidin, MagneBind, MagneBind 400 Rx
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 1
- Duration (h)
- 1
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- chewable tablet, tablet, capsule, powder, suspension, liquid
- Regions
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan
- Monitoring
- kidney function
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid chronic use, only use when benefits outweigh potential risks
monitor magnesium levels if used long-term
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid chronic high-dose use
monitor magnesium levels if used long-term
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid high doses close to delivery as magnesium can affect uterine contractions
monitor uterine activity and magnesium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically needed
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding
none required typically
pediatric_age
children under 6weight-based dosing required
use under medical supervision only, avoid in children under 2 years
monitor for diarrhea and electrolyte changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 12weight-based dosing required
use as directed by healthcare provider
monitor for adverse effects
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
monitor renal function, increased risk of electrolyte imbalance
check renal function and magnesium levels periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentreduce frequency of dosing
monitor serum magnesium levels
regular monitoring of renal function and magnesium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate severe renal impairmentavoid or use with extreme caution
contraindicated in severe renal failure, avoid in moderate impairment if possible
frequent serum magnesium and renal function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentno adjustment typically needed
no specific restrictions for mild impairment
none required specifically
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution
use lowest effective dose as magnesium carbonate can affect gastric pH
monitor for electrolyte changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Drug class information for Magnesium Carbonate
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Safety status
Safety classification by regulatory authorities
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information
Treatment of acid-related conditions including heartburn, indigestion, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcer discomfort. Also used as a magnesium supplement for individuals with magnesium deficiency.
As an alkalinizing agent, Magnesium Carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form magnesium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide, thereby reducing gastric acidity and providing neutralization of excess stomach acid.
May cause diarrhea in some individuals due to its magnesium content. Should be taken 1-2 hours apart from other medications as it can interfere with absorption of certain drugs including tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and iron supplements. Patients with kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy