Toxicity

In industrial exposures, no ill effects are produced with a twofold increase in serum magnesium, although concurrent increases occur in serum calcium. Inhaled freshly generated magnesium oxide can cause metal fume fever, similar to that caused by zinc oxide. In nonoccupationally exposed individuals, toxicity can occur when magnesium-containing drugs, usually antacids, are ingested chronically by persons with serious renal failure. The toxic effects may progress from nausea and vomiting to hypotension, electrocardiograph abnormalities, central nervous system effects, coma, and systolic cardiac arrest. Magnesium toxicity can sometimes be counteracted with calcium infusion.