What causes hypermagnesemia?

Hypermagnesemia is caused by excessive magnesium intake from supplements, antacids, or laxatives, or by kidney dysfunction that prevents the body from excreting excess magnesium properly. People with chronic kidney disease are at highest risk because their kidneys cannot filter magnesium effectively. Other causes include overuse of magnesium-containing medications like milk of magnesia, Epsom salt baths in people with kidney problems, and rare cases of severe dehydration or diabetic ketoacidosis.

What is the best test for hypermagnesemia?

The Magnesium, Serum test is the most important test for hypermagnesemia because it directly measures the concentration of magnesium in your blood serum, which is the standard diagnostic method. This test quickly identifies elevated magnesium levels and helps determine the severity of the condition. For a more comprehensive assessment, the Magnesium, RBC test measures magnesium inside red blood cells and can detect chronic magnesium excess that may not show up in serum tests. The Mineral Profile, RBCs provides the broadest picture by evaluating magnesium alongside other minerals, helping identify underlying causes like kidney dysfunction or hormonal imbalances.

When should I get tested for hypermagnesemia?

You should get tested if you experience muscle weakness, nausea, lethargy, irregular heartbeat, or confusion, especially if you take magnesium supplements or medications containing magnesium. Testing is essential if you have kidney disease and use antacids, laxatives, or other magnesium-containing products regularly. You should also consider testing if you notice symptoms like slow reflexes, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or extreme drowsiness, as these can indicate dangerously high magnesium levels requiring immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of hypermagnesemia?

Symptoms of hypermagnesemia include muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and irregular heartbeat. As magnesium levels rise, you might experience slow reflexes, confusion, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, hypermagnesemia can cause respiratory depression, complete loss of reflexes, cardiac arrest, and coma. Mild cases may have no noticeable symptoms and are often discovered during routine blood work.

Who is at risk for hypermagnesemia?

People with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure are at highest risk for hypermagnesemia because their kidneys cannot eliminate excess magnesium efficiently. Those who regularly use magnesium-containing antacids, laxatives, or supplements are also at increased risk, especially when combined with reduced kidney function. Older adults, people with hypothyroidism, those with Addison disease, and individuals receiving magnesium sulfate treatment for conditions like preeclampsia have elevated risk as well.

What happens if hypermagnesemia is left untreated?

If hypermagnesemia is left untreated, it can progress to life-threatening complications including respiratory failure, complete heart block, and cardiac arrest. Severe cases cause dangerously low blood pressure, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and paralysis of breathing muscles. The condition can also lead to extreme confusion, coma, and death if magnesium levels continue to rise. Early detection and treatment are crucial because symptoms can rapidly progress from mild weakness to critical respiratory and cardiac emergencies.

Can hypermagnesemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, hypermagnesemia is diagnosed with blood tests that measure magnesium concentrations in serum or red blood cells. The Magnesium, Serum test is the standard diagnostic tool that provides immediate results showing if your magnesium levels exceed the normal range of 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL. Blood tests are the only reliable way to confirm hypermagnesemia because symptoms alone can overlap with many other conditions. Your doctor may also order kidney function tests to identify the underlying cause.

How is hypermagnesemia treated?

Hypermagnesemia is treated by immediately stopping all magnesium-containing supplements, medications, antacids, and laxatives. For mild cases, simply discontinuing magnesium sources and allowing the kidneys to excrete excess magnesium is often sufficient. Severe cases require intravenous calcium gluconate to counteract magnesium effects on the heart and muscles, IV fluids to promote magnesium excretion, and potentially dialysis for people with kidney failure. Treatment focuses on lowering magnesium levels quickly while addressing any underlying kidney problems.

How can I prevent hypermagnesemia?

You can prevent hypermagnesemia by avoiding excessive magnesium supplementation and carefully reading labels on antacids and laxatives to monitor your magnesium intake. If you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking any magnesium-containing products, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Maintain regular kidney function monitoring if you have chronic kidney disease, and follow recommended dosages for any prescribed magnesium medications. Staying well-hydrated and avoiding Epsom salt baths if you have kidney problems also helps prevent magnesium buildup.

What can I do at home for hypermagnesemia?

At home, immediately stop taking all magnesium supplements, antacids containing magnesium like Maalox or Mylanta, and magnesium-based laxatives like milk of magnesia. Increase your water intake to help your kidneys flush out excess magnesium if your kidney function is normal. Avoid foods extremely high in magnesium like spinach, almonds, and dark chocolate until your levels normalize. However, hypermagnesemia requires medical supervision, so contact your healthcare provider promptly for guidance and testing, especially if you experience muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or breathing difficulties.

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Hypermagnesemia Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Hypermagnesemia Blood Test

What is Hypermagnesemia?

Hypermagnesemia is a rare but potentially serious condition characterized by elevated levels of magnesium in the blood. It is caused by excessive magnesium intake from supplements or medications like antacids and laxatives, or by kidney dysfunction that prevents proper magnesium excretion. The Magnesium, Serum test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures magnesium concentrations in the blood.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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