Drug Cautions in MG

MGFA Cautionary Drug List (Provided by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA))

MG-Georgia also has a comprehensive list of cautionary drugs for MGers

Drugs That Induce or Cause Deterioration of Myasthenia Gravis: An Update (Journal of Clinical Medicine)

What To Know About Antibiotics and Myasthenia Gravis (Myasthenia-gravis.com)

Comprehensive Myasthenia Gravis Cautionary Drugs List  note: temporarily unavailable

Detailed listing of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, supplements and Minerals, including ratings of risk severity in MG. Print out this list for your wallet, purse, caregiver, refrigerator door, dentist, doctor and first responders.

**MAGNESIUM**

One thing a person with MG should never do is take anything that reduces the level of Acetylcholine (Ach) in the neuromuscular junction.  Less Ach = increased fatigue and decreased strength. One of the side effects of a common MG drug, pyridostigmine AKA Mestinon, is muscle cramps, which are commonly treated with magnesium. However, for myasthenics, magnesium supplements (or injections or IVs) can be dangerous. Do some MGers find that magnesium supplements reduce cramping without side effects? Yes. Do some MGers find that use of magnesium supplements (or injections or IVs) exacerbate their MG symptoms? Yes. So please, be careful when adding additional magnesium to your diet. Magnesium is a common and essential component of many food types and supplements and, in most people, is metabolized safely by the body. But we myasthenics must be extremely cautious because magnesium can reduce Ach. Please always confer with an MG neurologist before taking supplements; your health is your lifeline.

Also see:

• Magnesium and Myasthenia Gravis  (Myasthenia Gravis News)

• Magnesium-containing products can potentiate NM weakness in MG by inhibiting acetylcholine (Ach) release  (American Journal of Gastroenterology)

• 9 Low Magnesium Symptoms(Verywell Health)

• What is magnesium and what does it do?  (NIH)  Doctors' version

• *NEW* Magnesium Deficiency Signs and Symptoms (Everyday Health)

• Can You Take Too Much Magnesium? (Verywell Health)

• 10 Medications You Should Avoid Mixing With Magnesium (Verywell Health)

• 9 Food Sources of Magnesium  (Everyday Health)

• Magnesium infusions or magnesium-specific supplements are usually not recommended for anyone with myasthenia gravis (MG), as it can cause flare-ups, exacerbations, and even an MG crisis. However, you do need magnesium in your diet for many necessary body functions, so you must get it through your diet (or multivitamins). Healthy Foods High in Magnesium (WebMD) describes natural food sources of magnesium. ALWAYS first check with your doctor before changing your diet to include any magnesium-rich foods or multivitamins.