Drug interactions
Etidronate + Magnesium supplement
Severity: Moderate
Etidronate and Magnesium supplement: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Magnesium binds etidronate in the gut and forms poorly absorbed chelates. This can substantially reduce etidronate absorption and weaken its effect on bone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etidronate and Magnesium supplement can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Chelation of etidronate by divalent magnesium cations in the gastrointestinal tract reduces its absorption.
What to do
Take etidronate on an empty stomach and separate it from magnesium supplements by at least 2 hours. Etidronate is usually given with the calcium or magnesium dosed later in the day.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Etidronate
- Aluminum hydroxide + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium acetate + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium chloride + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium citrate + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium gluconate + Etidronate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etidronate with Magnesium supplement?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Etidronate and Magnesium supplement can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Magnesium binds etidronate in the gut and forms poorly absorbed chelates. This can substantially reduce etidronate absorption and weaken its effect on bone.
How serious is the interaction between Etidronate and Magnesium supplement?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Take etidronate on an empty stomach and separate it from magnesium supplements by at least 2 hours. Etidronate is usually given with the calcium or magnesium dosed later in the day.
What other medicines interact with Etidronate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etidronate with, for example, Aluminum hydroxide, Calcium acetate, Calcium carbonate. The full list is on the Etidronate page.
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