Patient Education Monograph
Magnesium Salicylate Oral
Pronounced
"mag-NEE-zee-um sal-ISS-uh-late"
Uses
Magnesium salicylate is used to relieve pain from various conditions. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Warning
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including magnesium salicylate) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while taking this drug but is more likely if you take it for a long time. The risk may be greater in older adults or if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes). Do not take this drug right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
Also, this drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning symptoms at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect.
Stop taking this medication and get medical help right away if you notice any of these rare but serious side effects: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of taking this drug.
How to Use This Medication
If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 to 4 times daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Do not take the over-the-counter product for more than 10 days unless otherwise directed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, keep taking this medication as directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.
For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.
If you are taking this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medicine may not work as well.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, if you develop new symptoms, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.