Proton-Pump Inhibitors and Risk for Hypomagnesemia

Although rare, clinicians should be aware of this possible complication, particularly in patients with certain other gastrointestinal conditions.

In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about low magnesium (Mg²⁺) in patients taking proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) for >1 year based on a small number of reports of patients hospitalized with severe hypomagnesemia. Subsequent reporting of this rare alleged complication has been scant.

To examine the possible association between PPI use and hypomagnesemia, researchers conducted a population-based, case-control study in Ontario, Canada. Using multiple healthcare databases, they identified 366 patients aged ≥66 years hospitalized with hypomagnesemia and 1464 control patients matched 4:1 to cases on age, sex, kidney disease, and use of various diuretic classes.

Current PPI use was associated with elevated risk for hypomag…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors