Magnesium replacement therapy.

Magnesium is involved as a cofactor in many vital enzymatic reactions. It is also important in the maintenance of membrane electric potential. Diagnosis of magnesium disturbances must often be based on clinical judgment. Hypomagnesemia is frequently associated with hypokalemia and hypocalcemia; hypermagnesemia most often occurs in patients with acute or chronic renal failure. Hypomagnesemia presents as neuromuscular, central nervous system and cardiac abnormalities. Inadequate dietary intake of magnesium occurs in alcoholism, catabolic states and gastrointestinal diseases. Intravenous administration of magnesium can cause neuromuscular paralysis and cardiac arrhythmias.