Survey of Magnesium Oxide Tablet Usage in Japan Using NDB Open Data

抄録

Magnesium oxide, a low-price laxative without a habit-forming tendency after long-term use, is widely used for treating constipation in Japan. However, its use has been associated with hypermagnesemia in patients with impaired magnesium excretion function such as renal insufficiency. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the use of magnesium oxide tablets, which may be administered to the elderly on a long-term basis. We found the total number of prescriptions has increased year by year and exceeded 4 billion tablets in FY 2020. The use and number of prescriptions were highest among individuals in their 80s, and more than 70% of patients taking the drug are aged 70 years or older. Since the elderly experience physiological functional decline, pharmacists must make effective use of not only age but also laboratory data listed on prescriptions when dispensing these medications in order to prevent adverse events.