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Overview: Magnesium salicylate is taken to help relieve minor aches and pains. Common side effects may include nausea or an upset stomach. Serious side effects are less common, but may include bleeding, hearing loss, or an allergic reaction. Stop taking magnesium salicylate and tell your health care provider right away if you have stomach pain that does not go away, vomit blood, notice blood in your poop, or have ringing or roaring in your ears. Before taking magnesium salicylate, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is magnesium salicylate used for?

Magnesium salicylate is commonly taken to help relieve minor aches and pains, such as back pain or muscle aches.

Magnesium salicylate may also be taken for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does magnesium salicylate work (mechanism of action)?

Magnesium salicylate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.

How is magnesium salicylate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Doan’s
  • Percogesic Backache Relief

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 580 mg oral tablets

How should I store magnesium salicylate?

Magnesium salicylate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of magnesium salicylate?

The most common side effects of magnesium salicylate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of magnesium salicylate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of magnesium salicylate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of magnesium salicylate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Magnesium salicylate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking magnesium salicylate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Stomach Bleeding. Magnesium salicylate can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, take higher doses of magnesium salicylate or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are age 60 or older, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking magnesium salicylate and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Bloody, black, or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Feel faint

Reye’s Syndrome. Children or teenagers who have or recently had chickenpox, the flu, or flu-like symptoms should not take magnesium salicylate. Taking magnesium salicylate during a viral infection may increase the risk of Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but serious condition. If your child or teenager is taking magnesium salicylate and has changes in their behavior and nausea or vomiting, contact your health care provider right away. These could be early signs of Reye’s Syndrome.

Hearing Loss. Magnesium salicylate may be associated with hearing loss, which is also called ototoxicity. Stop taking magnesium salicylate and tell your health care provider right away if you have hearing loss or if you hear a ringing or roaring sound in your ears.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use magnesium salicylate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take magnesium salicylate.

  • Aspirin
  • Doan’s
  • Magnesium salicylate
  • Percogesic Backache Relief
  • A salicylate, such as diflunisal or salsalate, which is a medicine used for arthritis 
  • Any other medicine known as a pain reliever or fever reducer
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific magnesium salicylate products they stock.

Heart Surgery. Do not take magnesium salicylate right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Taking magnesium salicylate during this time can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

What should I know about magnesium salicylate before using it?

Read and follow the directions on the medicine label or take this medicine as your health care provider recommends. You should drink a full glass of water with each dose of magnesium salicylate.

Do not take more magnesium salicylate than recommended. Do not take it for longer than recommended. Doing either of these can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. See the Side Effects section for more details.

Keep magnesium salicylate out of the reach of children.

Stop taking magnesium salicylate and call your health care provider if any of the following apply to you.

  • Your pain is getting worse or lasts longer than 10 days
  • Your fever is getting worse or lasts longer than 3 days
  • The painful area is red or swollen
  • You have new symptoms since you started taking magnesium salicylate

People who are 60 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from magnesium salicylate. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group before taking magnesium salicylate.

What should I tell my health care provider before using magnesium salicylate?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if magnesium salicylate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Low-Magnesium Diet. Tell your health care provider if you are on a low-magnesium diet before taking this medicine. Magnesium salicylate contains magnesium.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Magnesium salicylate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking magnesium salicylate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Do not take magnesium salicylate at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy without talking to your health care provider. Taking magnesium salicylate during this time may cause harm to an unborn baby and complications during delivery. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take magnesium salicylate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Magnesium salicylate may pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does magnesium salicylate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between magnesium salicylate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect magnesium salicylate, but both magnesium salicylate and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does magnesium salicylate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking magnesium salicylate.

  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A medicine for gout
  • A medicine for diabetes
  • A medicine for arthritis

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with magnesium salicylate. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much magnesium salicylate?

If you or someone else has taken too much magnesium salicylate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of magnesium salicylate?

Magnesium salicylate is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it according to the package directions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.