hypermagnesemia /hī′pərmag′nisē″mē·ə/ [Gk, hyper + magnesia, magnesium, haima, blood] , a greater-than-normal amount of magnesium in the plasma, found in people with kidney failure and in those who use large doses of drugs containing magnesium, such as antacids. Toxic levels of magnesium cause cardiac arrhythmias and depression of deep tendon reflexes and respiration. Treatment often includes IV fluids, a diuretic, and hemodialysis.
