magnesium oxide vs zinc sulfate

PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.

Side-by-side comparison of magnesium oxide and zinc sulfate. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

Drug Class
magnesium oxide Mineral Supplement
zinc sulfate Mineral Supplement
Type
magnesium oxide Over-the-Counter
zinc sulfate Over-the-Counter
Summary
magnesium oxide

Magnesium oxide (Mag-Ox) is a mineral supplement. It helps relieve acid indigestion and upset stomach.

zinc sulfate

Zinc sulfate is a mineral supplement. It can help with minor eye irritation.

What It Treats
magnesium oxide

Mag-Ox treats acid indigestion and upset stomach. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

zinc sulfate

This medicine can help with eye discomfort and redness. It is for minor eye irritations. It provides temporary relief.

How It Works
magnesium oxide

Mag-Ox contains magnesium oxide, which neutralizes stomach acid. This helps to reduce discomfort caused by excess acid. It provides relief from indigestion and upset stomach.

zinc sulfate

Zinc sulfate works as a mild astringent. This means it can help to relieve minor eye irritation.

Common Side Effects
magnesium oxide
  • Diarrhea
zinc sulfate

No common side effects listed.

FAERS Reports
magnesium oxide
  • Nausea 2,795
  • Diarrhoea 2,580
  • Fatigue 2,419
  • Dyspnoea 2,054
  • Pneumonia 2,029
zinc sulfate
  • Diarrhoea 215
  • Fatigue 172
  • Nausea 166
  • Death 153
  • Pain 146
Serious Warnings
magnesium oxide

No specific warnings noted.

zinc sulfate

No specific warnings noted.

Pregnancy
magnesium oxide

Talk to your doctor before taking Mag-Ox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits.

zinc sulfate

It is not known if zinc sulfate can harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This magnesium oxide vs zinc sulfate Comparison

magnesium oxide is classified in the Mineral Supplement drug class, while zinc sulfate sits within the Mineral Supplement class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory, but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are available over the counter.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, magnesium oxide has 11,877 submissions while zinc sulfate has 852. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for magnesium oxide or zinc sulfate.

Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.