Magnesium chloride (injection)

Generic name: magnesium chloride (injection) [ mag-NEE-see-um-KLOE-ride ]
Brand names: Chloromag, Mag 64, Mag-SR
Dosage form: injectable solution (200 mg/mL)
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 19, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is magnesium chloride?

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves.

Magnesium chloride is used to treat or prevent magnesium deficiency (lack of natural magnesium in the body).

Magnesium chloride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Magnesium chloride side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe dizziness, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• warmth, sweating, or feeling cold;

• weak or shallow breathing; or

• tingly feeling.

Common side effects of magnesium chloride may include:

• redness in your face or neck.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Before using magnesium chloride, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with magnesium chloride if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• kidney disease; or

• severe heart disease.

Before you receive magnesium chloride, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How is magnesium chloride given?

Your doctor may check your kidney function before you start using magnesium chloride.

Magnesium chloride is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction.

Your breathing and blood pressure will be watched closely during and after each injection.

You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Magnesium chloride dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypomagnesemia:

1 to 40 grams intravenously daily
-Use serum magnesium levels to guide dosage
Maximum rate: 3 mL/min

Use: Electrolyte replenisher in magnesium deficiencies

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

Recommended dietary intake (RDA) for magnesium:
18 years, male: 410 mg
18 years, female: 360 mg
19 to 30 years, male: 400 mg
19 to 30 years, female: 310 mg
31 years and older, male: 420 mg
31 years and older, female: 320 mg

Tolerable upper intake level (UL) for supplemental magnesium: 350 mg

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

Recommended dietary intake (RDA) for magnesium:
Birth to 6 months: 30 mg (adequate intake)
7 to 12 months: 75 mg (adequate intake)
1 to 3 years: 80 mg
4 to 8 years: 130 mg
9 to 13 years: 240 mg
14 to 18 years, male: 410 mg
14 to 18 years, female: 360 mg


Tolerable upper intake level (UL) for supplemental magnesium:
1 to 3 years: 65 mg
4 to 8 years: 110 mg
9 to 18 years: 350 mg

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive magnesium chloride in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since magnesium chloride is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving magnesium chloride?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect magnesium chloride?

Other drugs may affect magnesium chloride, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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