Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in
the body especially the muscles and nerves.
Magnesium chloride is used as a supplement to maintain adequate magnesium in the
body.
Magnesium chloride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking magnesium chloride?
Do not take magnesium chloride without first talking to your doctor if you have
kidney disease.
Before taking magnesium chloride, tell your doctor if you have any other medical
conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
Magnesium chloride may not be recommended in some situations.
It is not known whether magnesium chloride will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
magnesium chloride without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a
pregnancy.
It is also known whether magnesium chloride will harm an nursing baby. Do not take
magnesium chloride without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take magnesium chloride?
Take magnesium chloride exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the
package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you.
Take the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.
Do not crush or chew the extended- or slow-release formulations of magnesium
chloride. They are specially formulated to dissolve slowly in the body.
Do not take more magnesium chloride than is directed.
Store magnesium chloride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of magnesium chloride?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about magnesium chloride?
Your pharmacist has information about magnesium chloride written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of magnesium chloride?
Stop taking magnesium chloride and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take magnesium
chloride and talk to your doctor if you experience diarrhea or an upset stomach.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about magnesium chloride?
Before taking magnesium chloride, tell your doctor if you have any other medical
conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
Magnesium chloride may not be recommended in some situations.
What should I avoid while taking magnesium chloride?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking magnesium chloride
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect magnesium chloride?
Before taking magnesium chloride, talk to your doctor if you are taking
a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin
V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and
others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and
others);
a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro),
ofloxacin (Floxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam),
levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), and others;
penicillamine (Cuprimine);
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or
nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, others).
You may not be able to take magnesium chloride, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with magnesium chloride. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of magnesium chloride?
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.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009