Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is a mineral supplement used to treat and prevent magnesium deficiency in the body. It is commonly prescribed for patients with low magnesium levels due to inadequate dietary intake, certain medical conditions, or medication use. Healthcare providers may also recommend it for supporting heart health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
Magnesium Chloride is a mineral supplement used to treat magnesium deficiency and support various bodily functions including muscle, nerve, and heart health.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A12CC01
- RxNorm
- 6579
- Generic
- Magnesium Chloride
- Class
- atc-a12
- Brands
- Clinimix E 4.25/10, Extraneal, Aminosyn II 8.5 % with Electrolytes, Sulfite-Free, Aminosyn 8.5 % with Electrolytes, Sulfite-Free, Isolyte S in 5 % Dextrose, Normosol-R in 5 % Dextrose, Slow-Mag Reformulated Feb 2012, Nutrilyte II, Chloromag, Isolyte S, Mag 64, Physiolyte, Physiosol, Normosol-R, Plasma-lyte 148
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular serum magnesium monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid high doses
commonly used for preeclampsia treatment under medical supervision
continuous maternal and fetal monitoring during IV administration
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
considered compatible with breastfeeding
none required under normal circumstances
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose and monitor renal function
start with lower dose, assess renal function before treatment
regular serum magnesium and creatinine monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing required
use under strict medical supervision, calculate dose by body weight
frequent serum magnesium level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose, monitor closely
use with caution, avoid in severe renal impairment
frequent serum magnesium and renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in severe renal impairment or anuria
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
anyno specific adjustment
use as indicated, magnesium metabolism not significantly affected
routine monitoring sufficient
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Magnesium chloride is classified as a mineral supplement and electrolyte replacement agent
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications of magnesium chloride preparations
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing data for magnesium chloride formulations
Typical adult dose (IV)
Common intravenous dosing for magnesium deficiency
Magnesium Chloride is used to treat hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels), prevent magnesium deficiency in at-risk patients, and support conditions associated with magnesium insufficiency such as muscle cramps, fatigue, and certain cardiac arrhythmias. It may also be used as an adjuvant therapy in some neurological and muscular disorders.
Magnesium Chloride provides bioavailable magnesium ions that are essential for numerous enzymatic reactions in the body. Magnesium plays a critical role in ATP production, muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve impulse transmission, and maintaining normal heart rhythm. The chloride component may also contribute to fluid balance and stomach acid production.
Magnesium Chloride should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. Side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and nausea. It may interact with certain antibiotics, bisphosphonates, and other medications. Patients with kidney disease, heart block, or Addison's disease should use caution and consult their physician before use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy