magnesium chloride (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:MgCl or MgCl(2)

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

injectable solution

  • 200mg/mL

tablet extended release

  • 535mg (64mg elemental)

RDA (Elemental Magnesium)

Males: 400-420 mg PO qDay

18-30 (Females)

  • 310 mg PO qDay
  • Pregnancy: 350 mg PO qDay
  • Lactation: 310 mg PO qDay

>30 years (Females)

  • 320mg/day
  • Pregnant women: 360 mg/day
  • Lactating women: 320 mg/day

Hypomagnesemia

4 g (in 250 mL D5W) IV infusion; no more than 3 mL/min

Usual Range: 1- 40 g IV qDay

Use serum levels as guide to continue therapy

Dosage Forms & Strengths

injectable solution

  • 200mg/mL

tablet extended release

  • 535mg (64mg elemental)

RDA

<6 months: 30 mg/day

6-12 months: 75 mg/day

1-3 years: 80 mg/day

3-8 years: 130 mg/day

8-13 years: 240 mg/day

13-18 years: 410 mg/day (men); 360 mg/day (women); 400 mg/day (pregnant women); 360 mg/day (lactating women)

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and magnesium chloride

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

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             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (7)

              • baloxavir marboxil

                magnesium chloride will decrease the level or effect of baloxavir marboxil by cation binding in GI tract. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Baloxavir may bind to polyvalent cations resulting in decreased absorption. Studies in monkeys showed concurrent use with calcium, aluminum, or iron caused significantly decreased plasma levels. Human studies not conducted.

              • demeclocycline

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of demeclocycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              • doxycycline

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of doxycycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              • eltrombopag

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of eltrombopag by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Contraindicated. Separate by at least 4 hours.

              • minocycline

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of minocycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              • oxytetracycline

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of oxytetracycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              • tetracycline

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of tetracycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              Monitor Closely (13)

              • cabotegravir

                magnesium chloride will decrease the level or effect of cabotegravir by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer polyvalent cation products at least 2 hr before or 4 hr after taking oral cabotegravir.

              • ciprofloxacin

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of ciprofloxacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of ciprofloxacin with multivalent cation-containing products may reduce the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by 90%. Administer ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after using these products. Use alternatives if available.

              • deferiprone

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of deferiprone by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Deferiprone may bind polyvalent cations (eg, iron, aluminum, and zinc), separate administration by at least 4 hr between deferiprone and other medications (eg, antacids), or supplements containing these polyvalent cations.

              • delafloxacin

                magnesium chloride will decrease the level or effect of delafloxacin by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Oral delafloxacin form chelates with alkaline earth and transition metal cations. Administer oral delafloxacin at least 2 hr before or 6 hr after these agents.

              • fleroxacin

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of fleroxacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.

              • gemifloxacin

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of gemifloxacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.

              • levofloxacin

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of levofloxacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.

              • moxifloxacin

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of moxifloxacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.

              • ofloxacin

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of ofloxacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.

              • omadacycline

                magnesium chloride will decrease the level or effect of omadacycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Multivalent cation-containing products may impair absorption of tetracyclines, which may decrease its efficacy. Separate dosing of tetracyclines from these products.

              • penicillamine

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of penicillamine by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.

              • rilpivirine

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of rilpivirine by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of antacids with rilpivirine may cause significant decreases in rilpivirine plasma concentrations because of increased gastric pH. If antacids must be administered, they should given at least 2 hr before or at least 4 hr after rilpivirine.

              • sarecycline

                magnesium chloride will decrease the level or effect of sarecycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Multivalent cation-containing products may impair absorption of tetracyclines, which may decrease its efficacy. Separate dosing of tetracyclines from these products.

              Minor (42)

              • amikacin

                amikacin decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • amiloride

                amiloride increases levels of magnesium chloride by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • amphotericin B deoxycholate

                amphotericin B deoxycholate decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens

                bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens decreases levels of magnesium chloride by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Magnesium shifted from blood to tissue storage.

              • bendroflumethiazide

                bendroflumethiazide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • bumetanide

                bumetanide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • calcitonin salmon

                calcitonin salmon increases levels of magnesium chloride by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • chlorothiazide

                chlorothiazide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • chlorthalidone

                chlorthalidone decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • conjugated estrogens

                conjugated estrogens decreases levels of magnesium chloride by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Magnesium shifted from blood to tissue storage.

              • conjugated estrogens, vaginal

                conjugated estrogens, vaginal decreases levels of magnesium chloride by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Magnesium shifted from blood to tissue storage.

              • cyclopenthiazide

                cyclopenthiazide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • cyclosporine

                cyclosporine decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • dextrose

                dextrose decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • dextrose (Antidote)

                dextrose (Antidote) decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • digoxin

                digoxin decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • doxercalciferol

                doxercalciferol increases levels of magnesium chloride by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • drospirenone

                drospirenone increases levels of magnesium chloride by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • estradiol

                estradiol decreases levels of magnesium chloride by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Magnesium shifted from blood to tissue storage.

              • estrogens conjugated synthetic

                estrogens conjugated synthetic decreases levels of magnesium chloride by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Magnesium shifted from blood to tissue storage.

              • estrogens esterified

                estrogens esterified decreases levels of magnesium chloride by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Magnesium shifted from blood to tissue storage.

              • estropipate

                estropipate decreases levels of magnesium chloride by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Magnesium shifted from blood to tissue storage.

              • ethacrynic acid

                ethacrynic acid decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • furosemide

                furosemide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • gentamicin

                gentamicin decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • glucagon intranasal

                glucagon intranasal increases levels of magnesium chloride by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • hydrochlorothiazide

                hydrochlorothiazide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • ibandronate

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of ibandronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • indapamide

                indapamide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • mannitol

                mannitol decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • mestranol

                mestranol decreases levels of magnesium chloride by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Magnesium shifted from blood to tissue storage.

              • methyclothiazide

                methyclothiazide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • metolazone

                metolazone decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • neomycin PO

                neomycin PO decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • nitrofurantoin

                magnesium chloride decreases levels of nitrofurantoin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • paromomycin

                paromomycin decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • sodium polystyrene sulfonate

                sodium polystyrene sulfonate increases levels of magnesium chloride by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis.

              • spironolactone

                spironolactone increases levels of magnesium chloride by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • streptomycin

                streptomycin decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • tobramycin

                tobramycin decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • torsemide

                torsemide decreases levels of magnesium chloride by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • triamterene

                triamterene increases levels of magnesium chloride by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

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              Adverse Effects

              Frequency Not Defined

              Respiratory depression

              Hypothermia

              Flushing

              Significant decrease in blood pressure

              Stupor

              Sweating

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              Warnings

              Contraindications

              Renal impairment

              Significant myocardial disease

              Comatose patients

              Cautions

              Administer with caution if flushing and sweating occurs

              A preparation of a calcium salt should be readily available for intravenous injection to counteract potential serious signs of magnesium intoxication

              As long as deep tendon reflexes are active it is probable that the patient will not develop respiratory paralysis

              Carefully monitor respiration and blood pressure during and after administration of magnesium chloride injection

              Contains benzyl alcohol (toxic in children)

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              Pregnancy & Lactation

              Pregnancy Category: C

              Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; use caution

              Pregnancy Categories

              A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

              B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

              C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

              D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

              X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

              NA: Information not available.

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              Pharmacology

              Mechanism of Action

              Acts as cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions involving protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism; depresses CNS, blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission, produces anticonvulsant effects

              Pharmacokinetics

              Distribution: 50-60% (Bone ); 1-2% (extracellular fluid)

              Protein binding: 30% (albumin)

              Excretion: Urine (as magnesium)

              Absorption: Inversely proportional to amount ingested (15-36% at thigh doses and 40-60% at controlled dietary levels)

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              Administration

              IV Preparation

              4 g diluted in 250 mL D5W

              10 g multidose vial

              IV Administration

              Do not use if precipitate present

              NMT 3 mL/min

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              Images

              BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
              magnesium chloride injection
              -
              200 mg/mL (20 %) vial
              Slow-Mag oral
              -
              71.5 mg tablet
              Mag 64 oral
              -
              64 mg tablet

              Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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              Patient Handout

              Select a drug:
              Patient Education
              magnesium chloride injection

              NO MONOGRAPH AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

              USES: Consult your pharmacist.

              HOW TO USE: Consult your pharmacist.

              SIDE EFFECTS: Consult your pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

              PRECAUTIONS: Consult your pharmacist.

              DRUG INTERACTIONS: Consult your pharmacist.Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

              OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

              NOTES: No monograph available at this time.

              MISSED DOSE: Consult your pharmacist.

              STORAGE: Consult your pharmacist.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

              Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

              IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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              Formulary

              FormularyPatient Discounts

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              The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

              Tier Description
              1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
              2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
              3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
              4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
              Code Definition
              PA Prior Authorization
              Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
              QL Quantity Limits
              Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
              ST Step Therapy
              Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
              OR Other Restrictions
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              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.