Magnesium chloride (injection)

Magnesium is a mineral that occurs naturally. It is essential for many functions in the body, particularly for muscles and nerves.

Magnesium chloride is used to treat or prevent magnesium deficiency (which is when the body lacks enough natural magnesium).

Magnesium chloride may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Your doctor might check how well your kidneys are working before you begin using magnesium chloride.

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

You may receive other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reactions.

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

You may need regular medical tests. Even if you do not have any symptoms, tests can help your doctor see if this medicine is working.

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

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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe dizziness, difficulty 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
• a 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypomagnesemia:

1 to 40 grams intravenously daily -Use serum magnesium levels to guide dosageMaximum rate: 3 mL/minUse: Electrolyte replenisher in magnesium deficiencies

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

Recommended dietary intake (RDA) for magnesium: 18 years, male: 410 mg18 years, female: 360 mg19 to 30 years, male: 400 mg19 to 30 years, female: 310 mg31 years and older, male: 420 mg31 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 mg4 to 8 years: 130 mg9 to 13 years: 240 mg14 to 18 years, male: 410 mg14 to 18 years, female: 360 mgTolerable upper intake level (UL) for supplemental magnesium: 1 to 3 years: 65 mg4 to 8 years: 110 mg9 to 18 years: 350 mg

Because you will get magnesium chloride in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since magnesium chloride (injection) is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limitations on food, drinks, or activities.

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