Magnesium is a mineral that occurs naturally in the body and is found in certain foods. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles, nerves, heart, and bones.

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

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have kidney disease, a stomach ulcer or disorder, or if you are dehydrated.

Before taking magnesium chloride, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or any type of allergy.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is not known whether magnesium chloride could harm an unborn baby, or if it passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Your dose needs may be different while you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Avoid using antacids or laxatives without your doctor's advice. These medications may contain minerals and if you take certain products together you may get too much magnesium.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially antibiotics, ADHD medication, thyroid medication, or medication for osteoporosis or Paget's disease.

Magnesium chloride is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of too much magnesium in your blood, such as depression, feeling tired or irritable, muscle cramps, or severe or ongoing diarrhea.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• kidney disease;

• a stomach ulcer or disorder; or

• if you are dehydrated.

Before taking magnesium chloride, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or any type of allergy.

It is not known whether magnesium chloride is harmful to an unborn baby. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether magnesium chloride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Your dose needs may be different while you are nursing. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.