Can't find Magnesium Chloride? Explore 4 alternative magnesium supplements your doctor may recommend, including Magnesium Oxide, Citrate, and more.
If you've been searching for Magnesium Chloride and keep coming up empty, you're not alone. Supply issues — especially with the injectable form — have made it harder for patients to get this mineral supplement in 2026. But the good news is that there are several effective alternatives you and your doctor can consider.
In this article, we'll explain what Magnesium Chloride does, how it works in your body, and walk you through four real alternatives that may be a good fit for you.
Magnesium Chloride is a mineral and electrolyte supplement used to treat and prevent hypomagnesemia — a condition where your magnesium levels are too low. Low magnesium can cause symptoms like:
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body. It's essential for nerve function, muscle movement, blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, and bone health.
Magnesium Chloride is available as oral delayed-release tablets (like Slow-Mag), capsules, oral liquids, and injectable solutions for hospital use. It's valued by many patients for its relatively high bioavailability compared to some other magnesium forms.
Magnesium Chloride provides your body with elemental magnesium in a form that's well-absorbed through the digestive tract. Once absorbed, magnesium:
The chloride salt form is particularly well-absorbed because the chloride ion helps promote gastric acid production, which can enhance mineral absorption.
If you can't find Magnesium Chloride, the following alternatives provide magnesium through different salt forms. Each has its own absorption rate, side effect profile, and best use case. Always talk to your doctor before switching to make sure the alternative is appropriate for your specific condition.
What it is: Magnesium Oxide is one of the most common and affordable magnesium supplements. It contains a high percentage of elemental magnesium per tablet — typically 400-500 mg per tablet.
How it compares: Magnesium Oxide has lower bioavailability than Magnesium Chloride, meaning your body absorbs less of each dose. However, the high elemental magnesium content per tablet can partially compensate for this. It's widely available at most pharmacies for $5 to $12 per bottle.
Best for: Patients who need a budget-friendly option and can tolerate the slightly lower absorption rate. Also commonly used for occasional constipation relief.
Common side effects: Diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea (more common than with Magnesium Chloride).
What it is: Magnesium Citrate is a widely available form that combines magnesium with citric acid. It's available as oral tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions.
How it compares: Magnesium Citrate has good bioavailability — better than Magnesium Oxide and comparable to Magnesium Chloride. The liquid form (Citroma) is commonly used as a laxative for bowel preparation. Tablet and capsule forms are used for daily supplementation. Prices range from $8 to $20.
Best for: Patients who want good absorption and don't mind the mild laxative effect. It's one of the most popular magnesium supplements overall.
Common side effects: Diarrhea (especially at higher doses), stomach upset, cramping.
What it is: Magnesium Sulfate is available in both injectable and oral forms. The injectable form is widely used in hospitals for severe hypomagnesemia, eclampsia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Oral Epsom salt is used primarily as a laxative.
How it compares: For patients who need injectable magnesium, Magnesium Sulfate is the most common alternative to Magnesium Chloride injection. It's generally more widely available and is the preferred form for emergency magnesium replacement. Oral Magnesium Sulfate has poor bioavailability and is not ideal for daily supplementation.
Best for: Patients needing IV/IM magnesium replacement in clinical settings. Not recommended for routine oral supplementation due to its strong laxative effect.
Common side effects: Diarrhea (oral), flushing, sweating, low blood pressure (IV).
What it is: Magnesium Glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. It's available as tablets and capsules from numerous supplement manufacturers.
How it compares: Magnesium Glycinate is known for its excellent bioavailability and is often considered the gentlest form of magnesium on the stomach. It causes fewer GI side effects (like diarrhea) than most other forms. Prices range from $12 to $30 for a 60-90 count bottle.
Best for: Patients who experience stomach upset with other magnesium forms. Also popular for sleep support and anxiety, as glycine itself has calming properties.
Common side effects: Minimal GI effects compared to other forms. Rare reports of drowsiness.
Before making any changes, follow these steps:
Not being able to find Magnesium Chloride is stressful, but you're not stuck. Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Sulfate, and Magnesium Glycinate are all legitimate alternatives that your healthcare provider can help you evaluate.
Use Medfinder to check availability of both Magnesium Chloride and its alternatives at pharmacies near you. For more information about the current shortage, read our Magnesium Chloride shortage update for 2026. And for a complete overview of the medication, visit What is Magnesium Chloride?
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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