What Is Magnesium Chloride? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 24, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Magnesium Chloride is a mineral supplement used to treat low magnesium. Learn its uses, proper dosage, who should avoid it, and what it costs in 2026.

Magnesium Chloride is a mineral and electrolyte supplement used to treat and prevent hypomagnesemia — a condition where your body doesn't have enough magnesium.

What Is Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium Chloride (chemical formula MgCl₂) is a naturally occurring mineral compound that provides your body with magnesium, one of the most essential minerals for human health. It's available under brand names like Slow-Mag, Mag-64, Chloromag, and Mag Delay, as well as various generic versions.

Magnesium Chloride belongs to the class of mineral and electrolyte supplements. Unlike some other forms of magnesium (like magnesium oxide), Magnesium Chloride is known for being well-absorbed by the body and relatively gentle on the stomach.

It comes in several forms:

  • Delayed-release oral tablets (Slow-Mag)
  • Standard oral tablets and capsules
  • Oral liquid/solution
  • Injectable solution (200 mg/mL) for IV or IM use in clinical settings
  • Topical forms (magnesium oil and bath flakes)

To understand how it works at the cellular level, see our guide on how Magnesium Chloride works.

What Is Magnesium Chloride Used For?

Approved Uses

  • Treatment and prevention of hypomagnesemia — This is the primary medical use. Low magnesium can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, numbness, and tingling.
  • Magnesium supplementation — For patients with documented magnesium deficiency from diet, medication side effects, or medical conditions.
  • Electrolyte replenishment — The injectable form is used in hospitals to quickly restore magnesium levels in patients with severe deficiency.

Common Off-Label Uses

Doctors and patients also use Magnesium Chloride for:

  • Muscle cramps and spasms
  • Migraine prevention
  • Constipation relief
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Sleep support
  • Anxiety and stress management
  • Asthma exacerbations (IV form)

Magnesium Chloride is not a controlled substance, and most oral forms are available without a prescription. If you need help finding a doctor for a prescription-strength or injectable form, see our guide on finding a doctor who can prescribe Magnesium Chloride.

How Is Magnesium Chloride Taken?

How you take Magnesium Chloride depends on the form:

Oral Tablets and Capsules

  • Typical dose: 64 mg to 535 mg of elemental magnesium per day, divided into multiple doses.
  • How to take: With food and a full glass of water to minimize stomach upset.
  • Delayed-release tablets (like Slow-Mag) should be swallowed whole — do not crush or chew them.
  • Spacing: Divide doses evenly throughout the day for best absorption.

Injectable Form

  • Administered only by healthcare professionals in clinical settings.
  • Typical dose: 1 to 4 grams diluted in IV fluids for severe hypomagnesemia.
  • Rapid IV administration must be avoided due to the risk of cardiac complications.

OTC Supplement Tablets

Over-the-counter Magnesium Chloride tablets typically contain 64 to 143 mg of elemental magnesium per tablet. Follow the dosing instructions on the label unless your doctor says otherwise.

For information on potential side effects, read our side effects guide.

Who Should Not Take Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium Chloride is not safe for everyone. You should avoid it or use it only under medical supervision if you have:

  • Severe kidney disease (GFR below 30 mL/min) — Your kidneys may not be able to filter out excess magnesium, leading to dangerous buildup.
  • Heart block — Magnesium can affect electrical signaling in the heart.
  • Myasthenia gravis — Magnesium can worsen muscle weakness in this condition.
  • Hypermagnesemia — If your magnesium levels are already high, taking more can be dangerous.
  • Known allergy to Magnesium Chloride or any of its ingredients.

Magnesium Chloride also interacts with several medications, including tetracycline antibiotics, bisphosphonates, quinolone antibiotics, digoxin, and levothyroxine. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you're taking.

How Much Does Magnesium Chloride Cost?

Magnesium Chloride is one of the more affordable supplements available:

  • OTC oral tablets: $8 to $25 for a 60-count bottle
  • Generic delayed-release tablets: $8 to $15 for 60 tablets
  • Injectable vials (200 mg/mL): $3 to $15 per vial

Most OTC Magnesium Chloride is not covered by insurance since it doesn't require a prescription. However, injectable forms used in clinical settings are usually covered under medical benefits. Some FSA and HSA accounts may cover OTC magnesium with a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Generic versions are widely available and work just as well as brand-name products. For more on saving money, see our savings and coupon guide.

Final Thoughts

Magnesium Chloride is a well-absorbed, affordable magnesium supplement used by millions of people to treat or prevent low magnesium levels. It comes in multiple forms — from easy-to-swallow delayed-release tablets to injectable solutions for severe cases — and is available both over the counter and by prescription.

The most important things to remember: take it with food, don't exceed your recommended dose, and talk to your doctor if you have kidney disease or take medications that may interact with magnesium.

Looking for Magnesium Chloride near you? Search Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability.

What is Magnesium Chloride used for?

Magnesium Chloride is primarily used to treat and prevent hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels). It's also commonly used for muscle cramps, migraine prevention, sleep support, and electrolyte replenishment in hospital settings.

Is Magnesium Chloride the same as magnesium oxide?

No. While both provide magnesium, Magnesium Chloride is generally better absorbed by the body and causes fewer digestive side effects than magnesium oxide. Magnesium oxide contains more elemental magnesium per tablet but has lower bioavailability.

How much Magnesium Chloride should I take per day?

Typical oral doses range from 64 mg to 535 mg of elemental magnesium per day, divided into multiple doses. OTC supplement tablets usually contain 64 to 143 mg per tablet. Follow your doctor's recommendations or the product label.

Do I need a prescription for Magnesium Chloride?

Most oral Magnesium Chloride supplements are available over the counter without a prescription. Injectable Magnesium Chloride used in hospitals and clinical settings does require a prescription and medical supervision.

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