DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: magnesium chloride (mag NEE see um KLOE ride)
Brand Names: Mag 64, Magdelay, Slow-Mag

What is Mag 64 (magnesium chloride)?

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.

Magnesium chloride is used as a supplement to maintain adequate magnesium in the body.

Magnesium chloride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Mag 64 (magnesium chloride)?

Before taking magnesium chloride, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium chloride may not be recommended in some situations.

Who should not take Mag 64 (magnesium chloride)?

Do not take magnesium chloride without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease.

Before taking magnesium chloride, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium chloride may not be recommended in some situations.

It is not known whether magnesium chloride will harm an unborn baby. Do not take magnesium chloride without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is also known whether magnesium chloride will harm an nursing baby. Do not take magnesium chloride without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Mag 64 (magnesium chloride)?

Take magnesium chloride exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the extended- or slow-release formulations of magnesium chloride. They are specially formulated to dissolve slowly in the body. Do not take more magnesium chloride than is directed. Store magnesium chloride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an magnesium chloride overdose include nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma, and death.

What should I avoid while taking Mag 64 (magnesium chloride)?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking magnesium chloride unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Mag 64 (magnesium chloride) side effects

Stop taking magnesium chloride and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take magnesium chloride and talk to your doctor if you experience diarrhea or an upset stomach.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Mag 64 (magnesium chloride)?

Before taking magnesium chloride, talk to your doctor if you are taking

• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others);

• a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), and others;

• penicillamine (Cuprimine);

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or

• nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, others).

You may not be able to take magnesium chloride, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with magnesium chloride. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about magnesium chloride written for health professionals that you may read.

• Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:05:15 PM.