Magnesium Chloride

Products

Magnesium chloride is available in pharmacies and drugstores as an open commodity usually as magnesium chloride hexahydrate. Retailers can order it from specialized service providers such as Hänseler. Other drugs, including infusion solutions and capsules, are on the market.

Structure and properties

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2 – 6 H2O, Mr = 203.3 g/mol) is present in the form of colorless, odorless and hygroscopic crystals, which are very soluble in water. It should be stored tightly closed. The substance has an acrid-bitter taste. Magnesium chloride is an important component of seawater. In addition to hexahydrate, magnesium chloride 4.5-hydrate (MgCl2 – 4.5 H2O) is used.

Effects

Magnesium (ATC A12CC01) is laxative in high doses. It plays an important role in cellular functions and is a cofactor of numerous enzymes. Magnesium chloride is an inorganic magnesium salt with high bioavailability.

Indications

Magnesium chloride is used as a laxative for constipation, for calf cramps, in cases of increased need, to inhibit labor, and as a pharmaceutical excipient, among other uses. In alternative medicine, magnesium chloride is used for a wide variety of applications (indication lyric). Among other things, the application goes back to the manuscript of Father Benno-Josef Schorr from Brazil, which circulates on the Internet.

Dosage

Usual dose in alternative medicine according to Schorr: 100 g of magnesium chloride is dissolved in 3 liters of water and stored in glass bottles. In the morning after getting up, 1 shot glass of this solution is taken daily. How much magnesium does a shot glass contain?

  • 3000 ml solution contains 100 g of magnesium chloride.
  • 1000 ml solution contain 33.3 g magnesium chloride
  • One shot glass is equivalent to 20 ml.
  • 20 ml solution contains 0.666 g magnesium chloride, corresponding to 666 mg magnesium chloride.
  • 8.36 g magnesium chloride is equivalent to 1 g Mg2+

Thus, a shot glass contains approximately 80 mg of Mg2+. This amount is comparatively small, because the usual therapeutic dose is about 300 mg.

Contraindications

Magnesium is contraindicated in renal insufficiency, anuria, cardiac conduction disorders, and exsiccosis. Refer to the drug label for complete precautions.

Interactions

Magnesium may reduce the absorption of some drugs. These include certain antibiotics, iron, and cardiac glycosides.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include digestive upset and softening of stools and diarrhea at high doses.