WARNINGS:  Continued

Research indicates that patients with impaired kidney function, including premature neonates, who receive parenteral levels of aluminum at greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day accumulate aluminum at levels associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity.  Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration.

PRECAUTIONS:

The usual precautions for parenteral administration should be observed.  Administer with caution if flushing and sweating occurs.  A preparation of a calcium salt should be readily available for intravenous injection to counteract potential serious signs of magnesium intoxication.  As long as deep tendon reflexes are active it is probable that the patient will not develop respiratory paralysis.  Respiration and blood pressure should be carefully observed during and after administration of Magnesium Chloride Injection.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with magnesium chloride.  It is also not known whether magnesium chloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity.   Magnesium chloride should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

Flushing, sweating, sharply lowered blood pressure, hypothermia, stupor, and ultimately respiratory depression.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: 

For intravenous infusion: 4 grams in 250 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, at a rate not exceeding 3 mL per minute.  Serum magnesium levels should serve as a guide to continued dosage.

USUAL DOSAGE RANGE:  1 to 40 grams daily.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, as the solution and container permit.

Magnesium Chloride Material Safety Data Sheet