Typically taken in oral form, magnesium chloride is used to "treat or prevent magnesium deficiency," according to the Drugs.com website. Magnesium is a mineral that is not only produced naturally in the body, but also obtained through a variety of food sources. If the body is not producing enough of the beneficial mineral, magnesium chloride therapy may be necessary.
History
Magnesium chloride was first used as a medical treatment in 1915, when a French surgeon used a magnesium chloride solution to clean external wounds. Over time, the surgeon, Professor Pierre Delbet, MD, recognized that the solution could also be used to stimulate the immune system when given by injection or oral solution. Delbet continued to study the use of magnesium chloride as a medication for many years. He discovered the powerful effects of magnesium chloride on a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, Parkinson's disease, acne, eczema, impotency, cerebral problems, allergies and cancer. Since Delbet's time, several other physicians have studied the use of magnesium chloride therapy for an extensive array of diseases.
Side Effects
In most cases, magnesium chloride medications have very minor side effects, such as upset stomach and diarrhea. In the case of an allergic reaction to the drug, symptoms might include a rash, itchy hives, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, nausea and swelling of the face, lips or tongue. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Considerations
Certain body symptoms may indicate an imbalance in the magnesium levels in your body. Since these imbalances indicate that your magnesium chloride medication is not working properly, contact your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. For low magnesium levels, you might experience fatigue, irritability, muscle cramps and severe diarrhea. On the other hand, the symptoms of high magnesium levels include muscle weakness, mental confusion, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and irregular heart rate.
Health Risks
Magnesium chloride medications should not be used for patients with kidney disease, stomach disorders, ulcers or dehydration. Various medications might also interact with magnesium chloride medications. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, interactions might occur with antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, digoxin, diuretics, laxatives, hormone replacement therapy, thyroid medications and osteoporosis medications. Speak with your doctor before starting magnesium treatment if you are taking any of these medications.
Magnesium Toxicity
If too much magnesium builds up in the body, magnesium toxicity can occur. In many cases, patients taking magnesium chloride may need regular blood tests to not only determine whether the medication is effective, but also to identify any harmful effects the medication may be causing. If left untreated, magnesium toxicity can result in serious cardiovascular, nervous system and metabolic problems.
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