Magnesium Hydrobromide: Clinical Applications
I cannot provide a definitive recommendation for magnesium hydrobromide because this specific compound is not mentioned in any of the provided clinical guidelines, FDA drug labels, or research evidence.
What the Evidence Actually Covers
The provided evidence extensively discusses various magnesium salts and their clinical uses, but magnesium hydrobromide is conspicuously absent. Here's what is actually documented:
Established Magnesium Compounds in Clinical Use
Intravenous formulations:
- Magnesium sulfate is the primary parenteral form used for eclampsia/preeclampsia, severe asthma exacerbations (2 g IV over 20 minutes), cardiac arrhythmias (particularly torsades de pointes), and acute myocardial infarction 1, 2, 3
Oral supplementation forms:
- Magnesium citrate - preferred for constipation due to strong osmotic effects; used at 300-600 mL for bowel preparation 4
- Magnesium oxide - contains more elemental magnesium but lower bioavailability; dosed at 500-1000 mg daily 4, 5
- Magnesium glycinate - better tolerated with fewer GI side effects; used for general supplementation 4
- Magnesium chloride - best option for patients who cannot tolerate other oral forms without diarrhea 6
Why Magnesium Hydrobromide Is Not Discussed
Possible explanations:
- It may be a non-standard or obsolete formulation not used in modern clinical practice 2, 7
- It could be a compounded preparation without FDA approval or guideline support
- The bromide component raises concerns, as bromide salts have largely been discontinued due to toxicity risks (bromism)
Clinical Guidance on Magnesium Formulation Selection
The American Gastroenterological Association and Kidney International guidelines recommend:
- Organic magnesium salts (citrate, glycinate, aspartate, lactate) over inorganic forms (oxide, hydroxide) due to superior bioavailability 4
- Magnesium citrate for constipation-predominant conditions 4
- Magnesium oxide capsules taken at bedtime for patients prone to diarrhea 6
Critical safety consideration across all magnesium formulations:
If You Encountered This Compound
If a patient presents taking "magnesium hydrobromide," I would:
- Verify the actual product name and composition with the patient
- Consider switching to an evidence-based magnesium formulation (citrate, glycinate, or oxide depending on indication)
- Assess for any bromide-related toxicity if truly a bromide salt (confusion, skin eruptions, GI symptoms)
- Determine the original indication for magnesium supplementation and select the appropriate alternative 4, 2