What is the maximum dose of magnesium chloride (MgCl2)?

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Last updated: April 13, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The maximum dose of magnesium chloride is 2 grams when administered intravenously or intraosseously, as indicated for specific medical conditions such as hypomagnesemia, torsades de pointes VT, and refractory status asthmaticus. This dosage is based on the study published in Pediatrics in 2008 1, which provides guidelines for preparing for pediatric emergencies and highlights the importance of careful administration to avoid adverse effects such as hypotension and bradycardia.

Key Considerations

  • The dose of magnesium chloride can vary depending on the specific condition being treated, with a range of 25–50 mg/kg administered by bolus for pulseless torsades, over 10–20 min for hypomagnesemia/torsades with pulses, and over 15–30 min for status asthmaticus.
  • It is crucial to have calcium chloride available to reverse magnesium toxicity if needed, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring and preparedness during administration.
  • The study's recommendations are focused on pediatric emergencies, but the principles of careful dosing and administration can be applied broadly in clinical practice to minimize risks and optimize outcomes.

From the Research

Magnesium Chloride Dosage

The provided studies do not directly mention the maximum dose of magnesium chloride. However, they discuss the importance of magnesium in various medical contexts:

  • Magnesium plays a critical role in cellular function and is often overlooked in clinical practice 2.
  • It has a significant influence on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, and low serum magnesium concentrations are associated with increased atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure 3.
  • Higher intake of dietary magnesium is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and cancer mortality, but not cardiovascular disease mortality 4.
  • The use of magnesium during in-hospital cardiac arrest may be associated with improved survival, but the results are inconclusive and require further investigation through randomized trials 5.

Key Findings

  • The studies emphasize the importance of magnesium in maintaining normal cellular physiology and metabolism.
  • They highlight the potential benefits of magnesium intake in reducing the risk of certain diseases, but also note the need for further research to fully understand its effects.
  • The maximum dose of magnesium chloride is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, suggesting that more specific research may be necessary to determine this information.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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