Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) (MgCl2)

Magnesium chloride is an inorganic chemical compound consisting of one magnesium and two chloride ions, primarily utilized as a pharmaceutical source of elemental magnesium. As a vital electrolyte, magnesium serves as a mandatory cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in ATP metabolism, protein synthesis, and nucleic acid transcription (PubChem CID 24562). It plays a crucial role in maintaining neuromuscular stability by acting as a physiological calcium antagonist and providing a voltage-dependent block of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (StatPearls, Magnesium). Clinically, magnesium chloride is indicated for the treatment of hypomagnesemia and is sometimes used in the management of certain arrhythmias or as a dietary supplement (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements). Its interaction with other drugs often involves chelation, which can reduce the bioavailability of antibiotics like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones. While generally safe, excessive administration can lead to hypermagnesemia, particularly in patients with renal impairment, resulting in symptoms ranging from lethargy to life-threatening respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.

Other names

ChloromagnesiteMagnesium dichlorideMagnesium(II) chloride

Magnesium chloride dissociates into magnesium ions (Mg2+), which serve as essential cofactors for over 300 enzymes, including those involved in ATP hydrolysis and DNA synthesis. Mg2+ also acts as a physiological calcium channel blocker and a non-competitive antagonist of the NMDA receptor, thereby modulating neuromuscular excitability and providing neuroprotective effects (PubChem CID 24562; StatPearls, Magnesium).