Quick answers
- What is Magnesium sulfate used for?
- The Drug Facts label of Epsom Salt (Target Corporation) lists these uses: External; temporarily relieves minor sprains and bruises Internal; relieves occasional constipation (irregularity); generally produces bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours.
- Do I need a prescription for Magnesium sulfate?
- No, the products on this page are sold without a prescription. Other products with the same active ingredient need a prescription (often a higher strength or another form): see the prescription page.
- Is a store brand the same as the name brand?
- Products listed together below have the same active ingredient, in the same amount and the same form, as registered with the FDA. Inactive ingredients (such as colors, flavors and fillers) and package sizes can differ. Compare the “Active ingredient” box on both packages, and ask a pharmacist if you are not sure.
- Has Magnesium sulfate been recalled?
- No recall linked to these products appears in the FDA enforcement reports we use.
Also sold by prescription (often at a higher strength or in another form): Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate — prescription medicine
Drug Facts label
Every over-the-counter medicine must carry a “Drug Facts” box in the same order, set by FDA rules. Below is the label of one product for each common strength and form, quoted word for word. Your own package can differ (for example, children’s products have other directions): always follow the label on your package.
Epsom Salt · Target Corporation
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100%, granule, for solution (oral, topical)
Active ingredient (in each teaspoon)
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) 5 g
Purpose
External Use ...................................................... Soaking Solution Internal Use .......................................................... Saline Laxative
Uses
External
- temporarily relieves minor sprains and bruises Internal
- relieves occasional constipation (irregularity)
- generally produces bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours
Warnings
As a laxative
- Do not give to children under six years of age except under the advice and supervision of a physician.
- For occasional use only. Serious side effects from prolonged use or overdose may occur.
Ask a doctor before use if
you have: As a soaking solution redness or swelling present
- evidence of an infection
- diabetes - hot and warm soaks should not be used by individuals with diabetes except on advice of a physician As a laxative
- abdominal pain nausea vomiting kidney disease a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks a magnesium-restricted diet
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if
you are: As a laxative
- taking prescription medication
When using this product
- do not use more than directed
Stop use and ask a doctor if
As a soaking solution
- you experience redness, irritation, swelling or infection. As a laxative
- you have no bowel movement within six hours or experience rectal bleeding - these could be signs of a serious condition.
- you have already used a laxative for longer than one week.
If pregnant or breastfeeding
consult a health care professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children
In case of accidental ingestion or overdose, seek medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Directions
As a soaking solution: Pour 2 cups of Epsom Salt under warm, running bath water. Soak for 20 minutes to relieve sore, tired muscles. As a warm compress: Dissolve 1 cup of Epsom Salt in 1 quart of warm water. Using a towel, apply solution to the affected area for 15-30 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Repeat as needed. As a laxative: If necessary, repeat dosage after 4 hours. Do not take more than 2 doses per day. Drink a full 8 oz of water with each dose. adults and children 12 years of age and older .......................1-3 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water daily. children 6 to 12years of age ............................1/2-1 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water daily. Not recommended for children under 6 years of age
Other information
dissolve well before use. magnesium content: 495 mg per teaspoon (5 grams)
Inactive ingredients
None
— FDA label of Epsom Salt, Target Corporation, effective October 24, 2024. See the official label on DailyMed →
Epsom Salt · Cvs Pharmacy, Inc
Magnesium sulfate, unspecified 100%, granule (oral, topical)
Active ingredient
Magnesium sulfate USP 100%
Purpose
Saline laxative
Uses
relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours
Warnings
Ask a doctor before use if
you have kidney disease a magnesium restricted diet stomach pain, nausea or vomiting noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if
you are presently taking a prescription drug.
When using this product
do not use more than directed
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you have rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use. This may indicate a serious condition. you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week If pregnancy or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children
In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Directions
do not exceed more than 2 doses per day; if necessary repeat dosage in 4 hours
| age | dose |
| adults and children 12 years and older | 2-4 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water |
| children 6 to 11 years | 1-2 level teaspoons in a full glass (8oz) of water |
Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Inactive ingredients
None
Questions?
For laxative or soak, call 1-877-753-3935 Monday- Friday 9AM-5PM EST
— FDA label of Epsom Salt, Cvs Pharmacy, Inc, effective May 27, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
NuValu Epsom Salt · J C Sales
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100%, granule (oral)
Active ingredient
Magnesium sulfate (heptahydrate) 100%
Purpose
Saline laxative
Uses
relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces bowel movement in 30 mins to 6 hours
Warnings
Ask a doctor before use if
you have
- kidney disease
- a magnesium restricted diet
- stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
- noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using if you are presently taking a prescription drug. Laxatives may affect how other drugs work.
When using this product
- do not use more than directed
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you have rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use. This may indicate a serious condition. you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week
If pregnant or breast-feeding
ask a health professional before use
Keep out of reach of children
In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)
Directions
do not exceed more than 2 doses per day; If necessary repeat dosage in 4 hours.
| age | dose |
| adults and children 12 years and older | 2-4 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water |
| children 6 to 11 years | 1-2 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water |
Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Inactive ingredients
none
— FDA label of NuValu Epsom Salt, J C Sales, effective December 4, 2024. See the official label on DailyMed →
Epsom Salt · AmerisourceBergen (Good Neighbor Pharmacy) 46122
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100%, granule (oral, topical)
Active ingredient
Magnesium sulfate USP 100%
Purpose
Saline laxative
Uses
relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours
Warnings
Ask a doctor before use if
you have kidney disease a magnesium restricted diet stomach pain, nausea or vomiting noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if
you are presently taking a prescription drug.
When using this product
do not use more than directed
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you have rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use. This may indicate a serious condition. you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week If pregnancy or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children
In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Directions
do not exceed more than 2 doses per day; if necessary repeat dosage in 4 hours
| age | dose |
| adults and children 12 years and older | 2-4 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water |
| children 6 to 11 years | 1-2 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water |
Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Inactive ingredients
none
Questions?
For laxative or soak, call 1-877-753-3935 Monday- Friday 9AM-5PM EST
— FDA label of Epsom Salt, AmerisourceBergen (Good Neighbor Pharmacy) 46122, effective August 18, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
Rapidol Sal Inglesa · Pharmadel LLC
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100%, crystal (oral)
Active ingredient
& Purposes Active ingredient Purpose Magensium sulfate heptahydrate 100%.................................... Laxative
Purpose
Active ingredient Purpose Magensium sulfate heptahydrate 100%.................................... Laxative
Uses
For relief of occasional constipation (irregularity). This product generally produces bowel movement in ½ to 6 hours.
Warnings
Do not use
laxative products for more than 1 week unless directed
Ask a doctor before use if
you have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting are present noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks kidney disease a magnesium-restricted diet
Stop use and ask a doctor if
rectal bleeding occurs you fail to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative. This may indicate a serious condition.
If pregnant or breast-feeding
ask a health professional before use. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions
tbsp = tablespoon drink a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid with each dose. The dose may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses. do not exceed maximum daily dosage, unless directed by a doctor
| adults and children 12 years of age and over | 10 (3/4 tbsp.) to 30 grams (2 ½ tbsps.) |
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 5 (½ tbsp.) to 10 grams (3/4 tbsp.) |
| children under 6 years of age | consult a doctor |
Other information
per 5g contains: magnesium 490 mg store between 15-30°C (59-86°F) do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.
Inactive ingredients
None
Questions?
+1-866-359-3478 (M-F) 9 AM - 5 PM EST or www.pharmadel.com
— FDA label of Rapidol Sal Inglesa, Pharmadel LLC, effective July 28, 2025. See the official label on DailyMed →
WinCo Pure 5lb · WinCo Foods, LLC
Magnesium sulfate, unspecified 100%, crystal (oral)
Active ingredient
Magnesium Sulfate USP (Epsom Salt)
Purpose
Saline laxative
Uses
relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces bowel movement in 1/2 to 6 hours
Warnings
Ask a doctor before use if
you have kidney disease a magnesium restricted diet stomach pain, nausea or vomiting noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that last more than 2 weeks Back of bag
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if
you are presently taking a prescription drug.
When using this product
do not use more than directed
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you have rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use. This may indicate a serious condition. you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week
If pregnant or breast-feeding
ask a health professional before use. Keept his and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
Directions
Do not exceed more than 2 doses per day; if necessary repeat dosage in 4 hours
| Age | Dose |
| adults and children 12 years and older | 2-4 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water |
| children 6-11 years | 1-2 level teaspoons dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water |
Not recommended for children under 6 years of age
Other information
each teaspoon contains: magnesium 493mg Questions? Call 1-800-824-1706 Monday - Friday 9am-4pm MT
Inactive ingredients
none
— FDA label of WinCo Pure 5lb, WinCo Foods, LLC, effective August 5, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
This page is not medical advice. Read the label on your package, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure a medicine is right for you, for your child, or with your other medicines.
Same medicine, other brands
Each group lists the products that have exactly the same active ingredient, in the same amount and form, as registered with the FDA (NDC Directory). A store brand in the same group has the same medicine as the name brand; inactive ingredients, flavors and package sizes can differ. Each product links to its own official label.
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% · granule, for solution (oral, topical) · 20 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 365 Whole Foods Market Epsom Salt | Whole Foods Market, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Amazon.com Services LLC | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Chain Drug Marketing Association | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Discount Drug Mart | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Grocery Outlet, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Harris Teeter | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Hy-Vee, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Meijer, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Old East Main Co. | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Retail Business Services, LLC | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Safeway Inc | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Target Corporation | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Topco Associates LLC | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | United Natural Foods, Inc. dba UNFI | — |
| Epsom Salt | Valu Merchandisers Company | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Vi-Jon, LLC | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Walgreen Co. | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Your Military Exchanges | DailyMed |
Magnesium sulfate, unspecified 100% · granule (oral, topical) · 17 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Epsom Salt | Cardinal Health (Leader) 70000 | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Chain Drug Consortium, LLC | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Cvs Pharmacy, Inc | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | EQUATE (Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) (see also WAL-MART INC) | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Family Dollar (FAMILY WELLNESS) | — |
| Epsom Salt | Good Sense (Geiss, Destin & Dunn, Inc.) | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Harris Teeter, LLC | — |
| Epsom Salt | P & L Development, LLC | — |
| Epsom Salt | Safeway, Inc. | — |
| Epsom Salt | Sam's West, Inc | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | Strategic Sourcing Services LLC | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | TOP CARE (Topco Associates LLC) | — |
| Epsom Salt | Whole Foods Market | DailyMed |
| Epsom Salt | WinCo Foods, LLC | — |
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% · granule (oral) · 6 products
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% · granule (oral, topical) · 5 products
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% · crystal (oral) · 2 products
Magnesium sulfate, unspecified 100% · crystal (oral) · 1 product
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| WinCo Pure 5lb | WinCo Foods, LLC | DailyMed |
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% · granule (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Epsom Salts | International Wholesale Inc. | DailyMed |
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% · crystal (oral, topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Epsom Salt | Cardinal Health, 110 dba Leader | DailyMed |
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% · granule, for solution (oral) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Epsom Salt | CVS Pharmacy, Inc. | DailyMed |
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% · powder, for solution (oral) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Humco Epson Salt | Humco Holding Group, Inc. | DailyMed |
Magnesium sulfate, unspecified form 100% · granule (oral) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| NATURAL Epsom Salt | Universal Distribution Center LLC | DailyMed |
Magnesium sulfate, unspecified form 1 kg/kg · granule, for solution (oral) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| ROYAL Epsom Salt | Filo America | DailyMed |
What pharmacies pay (NADAC)
The National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) is the average price U.S. retail pharmacies paid to buy one unit of a medicine (one tablet, one mL or one gram), from a monthly survey of pharmacy invoices by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Medicaid programs use it to pay pharmacies.
This is not the price you pay. What you pay depends on your insurance (copay or coinsurance), your pharmacy and any discounts, and pharmacies also charge for filling a prescription. Ask your pharmacist or your health plan what your price will be.
| Strength and form | Generic or brand | Pharmacies pay |
|---|---|---|
| magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% crystal | Generic | $0.0039 per gram |
| magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% granule | Generic | $0.0039 per gram |
| magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 100% granule, for solution | Generic | $0.0039 per gram |
| magnesium sulfate, unspecified 100% granule | Generic | $0.0039 per gram |
NADAC list of November 4, 2026; these prices took effect on October 21, 2026. Shown only where a package’s NDC code matches the NADAC list exactly, and only for that exact strength and form: nothing is averaged across strengths. Strengths and forms not listed here have no NADAC price.
Source: NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) 2026, data.medicaid.gov (CMS) →
Companies that sell this medicine
The company named on the package (maker or distributor), as listed in the FDA NDC Directory, with its number of over-the-counter products of this medicine.
- Strategic Sourcing Services LLC3 products
- Target Corporation3 products
- WinCo Foods, LLC2 products
- Whole Foods Market2 products
- Safeway Inc2 products
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.2 products
- J C Sales2 products
- International Wholesale Inc.2 products
- Meijer, Inc.2 products
- Topco Associates LLC2 products
- Good Sense (Geiss, Destin & Dunn, Inc.)1 product
- Cardinal Health (Leader) 700001 product
- TOP CARE (Topco Associates LLC)1 product
- EQUATE (Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) (see also WAL-MART INC)1 product
- Family Dollar (FAMILY WELLNESS)1 product
- Chain Drug Consortium, LLC1 product
- Sam's West, Inc1 product
- Harris Teeter, LLC1 product
- P & L Development, LLC1 product
- Harris Teeter1 product
- Chain Drug Marketing Association1 product
- Vi-Jon, LLC1 product
- New Pride Corp1 product
- Walgreens1 product
- Amazon.com Services LLC1 product
- Pharmadel LLC1 product
- Publix Super Markets, Inc.1 product
- Menper Distributors, Inc1 product
- Old East Main Co.1 product
- Cardinal Health, 110 dba Leader1 product
Showing the 30 companies with the most products, of 45.
Recalls
No recall linked to these products (by their NDC code or label) appears in the FDA enforcement reports.
Sources
- Drug labeling (SPL, openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- NDC Directory (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drug recall enforcement reports (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 27, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- FDA rule for the Drug Facts label (21 CFR 201.66)
Only medicines marketed under FDA rules for nonprescription drugs (an FDA monograph or an FDA approval) are listed. Homeopathic products are not listed: the FDA does not evaluate them for safety or effectiveness.