Magnesium Sulfate

• Magnesium Sulfate is used to treat low magnesium levels in the body (hypomagnesemia), especially when taking magnesium by mouth is not possible. It is also used to prevent and control seizures in pregnant women with eclampsia, a serious condition that causes high blood pressure and can lead to convulsions.

When should one not use Magnesium Sulfate

• If you are allergic to Magnesium Sulfate.
• If you have severely impaired kidney function, you should not use Magnesium Sulfate.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Flushing, sweating, and thirst
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Drowsiness, dizziness, headache
• Muscle weakness or loss of tendon reflexes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Other General Warnings

• You have kidney problems or suspected renal impairment before using Magnesium Sulfate.
• You have hepatic coma or a risk of kidney failure.
• You have myasthenia gravis, as magnesium may worsen muscle weakness.
• You are receiving Magnesium Sulfate treatment, so your calcium levels can be monitored regularly.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Use with digitalis glycosides with caution, as magnesium may affect heart function.
• Avoid concomitant use with high doses of barbiturates, opioids, or hypnotics due to risk of respiratory depression.
• Magnesium can potentiate and prolong the effects of non-depolarising muscle relaxants such as tubocurarine.
• Concomitant use with calcium channel blockers like nifedipine or nimodipine may rarely cause calcium imbalance and abnormal muscle function.
• Neuromuscular blocking effects may be additive when used with aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Overdose

• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose