Magnesium Sulfate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Magnesium Sulfate

Other Names

  • Epsom Salt

Drug Class

  • Mineral Supplement
  • Electrolyte

Chemical Formula

MgSO4

Molecular Weight

120.366 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Acts as a magnesium and sulfate ion donor

Indications

  • Treatment of hypomagnesemia
  • Prevention of seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia
  • Constipation relief
  • Topical application for muscle relaxation and Epsom salt baths

Common Dosage Forms

  • Oral tablets
  • Injection
  • Topical ointment

Typical Dosage

  • 2 to 4 grams by mouth as a single dose for constipation
  • Intravenous: 2 to 4 grams over 5 minutes for hypomagnesemia

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosage based on weight and age, to be determined by a healthcare provider

Geriatric Dosage

  • Lower initial doses due to decreased kidney function in some elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Nausea
  • Flushing
  • Hypotension

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to magnesium sulfate
  • Heart block or myocardial damage
  • Renal failure with oliguria or anuria

Pregnancy Category

  • Category A - Safe for use during pregnancy

Lactation Safety

  • Considered safe during lactation when used in recommended doses

Drug Interactions

  • Digoxin - may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity
  • Neuromuscular blockers - may enhance neuromuscular blockade

Overdose Symptoms

  • Bradycardia
  • Respiratory depression
  • Cardiac arrest

Antidote for Overdose

  • Calcium gluconate given intravenously

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Distributed in extracellular fluid
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Excreted in urine

Precautions

  • Monitor magnesium levels in patients with renal impairment
  • Caution in patients with myasthenia gravis due to potential neuromuscular blockade

Warnings

  • Rapid intravenous administration can cause hypotension and cardiac arrest
  • Use with caution in patients with heart failure or respiratory depression

Others

  • Used as a tocolytic agent to inhibit contractions in preterm labor