MAGNESIUM SULFATE

Magnesium sulfate is a drug that increases peristaltic activity in the bowels by osmotic retention of fluids. It decreases the levels of acetylcholine in motor nerve terminals. It also acts on the heart by decreasing its impulse formation thus prolonging the conduction time.

Magnesium sulfate is used in the following medical conditions:

  • Constipation
  • Hypomagnesaemia
  • Torsades de pointes
  • Barium poisoning
  • Cerebral oedema
  • Eclampsia
  • Boils and carbuncles

Do not give Magnesium sulfate in people with the following conditions:

  • Heart block
  • Severe kidney disease
  • Heart damage

Magnesium sulfate may give rise to the following side effects:

  • Gastrointestinal irritation
  • Watery diarrhoea
  • Hypermagnesemia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Flushing
  • Thirst
  • Hypotension
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Double vision
  • Bradycardia
  • Muscle weakness
  • Hypocalcaemia
  • Paralytic ileus

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following:

  • Kidney problems
  • Myasthaenia gravis
  • Patients on digitalis
  • Pregnancy

Serum magnesium concentrations should be monitored.

 

Interactions

Magnesium sulfate may interact with the following medicines:

  • Tetracyclines
  • Biphosphonates
  • Aminoglycosides
  • Digitalis glycosides
  • Nifedipine
  • CNS depressants

Symptoms of Magnesium sulfate overdose include the following:

  • Respiratory depression
  • Loss of deep tendon reflexes due to neuromuscular blockade
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Flushing
  • Thirst
  • Hypotension
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Double vision
  • Bradycardia
  • Muscle weakness

Seek medical help immediately.

 

Available Brands:

  • Concept OB
  • Eldertonic
  • Elliotts B
  • Ellis Tonic
  • FerrocitePlus
  • Hemocyte Plus
  • RightStep
  • Sulfamag
  • Tandem OB
  • Tis-U-Sol

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