About magnesium sulphate
Electrolyte and anticonvulsant
Used for
- Treats severe magnesium deficiency.
- Prevents and treats seizures in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
- Treats certain abnormal heart rhythms, including torsades de pointes.
Usual adult dose
Dose depends on the condition and blood magnesium levels. For eclampsia, commonly 4–6 g intravenously, followed by 1–2 g/hour; protocols vary.
Usual dose in children
For severe deficiency or specific emergencies, dosing is weight-based and requires specialist supervision.
Common side effects
- Flushing and sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
Important warnings
- Excess magnesium can cause breathing problems, dangerously low blood pressure, or cardiac arrest.
- Use cautiously with kidney impairment; magnesium may accumulate.
- Monitoring may include breathing, reflexes, urine output, and blood magnesium levels.
- Calcium may be needed to treat severe magnesium toxicity.
Pregnancy
Used under medical supervision for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia; prolonged use may harm fetal bones.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible when medically indicated; magnesium levels in milk are not expected to cause harm.
Interactions
- Neuromuscular-blocking medicines may cause prolonged muscle weakness or paralysis.
- May enhance effects of other medicines that lower blood pressure.
- Some antibiotics, including aminoglycosides, may increase neuromuscular effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.