MAGNESIUM SULFATE (mag-nes'i-um) Epsom Salt Classifications: saline cathartic; replacement agent; anticonvulsant; Therapeutic: laxative; electrolyte replacement; anticonvulsant Prototype: Magnesium hydroxide Pregnancy Category: A |
0.8 mEq/mL, 1 mEq/mL, 4 mEq/mL injection
Orally: Acts as a laxative by osmotic retention of fluid, which distends colon, increases water content of feces, and causes mechanical stimulation of bowel activity. Parenterally: Acts as a CNS depressant and also as a depressant of smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle function. Anticonvulsant properties thought to be produced by CNS depression, principally by decreasing the amount of acetylcholine liberated from motor nerve terminals, thus producing peripheral neuromuscular blockade.
Effective parenterally as a CNS depressant, smooth muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant in labor and delivery, and cardiac disorders. It is a laxative when taken orally.
Orally to relieve acute constipation and to evacuate bowel in preparation for x-ray of intestines. Parenterally to control seizures in toxemia of pregnancy, epilepsy, and acute nephritis and for prophylaxis and treatment of hypomagnesemia. Topically to reduce edema, inflammation, and itching.
To inhibit premature labor (tocolytic action) and as adjunct in hyperalimentation, to alleviate bronchospasm of acute asthma, to reduce mortality post-MI.
Myocardial damage; AV heart block; cardiac arrest except for certain arrhythmias; hypermagnesemia; GI obstruction; IV administration during the 2 h preceding delivery; PO use in patients with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fecal impaction, or intestinal irritation, obstruction, or perforation.
Renal disease; renal failture; renal impairment; acute MI; digitalized patients; concomitant use of other CNS depressants; neuromuscular blocking agents, or cardiac glycosides; children.
Laxative Adult: PO 1015 g once/d Seizures Adult: IV 1 g, may need to repeat dose Preeclampsia, Eclampsia Adult: IM/IV 45 g in 250 mL D5W infused slowly; simultaneously, 5 g IM in alternate buttocks q4h Hypomagnesemia Adult: IM/IV Mild, 1 g q6h for 4 doses; Severe, 5 g infused over 3 h Child: IV 2550 mg/kg q46h prn (max single dose: 2000 mg) Total Parenteral Nutrition Adult: IV 0.53 g/d |
Intravenous
PREPARE: Direct/IV Infusion: ??Give solutions with concentrations of ≤20% undiluted. ??Dilute more concentrated solutions to 20% (200 mg/mL) or less with D5W or NS. ADMINISTER: Direct: Give at a rate of 150 mg over at least 1 min. Note: 20% solution contains 200 mg/mL, 10% solution contains 100 mg/mL. IV Infusion: Give required dose over 4 h. Do not exceed the direct rate. INCOMPATIBILITIES Solution/additive: 10% fat emulsion, amphotericin B, calcium, chlorpromazine, clindamycin, cyclosporine, dobutamine, hydralazine, polymyxin B sulfate, potassium, procaine, prochlorperazine, sodium bicarbonate. Y-site: Amiodarone, amphotericin B, cholesteryl, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, haloperidol. |
Assessment & Drug Effects
Patient & Family Education