Drug Cards

Magnesium Sulfate

Class:
Electrolyte.
Mechanism of Action:
Reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholinestrase release at the myoneural junction; manages seizures in toxemia of pregnancy; induces uterine relaxation; can cause bronchodilation after beta agonists and anticholinergics have been used.
Indications:
  • Acute Asthma / Bronchospasm.
  • Seizures of eclampisa (Toxemia of pregnancy).
  • Torsades de Pointes.
  • Hypomagnesemia.
  • TCA overdose-induced dysrhythmias.
  • Digitalis-induced dysrhytmias.
Contraindications:
  • Heart blocks.
  • Renal disease.
Adverse reactions:
  • Respiratory or CNS depression.
  • Hypotension, cardiac arrest and asystole may occur.
  • Facial flushing, diaphoresis, depressed reflexes.
  • Circulatory collapse.
Magnesium Sulfate Toxicity: (BURP) Give Calcium!
  • Blood pressure decrease. ↓
  • Urine output decrease. ↓
  • Respiratory rate decrase. ↓
  • Patellar reflex absent. ↓
Drug Interactions
  • May enhance effects of other CNS depressants.
  • Serious changes in overall cardiac function may occur with cardiac glycosides.
Adult Dosage and Administration
  • Seizures of eclampsia: 2-4 gm IV over 5 minutes.
  • Torsades de Pointes, Refractory VF/VT: 2-4 grams IV over 5 minutes.
  • Known hypomagnesemia: 2-4 grams IV over 5 minutes.
  • For Bronchospasm: 2-4 gm IV in 100ml of NS over 20 minutes.
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Pediatric Dosage and Administration:
  • Severe asthma/bronchospasm: 25 mg/kg over 10 minutes. Max 2 gm
    Usually mixed in 50-100 ml of NS to be given IVPB.
Duration of Action
  • Onset: Immediate.
  • Peak effect: variable.
  • Duration: 3-4 hours.
Special Considerations:
  • Pregnancy safety: Recommended that drug not be given in the 2 hours before delivery, if possible.
  • IV calcium gluconate or calcium chloride should be available as antagonist if needed.
  • Use with caution in patients with renal failure.
  • Magnesium sulfate is being used for acute MI patients in some systems under Medical Direction.