Magnesium Sulphate
Uses of Magnesium Sulphate
Magnesium Sulphate is commonly used to treat constipation, hypomagnesaemia, irregular heart rhythm, cerebral oedema, eclampsia, boils and carbuncles.
How Magnesium Sulphate Works
Magnesium sulfate increases intestinal peristalsis by causing osmotic retention of fluids while parenteral magnesium sulfate acts on the heart by decreasing the rate of SA node impulse and prolonging the conduction time. It also decreases acetylcholine levels in motor nerve terminals.
Side Effects of Magnesium Sulphate
Watery Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Flushing, Thirst, Low blood pressure, Drowsiness, Confusion, Slurred speech, Double vision, Low heart rate, Muscle weakness, Paralytic ileus.
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Magnesium Sulphate should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease due to hypermagnesemia. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before using it. Use of Magnesium Sulphate is not recommended in patients with kidney failure.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Magnesium Sulphate due to possible drug interactions. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Magnesium Sulphate may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. There is evidence of adverse effects on the fetus in human studies but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Driving Generally Safe
Magnesium Sulphate is probably safe to use during lactation 24 hours after IV infusion. It is excreted into the breastmilk, especially during IV administration route. Hence, Magnesium Sulphate should be used in caution in breastfeeding patients. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Liver Safe If Prescribed
Due to the fact that there is no data on Magnesium Sulphate, it should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Magnesium Sulphate may be needed. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Lactation Safe If Prescribed
Magnesium Sulphate is probably safe to use during lactation 24 hours after IV infusion. It is excreted into the breastmilk, especially during IV administration route. Hence, Magnesium Sulphate should be used in caution in breastfeeding patients. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
