Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium sulfate also increases water in the intestines, which may induce defecation.
Magnesium hydroxide is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation (irregularity).
Magnesium sulfate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.
Magnesium sulfate injection is used to used to control low blood levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia). Magnesium sulfate injection is also used for pediatric acute nephritis and to prevent seizures in severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or toxemia of pregnancy.
Magnesium sulfate injection may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate
Before taking magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium sulfate may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium sulfate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium sulfate and contact your healthcare provider.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
Magnesium sulfate injection should be administered as an injection into a muscle or intravenously by a healthcare provider. It should be administered in a clinical setting where an emergency situation can be handled properly.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate
Do not take magnesium sulfate without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium sulfate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium sulfate and contact your healthcare provider.
Before taking magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium sulfate may not be recommended in some situations.
t is not known whether magnesium sulfate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take magnesium sulfate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
It is not known whether magnesium sulfate will be harmful to an nursing baby. Do not take magnesium sulfate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
Do not use magnesium sulfate injection without first talking to your doctor if you
- are dehydrated
- have a stomach or intestinal condition
- have kidney disease; or
- have heart disease
You may not be able to use magnesium sulfate injection, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Tell your doctor about all prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products that your are taking.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you smoke, or if you use any illegal drugs. These factors can affect the way magnesium sulfate injection works in your body.
Magnesium sulfate injection is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use magnesium sulfate injection without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Do not use magnesium sulfate injection without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Magnesium Sulfate Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate
Stop taking magnesium sulfate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take magnesium sulfate and talk to your doctor if you experience diarrhea or upset stomach.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
Side effects with magnesium sulfate injection are not common. Serious side effects include:
- an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting)
- heart disturbances
- breathing difficulties
- poor reflexes
- confusion, extreme tiredness or weakness
- low body temperature
- severe headache
- fainting
- rash or flushing
- vision problems; or
- nausea or vomiting
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Magnesium Sulfate Interactions
What other drugs affect Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate
Before taking magnesium sulfate, talk to your doctor if you are taking
- a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others)
- a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), and others
- penicillamine (Cuprimine)
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or
- nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, others)
You not be able to take magnesium sulfate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with magnesium sulfate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
Before taking magnesium sulfate injection, talk to your doctor if you are taking
- seizure medications
- medications to help you sleep
- medications for allergies or hay fever
- medications for anxiety, mental problems, or psychotic disturbances
- laxatives or antacids
- dietary supplements; or
- medications for pain control
ou not be able to take magnesium sulfate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Other drugs can interact with magnesium sulfate injection resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with magnesium sulfate injection.
What should I avoid while taking Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking magnesium sulfate unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you smoke, or if you use any illegal drugs. These factors can affect the way magnesium sulfate injection works in your body.
Magnesium Sulfate Dosage
How should I take Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate
Take magnesium sulfate exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Magnesium sulfate may be used orally or as a rectal enema. Follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the package.
Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium sulfate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium sulfate and contact your healthcare provider.
Do not take more magnesium sulfate than is directed.
Store magnesium sulfate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
Magnesium sulfate injection should be administered as an injection into a muscle or intravenously by a healthcare provider. It should be administered in a clinical setting where an emergency situation can be handled properly.
Your healthcare provider will store magnesium sulfate injection as directed by the manufacturer.
What happens if I overdose on Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an magnesium sulfate overdose include nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma, and death.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
If an overdose of magnesium sulfate injection is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Magnesium sulfate injection should be administered in a clinical setting where an emergency situation can be handled properly.
What happens if I miss a dose of Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Magnesium Sulfate Injection
Since the medication will be administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose should not occur.
Edited from everydayhealth.com