Magnesium Sulf 40mg/ml Inj, 100ml

Manufacturer HOSPIRA Active Ingredient Magnesium Sulfate Injection(mag NEE zhum SUL fate) Pronunciation mag-NEE-zhum SUL-fate
It is used to treat or prevent low magnesium levels.It is used to prevent and control seizures during pregnancy.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
đŸˇī¸
Drug Class
Anticonvulsant; Electrolyte Supplement; Tocolytic
đŸ§Ŧ
Pharmacologic Class
Magnesium Salt
🤰
Pregnancy Category
Category D
✅
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
âš–ī¸
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

â„šī¸

What is this medicine?

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral given by injection to treat low magnesium levels, prevent seizures in pregnant women with preeclampsia or eclampsia, and sometimes to treat severe asthma or certain heart rhythm problems. It works by relaxing muscles and calming the nervous system.
📋

How to Use This Medicine

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and carefully read all accompanying information. Take this medication exactly as directed, and adhere to all guidelines provided. This medication is administered either as an intramuscular injection or as an intravenous infusion, which is given over a specified period of time.

If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.

In the event that you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to receive guidance on the appropriate course of action.
💡

Lifestyle & Tips

  • Report any unusual symptoms immediately to your healthcare provider.
  • Do not take other magnesium-containing products or antacids without consulting your doctor.
  • Avoid alcohol and other sedatives while receiving magnesium sulfate, as they can increase drowsiness and respiratory depression.

Dosing & Administration

đŸ‘¨â€âš•ī¸

Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Varies significantly by indication. For eclampsia/preeclampsia: Loading dose 4-6 g IV over 15-20 minutes, followed by 1-2 g/hour continuous IV infusion. For hypomagnesemia: 1-4 g IV/IM depending on severity.
Dose Range: 1 - 6 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Eclampsia/Preeclampsia: Loading dose: 4-6 g IV over 15-20 min. Maintenance: 1-2 g/hour continuous IV infusion. Continue for 24 hours postpartum or after last seizure.
Hypomagnesemia (mild): 1 g IM/IV every 6 hours for 4 doses.
Hypomagnesemia (severe): Up to 2 g IV over 1 hour, repeated as needed based on serum magnesium levels and patient response.
Torsades de Pointes: 1-2 g IV over 5-20 minutes, may repeat once.
Acute severe asthma: 2 g IV over 20 minutes (adjunctive therapy).
đŸ‘ļ

Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Hypomagnesemia: 25-50 mg/kg/dose IV over 1-2 hours, every 8-12 hours for 2-3 doses. Neonatal seizures: 25-50 mg/kg IV over 15-20 minutes.
Infant: Hypomagnesemia: 25-50 mg/kg/dose IV over 1-2 hours, every 8-12 hours for 2-3 doses. Acute severe asthma: 25-50 mg/kg IV over 10-20 minutes (max 2 g).
Child: Hypomagnesemia: 25-50 mg/kg/dose IV over 1-2 hours, every 8-12 hours for 2-3 doses. Acute severe asthma: 25-50 mg/kg IV over 10-20 minutes (max 2 g).
Adolescent: Hypomagnesemia: 25-50 mg/kg/dose IV over 1-2 hours, every 8-12 hours for 2-3 doses. Acute severe asthma: 25-50 mg/kg IV over 10-20 minutes (max 2 g).
âš•ī¸

Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: Monitor closely; consider lower end of dosing range.
Moderate: Reduce dose by 25-50% and/or extend dosing interval. Monitor serum magnesium and renal function closely.
Severe: Contraindicated or significantly reduced dose (e.g., 50-75% reduction) with extreme caution and frequent monitoring of serum magnesium, deep tendon reflexes, and respiratory rate. Risk of toxicity is high.
Dialysis: Magnesium is dialyzable. Avoid use or use with extreme caution and close monitoring. Dosing should be individualized based on post-dialysis magnesium levels.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate: No specific adjustment needed.
Severe: No specific adjustment needed.

Pharmacology

đŸ”Ŧ

Mechanism of Action

Magnesium is an essential cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions, including those involved in energy production, nucleic acid synthesis, and protein synthesis. As a CNS depressant, it blocks neuromuscular transmission by decreasing acetylcholine release at the motor end plate. It also has direct depressant effects on the CNS and peripheral vasodilation. In preeclampsia/eclampsia, it acts as an anticonvulsant by reducing CNS irritability and depressing peripheral neuromuscular transmission. In asthma, it causes bronchodilation by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
📊

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: 100% (IV/IM)
Tmax: Immediate (IV); 1 hour (IM)
FoodEffect: Not applicable (parenteral administration)

Distribution:

Vd: 0.2-0.3 L/kg
ProteinBinding: Approximately 30% (to albumin)
CnssPenetration: Limited (crosses blood-brain barrier slowly)

Elimination:

HalfLife: Approximately 4 hours (normal renal function)
Clearance: Primarily renal (glomerular filtration)
ExcretionRoute: Renal (urine)
Unchanged: Nearly 100%
âąī¸

Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Immediate (IV); 1 hour (IM)
PeakEffect: Immediate (IV); 1 hour (IM)
DurationOfAction: Approximately 30 minutes (IV); 3-4 hours (IM)

Safety & Warnings

âš ī¸

BLACK BOX WARNING

Continuous administration of magnesium sulfate to pregnant women for more than 5-7 days can result in hypocalcemia and bone abnormalities in the developing fetus. Magnesium sulfate should be administered for short-term tocolysis (up to 48 hours) only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
âš ī¸

Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high magnesium levels, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sluggish
+ Slow movements
+ Shortness of breath
+ Upset stomach
+ Severe dizziness or passing out
Signs of low calcium levels, such as:
+ Muscle cramps or spasms
+ Numbness and tingling
+ Seizures
Slow heartbeat
Flushing
Inability to move
Changes in eyesight
Feeling cold
Excessive sweating

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away, as they could be signs of a life-threatening muscle problem:
New or worsening muscle weakness
Trouble chewing or swallowing
Trouble breathing
Droopy eyelids
Changes in eyesight, such as blurred vision or double vision

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to contact your doctor or seek medical help if you have any symptoms that bother you or do not go away.

Not all possible side effects are listed here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🚨

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Feeling very tired or weak
  • Difficulty breathing or slow breathing
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Blurred vision
  • Muscle weakness or inability to move
  • Absent or very weak reflexes
  • Flushing or feeling warm
  • Nausea or vomiting
📋

Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have a heart block or any pre-existing heart problems.
* If you are currently taking nifedipine or terbutaline, as these medications may interact with this drug.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you may have. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to assess the potential risks and benefits of taking this medication with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so.
âš ī¸

Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are following a low-magnesium diet, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential interactions.

Regular blood tests will be necessary to monitor your condition, as directed by your doctor. Be sure to follow their instructions and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

This medication may contain aluminum, which can increase the risk of aluminum toxicity with long-term use. This risk is particularly higher if you have kidney problems or if you are a premature infant. It is crucial to discuss this potential risk with your doctor.

Do not take this medication if you have myasthenia gravis, as it can cause severe and potentially life-threatening breathing problems in people with this condition.

If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, immediately contact your doctor, as it may harm the unborn baby.

If you are breastfeeding, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential risks to your baby and determine the best course of action.
🆘

Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Flushing
  • Thirst
  • Somnolence (drowsiness)
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of deep tendon reflexes
  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
  • Respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing)
  • Coma
  • Cardiac arrest

What to Do:

Immediately discontinue magnesium sulfate. Administer calcium gluconate 10% solution (10-20 mL IV slowly) as an antidote. Provide respiratory support (e.g., mechanical ventilation) if needed. Monitor vital signs, ECG, and serum magnesium levels. Dialysis may be necessary in severe cases with renal impairment.

Drug Interactions

đŸšĢ

Contraindicated Interactions

  • Calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem) - concurrent use may lead to profound hypotension and neuromuscular blockade, especially with high doses of magnesium.
  • Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., rocuronium, succinylcholine) - potentiates and prolongs neuromuscular blockade.
🔴

Major Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, general anesthetics) - additive CNS depression, respiratory depression.
  • Digoxin - increased risk of cardiac conduction abnormalities if magnesium levels are too high or too low.
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride) - may increase risk of hypermagnesemia in patients with renal impairment.
  • Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin) - may enhance neuromuscular blockade.
🟡

Moderate Interactions

  • Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline) - magnesium may chelate tetracyclines, reducing absorption (oral forms, less relevant for IV magnesium but consider if co-administered orally).
  • Quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) - magnesium may chelate quinolones, reducing absorption (oral forms).
đŸŸĸ

Minor Interactions

  • Not available

Monitoring

đŸ”Ŧ

Baseline Monitoring

Renal function (BUN, creatinine)

Rationale: Magnesium is primarily renally eliminated; impaired renal function increases risk of toxicity.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Baseline vital signs (BP, HR, RR)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for adverse effects (hypotension, respiratory depression).

Timing: Prior to initiation

Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)

Rationale: Loss of DTRs is an early sign of hypermagnesemia.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Serum Magnesium levels

Rationale: To establish baseline and guide initial dosing, especially in hypomagnesemia.

Timing: Prior to initiation

📊

Routine Monitoring

Serum Magnesium levels

Frequency: Every 4-6 hours during continuous infusion, or as clinically indicated.

Target: 4-7 mEq/L (for preeclampsia/eclampsia); 1.5-2.5 mEq/L (normal range)

Action Threshold: >7 mEq/L (toxicity risk), <1.5 mEq/L (ineffective/hypomagnesemia)

Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)

Frequency: Hourly during continuous infusion, or prior to each dose.

Target: Present (2+)

Action Threshold: Absent (0) or diminished (1+) - indicates hypermagnesemia, hold dose.

Respiratory Rate (RR)

Frequency: Hourly during continuous infusion, or prior to each dose.

Target: >12 breaths/min

Action Threshold: <12 breaths/min - indicates respiratory depression, hold dose.

Urine Output

Frequency: Hourly

Target: >25-30 mL/hour

Action Threshold: <25 mL/hour for 2 consecutive hours - indicates renal impairment, hold dose.

Blood Pressure (BP)

Frequency: Hourly

Target: Within therapeutic range for indication

Action Threshold: Significant hypotension

đŸ‘ī¸

Symptom Monitoring

  • Lethargy
  • Muscle weakness
  • Flushing
  • Sweating
  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia
  • Respiratory depression
  • Absent deep tendon reflexes
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Slurred speech

Special Patient Groups

🤰

Pregnancy

Category D. Used for prevention and control of seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia. Prolonged use (>5-7 days) for preterm labor is associated with fetal bone abnormalities and hypocalcemia, and is generally not recommended.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Limited data, generally not used unless life-threatening indication.
Second Trimester: Used for preeclampsia/eclampsia if indicated. Prolonged use for tocolysis carries risk of fetal bone abnormalities.
Third Trimester: Used for preeclampsia/eclampsia if indicated. Prolonged use for tocolysis carries risk of fetal bone abnormalities and neonatal hypocalcemia/hypomagnesemia.
🤱

Lactation

L3 - Likely compatible. Magnesium is a normal component of breast milk. While maternal magnesium levels may increase with high-dose IV administration, significant adverse effects in breastfed infants are not expected. Monitor infant for signs of diarrhea or sedation.

Infant Risk: Low to moderate. Monitor for diarrhea, lethargy, or hypotonia.
đŸ‘ļ

Pediatric Use

Dosing is weight-based and varies by indication. Close monitoring of vital signs, DTRs, and serum magnesium levels is crucial due to higher risk of toxicity in neonates and infants, especially with renal immaturity.

👴

Geriatric Use

Use with caution due to potential for age-related decline in renal function, which increases the risk of hypermagnesemia. Start with lower doses and monitor renal function, DTRs, and serum magnesium levels closely.

Clinical Information

💎

Clinical Pearls

  • Always have calcium gluconate (10% solution) readily available as an antidote for magnesium toxicity.
  • Monitor deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) and respiratory rate frequently; loss of DTRs and respiratory depression are key signs of toxicity.
  • Ensure adequate urine output before and during administration, as magnesium is renally excreted.
  • Infuse IV magnesium slowly to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure and cardiac arrest.
  • For preeclampsia/eclampsia, magnesium sulfate is primarily for seizure prophylaxis/treatment, not for blood pressure control.
  • In acute severe asthma, magnesium sulfate is an adjunctive therapy, not a first-line bronchodilator.
🔄

Alternative Therapies

  • For eclampsia/preeclampsia: Antihypertensives (e.g., labetalol, hydralazine) for blood pressure control, but magnesium sulfate is the primary anticonvulsant.
  • For hypomagnesemia: Oral magnesium supplements (for mild cases).
  • For Torsades de Pointes: Isoproterenol, overdrive pacing (if magnesium is ineffective).
  • For acute severe asthma: Beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol), corticosteroids, anticholinergics (e.g., ipratropium).
💰

Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Varies widely, typically low per 100ml vial
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 1 (Generic)
📚

General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of unused or expired medications by checking with your pharmacist for the recommended disposal method. Unless instructed to do so, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain, as this can harm the environment. Many communities offer drug take-back programs, which your pharmacist can help you locate. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, consult with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken, as this will help healthcare professionals provide the best possible care.