Magnesium Sulf 40mg/ml Inj, 100ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
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.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Magnesium Oxide 400mg Tablets
- Magnesium Sulfate 50% Inj, 10ml
- Magnesium 500mg Tablets
- Magnesium Sulfate 40mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium Chloride 20% Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium Sulf 40mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Magnesium Sulfate 50% Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium 200mg Tablets
- Magnesium Sulfate 50% Inj, 2ml
- Magnesium 300mg Capsules
- Magnesium Sulfate 40mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium Sulfate 80mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Magnesium 250mg Tablets
- Magnesium Sulfate 80mg/ml Inj
- Magn Sulf/d5w 10mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Magnesium Oxide 250mg Tablets
- Magnesium Citrate Soln Lemon 296ml
- Magnesium Sulfate 50% Inj, 20ml
- Magnesium Su 40g/1000ml Inj, 1000ml
- Magnesium Sulfate 20gm/500ml Inj
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
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
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.
Precautions & Cautions
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
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).
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Magnesium is primarily renally eliminated; impaired renal function increases risk of toxicity.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for adverse effects (hypotension, respiratory depression).
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: Loss of DTRs is an early sign of hypermagnesemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To establish baseline and guide initial dosing, especially in hypomagnesemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
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)
Frequency: Hourly during continuous infusion, or prior to each dose.
Target: Present (2+)
Action Threshold: Absent (0) or diminished (1+) - indicates hypermagnesemia, hold dose.
Frequency: Hourly during continuous infusion, or prior to each dose.
Target: >12 breaths/min
Action Threshold: <12 breaths/min - indicates respiratory depression, hold dose.
Frequency: Hourly
Target: >25-30 mL/hour
Action Threshold: <25 mL/hour for 2 consecutive hours - indicates renal impairment, hold dose.
Frequency: Hourly
Target: Within therapeutic range for indication
Action Threshold: Significant hypotension
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:
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.
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).