Description

Magnesium is an essential constituent of many enzyme systems, particularly those involved in energy generation; the largest stores are in the skeleton. Each 5 ml ampoule of injection contains 50% solution of Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate BP (Mg2+ approx. 2 mmol/ml), total 2.47gm. Each 100 ml bottle of infusion contains 4% solution of Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate BP (Mg2+ approx. 0.16 mmol/ml), total 4 gm.

Magnesium Sulfate injection is indicated mainly for the treatment of hypomagnesaemia and magnesium deficiency states. Irregular heart beats, some time it may be used as a laxative. Magnesium Sulfate injection is used in the treatment of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium Sulfate has anticonvulsant properties when administered parentally, it may be used to prevent or control of Seizures associated with acute uremia, hypothyroidism and eclampsia. It is also used in bronchial asthma & cardiovascular disorder.

Magnesium is given initially by intravenous infusion or by intramuscular injection of Magnesium sulphate. The intramuscular injection is painful. Plasma magnesium concentration should be measured to determine the rate and duration of infusion and the dose should be reduced in renal impairment. Intravenous administration concentration of magnesium sulphate should not exceed 20%. Dilute 1 part of magnesium sulphate injection 50% with at least 1.5 parts of water for injection. Eclampsia and pre-eclampsia: Magnesium sulphate is the drug of choice for the prevention of recurrent seizures in eclampsia, initially by intravenous injection over 5-15 minutes, 4g followed by intravenous infusion, 1g/hour for at least 24 hours after last seizure; if seizure occurs, additional dose of intravenous injection of 2g. (Regimens may vary between hospitals; calcium gluconate injection is used for the management of magnesium toxicity). Arrhythmias: Magnesium sulphate has also been recommended for the emergency treatment of serious arrhythmias, especially in the presence of hypokalaemia (when hypomagnesaemia may also be present) and when salvos of rapid ventricular tachycardia show the characteristic twisting wave front known as torsades de pointes. The usual dose of magnesium sulphate by intravenous injection is 8 mmol Mg2+ over 10-15 minutes (repeated if necessary). Myocardial Infarction: Evidence suggesting a sustained reduction in mortality in patients with suspected myocardial infarction given an initial intravenous injection of magnesium sulphate 8 mmol Mg2+ over 20 minutes followed by an intravenous infusion of 65-72 mmol Mg2+ over the following 24 hours, has not been borne out by a larger study. Some, however, continue to hold the view that magnesium is beneficial if given immediately (and for as long as beneficial likelihood of reperfusion taking place). Severe Asthma: Severe asthma may be helped by intravenous infusion of magnesium sulphate 1.2-2g over 20 minutes. Hypomagnesaemia: Since magnesium is secreted in large amounts in the gastro-intestinal fluid, excessive losses in diarrhoea, stoma or fistula are the most common causes of hypomagnesaemia, deficiency may also occur in alcoholism or as a result of treatment with certain drugs. Hypomagnesaemia often causes secondary hypocalcaemia and also hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia.

With medicine: Magnesium Sulfate may cause a reduction in blood pressure when taken together with Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine. There may be an increase in the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents when given together with Magnesium Sulfate. When Magnesium Sulfate is given together with the following medicines there may be a risk of respiratory depression on high-dose barbiturates, opioids and aminoglycosides antibiotics. With food & others: There is no interaction of Magnesium Sulfate with food & others.

Magnesium Sulfate contra-indicated in the case of a defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block), severe damage to the muscular wall of the heart (myocardium) and significantly decreased kidney function.

Common: Excessive administration of magnesium leads to the development of hypermagnesaemia. Symptoms of hypermagnesaemia may include nausea, vomiting, flushing of skin, thirst, hypotension due to peripheral vasodilatation, drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness etc. Rare: Diarrhea or skin irritation after soaking may occur.

Magnesium Sulfate crosses the placenta. So, as with any other drugs, caution is required when the drug is administered to pregnant women. It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk. As it happens with many other drugs, cautions should be taken when it is administered to a nursing mother.