Reasons Your Doctor Might Administer Magnesium Sulfate

This is an injectable drug usually administered in hospital by a trained medical staff member to ensure the medication is given properly into a muscle, vein, or as an infusion into a vein via a catheter. Magnesium Sulfate generic or brand consists of a naturally occurring mineral that is prescribed for treating low blood magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia), for treating and preventing seizures during pregnancy caused by high blood pressure (eclampsia), and for emergency treatment of irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Magnesium Sulfate Works in Your Body

For complications with eclampsia in the later stages of pregnancy, a Magnesium Sulfate Injection may be given, or an IV catheter can be placed to treat the mother-to-be. It is believed that Magnesium Sulfate helps to widen blood vessels in the brain so nerve cells receive a sufficient blood flow. The seizures are brought on by high blood pressure during pregnancy which can also cause kidney and liver damage unless treated rapidly. For the treatment of arrhythmias, Magnesium Sulfate is administered to reset normal electricity in your heart.

More About Hypomagnesemia

Hypomagnesemia can be caused by a disturbance to your electrolytes, which include sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Symptoms of hypomagnesemia are convulsions, fatigue, muscle weakness/ cramps/ or spasms, and numbness or abnormal eye movements called nystagmus. Hospitalization poses one of the greatest risk factors for hypomagnesemia. This is thoughts to be caused by many of those patients in hospitals who are administered IV fluids but without magnesium supplementation.

Before a Magnesium Sulfate Injection is Administered

Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medications you currently take or use, including alternative and complimentary drugs. Your doctor can then decide if or how much Magnesium Sulfate is appropriate for you. It’s important to see your doctor regularly during a pregnancy so hypertension can be diagnosed and treated early to avoid possible complications later on in your pregnancy.

Magnesium Sulfate Injection Precautions

If you experience a change in thinking clearly, feel lethargic, pass out, or have a shortness of breath, tell your doctor immediately as your magnesium levels may have become too high during treatment with Magnesium Sulfate Injection therapy. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any current meds or supplements while undergoing Magnesium Sulfate injections as this may increase your risk of side effects.

Possible Side Effects of Magnesium Sulfate Injection

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Change in your heartbeats

Other Drugs That May be Recommended by Your Doctor

• Rythmol (arrhythmias)
• Apresoline (high blood pressure)
• Magnesium Citrate (eclampsia)