Magnesium sulfate – instructions for use, side effects

Magnesium sulfate is a drug that contains magnesium ions and sulfate ions. Magnesium sulfate has been used in medical practice for quite a long time, which makes it possible to judge its high efficiency in the treatment of a large number of pathologies.

Magnesium sulfate is used as an antiarrhythmic, anticonvulsant, vasodilator, it is prescribed to lower blood pressure. The drug can act as an antispasmodic, as a sedative, laxative and choleretic agent. It is often prescribed by obstetricians and gynecologists to reduce the contractility of the uterus, to prevent premature birth. Due to such a wide spectrum of action of the drug, Magnesium sulfate is a symptomatic remedy, which is used to alleviate the condition in a variety of diseases.

Other names for magnesium sulfate

Since the drug has been used for quite a long time, it is not surprising that it has received many other names that are often used in colloquial speech by people who do not have a medical education. For example, such names include: bitter or Epsom salt, magnesia, magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is also called magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. However, the most common name for this drug is magnesia.

When a doctor prescribes Magnesium Sulfate to a patient, the following entry will be on the prescription form:

• Rp.: Sol. Magnesyl sulfate 25% 10,0 мл

• D. t. d. №10 in amp.

• S. inject 1 time per day, 2 ml.

The concentration of the drug solution may be different, in this recipe it is indicated as a percentage after the phrase Magnesil sulfatis. Next comes the volume of the drug (here it is 10 ml).

D. td #10 in amp. – this entry means how many ampoules the patient should receive. In this case, the patient will be given 10 ampoules. The last line contains information on how to use the drug and how much drug should be administered to the patient.

Pharmacological group, release form

Since the drug has a large number of therapeutic effects, it is simultaneously referred to as a vasodilator and sedative. In addition, magnesium sulfate is a trace mineral.

You can find two forms of release of the drug, among which: powder and ready-made solution in ampoules.

The volume of powder sachets can be equal to 50 g, 25 g, 20 g, 10 g. Before use, the powder is diluted in water in order to obtain a suspension. It can be taken orally.

The volume of ampoules is 30 ml, 20 ml, 10 ml and 5 ml. The concentration of the drug is also different and can be 20 or 25%. That is, in 100 ml of the solution there will be 20 or 25 g of the drug.

There are no other components in the ampoules or powder sachets. It contains only magnesium sulfate, which is the main active ingredient.

Pharmacological properties and therapeutic effect

Magnesium sulfate has a wide range of therapeutic effects, which will vary depending on whether it is taken orally or injected.

List of properties that the drug has:

• Vasodilation.

• Elimination of seizures.

• Decreased blood pressure.

• Antiarrhythmic effect.

• Removal of spasms.

• Calming action.

• Relaxation of the uterine muscles (tocolytic effect).

• Laxative action.

• Choleretic effect.

If the patient takes the drug orally in the form of a suspension, then he receives a laxative and choleretic effect. After entering the gastrointestinal tract, magnesium sulfate irritates the nerve endings of the duodenum, resulting in a choleretic effect.

Magnesium sulfate is not absorbed into the systemic circulation, but contributes to an increased filling of the intestines with water. The result is a laxative effect. Feces liquefy, increase in volume, and bowel movements are much easier and faster.

That small part of the drug that still enters the bloodstream is excreted from the body by the kidneys. Therefore, we can say that magnesium sulfate has a weak diuretic effect.

Experts recommend taking magnesium sulfate for intoxication with salts of heavy metals. In this case, chemical reactions will be launched in the body, in which magnesium sulfate acts as an antidote. It not only binds salts of heavy metals, but also contributes to their rapid removal from the body.

After oral administration of the drug, the effect will come at least half an hour later, and a maximum of 3 hours. The duration of action of the drug is up to 6 hours.

As for the magnesia solution, it is used either in the form of injections or used topically. To provide a local effect, dressings and bandages are impregnated with a solution, which are applied to wounds.

It is possible to use a solution for electrophoresis, for example, in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system or the cardiovascular system. Very often, electrophoresis with magnesium sulfate is used to remove warts.

Separately, it should be said about the intravenous and intramuscular use of the drug. It is used to lower blood pressure, to provide a sedative effect, to relieve convulsions, to dilate blood vessels, to stop arrhythmia. However, if the dosage is exceeded, serious harm to health will be caused. Intravenously administered Magnesium Sulphate is able to have a hypnotic effect, depresses the activity of the central nervous system and, in general, works as a drug-like substance. This effect is based on the fact that magnesium competes with the calcium ion. As a result, calcium is displaced from molecular bonds, which leads to a decrease in the level of acetylcholine, which is responsible for muscle and vascular tone, and also participates in the conduction of nerve impulses.

The elimination of convulsions with the help of magnesium sulfate is achieved due to the fact that magnesium ions displace acetylcholine from the neuromuscular ligaments and take its place. They block the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles and the spasms stop. By adjusting the dosage, you can achieve a sedative, analgesic or hypnotic effect.

It is possible to eliminate cardiac arrhythmia with the introduction of magnesium sulfate due to its ability to reduce the overall excitation of muscle fibers, including the heart muscle. In addition, the drug contributes to the normalization of the structure and performance of the membranes of the muscle cells of the heart. Magnesium sulfate, in addition to everything, has a protective effect on the heart, promotes vasodilation, and prevents the formation of blood clots.

Magnesium sulfate is often used in obstetric practice when there is a threat of premature birth, due to the tocolytic effect of the drug. The smooth muscles of the uterus relax under the influence of magnesium ions, the expansion of blood vessels occurs, and contractile activity is inhibited. As a result, the threat of premature birth and miscarriage is reduced.

The effect is achieved almost instantly with intravenous administration of the drug. It lasts at least 30 minutes. If the drug is administered intramuscularly, the effect will come after 60 minutes. However, it will last at least 3 hours.

Indications for the use of magnesium sulfate

Indications for the use of magnesium sulfate are quite extensive. In some cases, it is prescribed in the form of injections (in the form of a solution), and in other cases it is taken orally (in the form of a suspension).

Instructions for use of magnesium sulfate

Since there are two forms of release of magnesium sulfate, the instructions for use for the powder and for the solution will differ.

Applications of Magnesium Sulphate Powder

In its pure form, powdered magnesium sulfate is not used orally. It must be dissolved in water to obtain a suspension. Boiled water must be used. There is no relationship between taking the drug and eating.

• To obtain a choleretic effect, it is necessary to dissolve 100-20 mg of powder in 25 ml of water. Take a solution 3 times a day for a tablespoon. To enhance the effect, you should take the drug before meals.

• In case of intoxication of the body with barium salts, gastric lavage is performed with a solution of magnesium sulfate in a 1% concentration. In order to prepare such a composition, 100 ml of water and 1 g of powder are required. After the washing procedure is completed, the patient is offered a 10-12% solution of magnesium sulfate orally. To obtain this concentration, dilute 20-25 g of the drug in 200 ml of water.

• With intoxication of the body with mercury, lead or arsenic, intravenous administration of the drug is indicated. To prepare the solution, you need 100 ml of water and 5-10 mg of powder. One-time injection of up to 10 ml of solution.

• To perform duodenal sounding, you can use a solution of 10% and 25% concentration. To obtain a 10% solution, take 10 g of powder and 100 ml of water, and to obtain a 25% solution, take 12,5 g of powder and 50 ml of water. The warm solution is then injected into the probe, which is used to perform probing of the gallbladder. If a 10% solution is used, then 100 ml of liquid will be required, and if a 25% solution is used, then 50 ml of liquid will be required.

Use of magnesium sulfate as a laxative

To achieve a laxative effect, magnesium sulfate is used in powder form. It is necessary to take it in the evening, or in the morning, immediately after waking up and before eating. First, a suspension must be prepared from the powder. The dosage for children over 15 years of age and for adults is 10-30 g of the drug, diluted in half a glass of water.

If magnesium sulfate is prescribed to a child under 15 years old, then the dose is calculated based on his age (1 g – 1 year, 6 g – 6 years).

To speed up bowel movements, you need to take a large amount of warm water. Then the effect can be felt already after 60 minutes (maximum after 3 hours). The drug is forbidden to be taken for several days without a break, as it will contribute to inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.

Most often, magnesium sulfate is prescribed once to eliminate acute constipation, or if you need to quickly empty the intestines. You can take the drug after anthelmintic therapy.

It is possible to use enemas with a solution of powder. For its preparation, 20-30 g of the drug is required, which is diluted in 100 ml of water.

Magnesium sulfate for injections

If the drug is in ampoules, then it is ready for use. The concentration of magnesium sulfate can be 20 and 25%. Depending on how quickly you need to get the desired effect, the drug is administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

So, to eliminate convulsions, with a hypertensive crisis, with arrhythmias, magnesium sulfate is administered intravenously. The drug begins to act almost immediately. The drug is administered intramuscularly when a long-term effect is required.

The rate of both intravenous and intramuscular administration of the drug should not exceed 1 ml per minute. The maximum dose per day is 40 g. That is, the volume of the drug administered at a 20% concentration should not exceed 200 ml, and at a 25% concentration – 160 ml.

There are certain restrictions for patients with renal insufficiency. For them, the daily dose of the drug should not be more than 20 g. Accordingly, no more than 80 ml for a 25% solution and no more than 100 ml for a 20% solution.

Intramuscular administration of magnesium sulfate

It is the intramuscular administration of the drug that is practiced in most cases (with the exception of emergency situations, including: hypertensive crisis, eclampsia, convulsive seizures).

Patients are most often prescribed a 20-25% solution of magnesium sulfate once or twice a day. To perform one injection, take from 5 to 20 ml of the drug. The duration of treatment is 14-21 days.

To stop muscle or mental excitation, the drug is administered once in a volume of 5-25 ml (solution of 25% concentration).

If Magnesium sulfate is used as an anesthetic during labor, then a 25% solution is administered in a volume of 5 to 20 ml.

To stop seizures in a child, the drug is administered once, calculating the dose based on the patient’s body weight (0,2 ml / kg of weight for a 20% solution). The calculation of the dose for a child weighing 20 kg is as follows: 0,2 * 20 u4d 20 ml of a solution of the XNUMXth concentration.

If a woman has severe eclampsia or moderate eclampsia, then she is prescribed from 10 to 20 ml of the drug at a 25% concentration. The number of injections should not exceed 4 times a day. The time interval between injections is 4 hours. After the patient’s condition returns to normal, the drug is stopped.

To eliminate spastic pain in the intestines, in the bladder and in other organs, Magnesium sulfate is mixed with Novocain. This will require a 0,5% solution of Novocaine and a 25% solution of Magnesium sulfate (5 ml).

Intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate

Indications for intravenous administration of the drug are such conditions as: myocardial infarction, hypertensive crisis and other direct threats to the life of the patient. If the patient’s condition is severe, then he is prescribed a 2-fold administration of the drug (per day). The dose for 1 time is 5-20 ml of a 20% solution.

If the patient has severe pain caused by spasm of the muscles of the bladder or intestines, then 10 ml of a 5% solution of the drug is administered once.

Against the background of intoxication of the body with salts of heavy metals, 5 or 10 ml of Magnesium sulfate are prescribed in a 10% concentration. In this case, it is possible to bind the toxic components that have entered the bloodstream.

During long-term treatment, doctors must constantly measure the patient’s blood pressure, monitor the work of the heart, kidneys and tendon reflexes. When magnesium and calcium preparations are administered in parallel to the patient, he should receive solutions in different veins.

Overdose of magnesium sulfate

An overdose of magnesium sulfate is possible with any route of administration, including after oral administration.

If an injection overdose has occurred, then this will be expressed in the following signs:

• Nausea and vomiting.

• A sharp drop in blood pressure to extremely low values.

• No knee jerk.

• Bradycardia.

• CNS and respiratory depression.

To stop such life-threatening conditions, intravenous administration of calcium chloride or calcium gluconate in a 10% concentration is necessary. The volume of the injected solution, which acts as an antidote, can be from 5 to 10 ml. Additionally, the patient is given oxygen therapy, if necessary, the patient is connected to an artificial respiration apparatus. Hemodialysis (peritoneal dialysis) helps to speed up the withdrawal of an excess dose of the drug from the body. If required, doctors regulate the work of the central nervous system, heart and blood vessels.

If an overdose of magnesium sulfate occurs when taken orally, then the patient develops severe diarrhea. To stop it, a person is prescribed antidiarrheal drugs, for example, Loperamide and rehydration agents (Rehydron). This will stop the diarrhea and replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

The use of magnesium sulfate during pregnancy

For women bearing a child, Magnesium sulfate is prescribed to eliminate the increased tone of the uterus, which helps to avoid the onset of premature birth. The drug quickly and effectively stops contractions of the uterine muscles and the threat of miscarriage or early onset of labor is eliminated.

However, self-treatment is not acceptable. The drug is administered exclusively under medical supervision in a hospital setting.

With regard to the safety of the fetus and the administration of magnesium sulfate, the necessary studies have not been conducted on this subject. Nevertheless, the drug has been used to treat pregnant women for quite a long time, and thanks to it a huge number of children were born. Therefore, magnesium sulfate is considered safe for the fetus if used correctly.

Uncontrolled administration of the drug is strictly prohibited. It is used only when it is not possible to use another remedy to relieve hypertonicity from the muscles of the uterus. We are talking about the fact that the doctor should not have any doubts about the benefits of magnesium sulfate for a pregnant woman and fetus.

During intravenous administration of the drug, it easily crosses the placental barrier and enters the blood of the child. As a result, the same concentration of the active substance is created in his body as in the mother’s body. Accordingly, all therapeutic effects are transferred to the fetus. A child may have a drop in blood pressure, respiratory depression if the drug was administered before his birth.

Therefore, doctors refuse to administer the drug to women 2 hours before the start of the expected birth. The exception is convulsions that occur against the background of eclampsia.

If there is such a need, then the drug is administered intravenously continuously. The rate of its supply should not exceed 8 ml per hour (25% solution). It is important that doctors continuously monitor the woman’s condition. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the level of the drug in the blood, the respiratory rate, the level of pressure and the safety of the patient’s reflexes.

The use of magnesium sulfate in childhood

In childhood, magnesium sulfate is used as a laxative, which helps to gently cleanse the intestines. To do this, the drug in powder form is dissolved in water and the child is offered to drink the required dose. It is best to do this before a night’s rest or in the morning, before breakfast.

Depending on age, the dose of the drug will be as follows:

• From 5 to 10 g – 6-12 years.

• 10 g – 12-15 years.

• 10-30 g – over 15 years old and adults.

Here is the dose of the powder, which is prescribed for 1 dose. You can also offer the child as many grams of the drug as his age. That is, for every year of life there is 1 g of the drug. This rule may apply to children aged 6 years and older. For children under 6 years of age, magnesium sulfate is usually not prescribed.

Moreover, the use of the drug in children under one year is considered dangerous. Failure to comply with this recommendation can lead to serious health problems: cause respiratory and central nervous system depression, provoke a drop in blood pressure and dehydration.

In addition to oral administration, you can use Magnesium sulfate in microclysters. First you need to prepare a solution of the drug. For 100 ml of warm water, 20 to 30 g of powder is needed. 50-100 ml of liquid is injected into the rectum.

Intravenous administration to children is possible only to eliminate seizures. Calculation of the dose for a solution of 20% concentration: 0,1-0,2 ml of the drug per 1 kg of the child’s weight. Thus, with its weight of 20 kg, 0,1-0,2 * 20 u2d 4-XNUMX ml of the drug.

The use of magnesium sulfate for other purposes

Since the list of effects from the use of the drug is quite extensive, it is used to achieve various goals. Below are the most common options.

Cleansing the body and getting rid of excess weight

Modern nutritionists recommend that their clients cleanse the body using Magnesium sulfate before starting a particular diet. Thus, it will be easier to start the process of losing weight, especially with therapeutic starvation. The drug acts as a mild laxative, which dilutes the feces and promotes their excretion from the body.

It is important to consider that the drug can be used only on the first day of the diet, in the future its use is irrational. Magnesium sulfate should not be taken directly during fasting. With its help, toxins are removed from the body, and the symptoms that are provoked by a sharp refusal of food are easier to bear.

There are two options for using the drug before a diet:

• It is necessary to dissolve 30 g of powder in half a glass of warm water and drink it before going to bed or 30 minutes before eating.

• The same amount of the drug should be drunk in the morning, an hour after eating. The effect should be expected after 4-6 hours.

Sometimes doctors allow you to take the drug on the first day of fasting. However, a person will need to refuse to take any food before the end of this day, but an adequate drinking regimen should be observed. You will need to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

The main danger of taking the drug during fasting is the development of diarrhea, fainting, vomiting. In addition, a person may begin intestinal dysbacteriosis and dehydration.

Bathing with magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate has been used for many years for physiotherapy. Baths with this drug help to reduce pain, fatigue, relieve nervousness, physical and emotional stress. Take such baths before a night’s rest, no more than once a day.

Effects that can be obtained after taking Magnesium sulfate:

• Strengthening blood microcirculation.

• Elimination of spasm from the capillaries.

• Decreased blood pressure.

• Reducing the risk of thrombosis.

• Fight against cellulite.

• Removal of tone from the muscles.

• Removal of bronchospasm.

• Prevention of seizures with high blood pressure during pregnancy.

• Acceleration of recovery processes after various injuries and diseases due to increased metabolic processes.

The course of therapeutic baths can be up to 15 procedures. For the purpose of prevention, you can take such baths up to 2 times in 7 days. For 1 time, you will need 100 g of the drug, 500 g of sea salt and 50 g of ordinary salt. The water temperature must not exceed 39 °C. Immersion should be carried out for half an hour, but no more. After taking such a bath, you need to rest for another half an hour, as the person will experience vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure.

Contraindications to taking magnesium sulfate

Contraindications for injections:

• Individual intolerance to magnesium sulfate.

• High levels of magnesium in the blood.

• Hypotension.

• Low heart rate.

• Respiratory depression.

• 2 hours before the onset of labor.

• Renal failure (CC less than 20 ml / min).

• Antrioventricular block.

Contraindications for oral administration:

• Bleeding of the intestines and its obstruction.

• Inflammation of the appendix.

• Dehydration of the body.

Restrictions on the use of the drug:

• Respiratory diseases.

• Renal failure.

• Inflammatory processes in the digestive organs.

• Myasthenia gravis.

Side effects when taking magnesium sulfate

With any method of using magnesium sulfate in the form of injections, the following side effects may occur:

• Feeling of heat and increased sweating.

• Increased anxiety.

• Headaches, weakness.

• Decrease in heart rate.

• Diplopia.

• Heart block.

• Pronounced sedative effect.

• No reflexes.

• Frequent urination. 

• Nausea and vomiting.

When taken orally, the development of diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, inflammation of the digestive system is possible.

Reviews

Most of the feedback from people who have used magnesium sulfate for weight loss boils down to the fact that the drug really works. It contributes to the complete and high-quality emptying of the intestines. However, in some people, the laxative effect develops very strongly, there are abdominal pains. Therefore, the drug should be used very carefully and only in case of urgent need. Another part of the reviews is negative. Women who used magnesium sulfate for weight loss suffered at least severe diarrhea. Even death due to possible dehydration of the body after taking the drug is not excluded. Therefore, it is not recommended to independently use it to achieve aesthetic goals.

Price

The cost of the drug is low. It can be produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers, however, there will be no difference in composition. The average cost of Magnesium sulfate is as follows: From 3 to 8 rubles – powder, 10 g. From 4 to 9 rubles – powder, 20 g. From 15 to 18 rubles powder, 25 g. From 27 to 45 rubles for 10 ampoules of 10 ml of a solution at a 25% concentration. From 18 to 22 rubles for 10 ampoules of 5 ml of a solution at a 25% concentration.