What is this medication?
MAGNESIUM SULFATE (mag NEE zee um SUL fate) prevents and treats low levels of magnesium in your body. It may also be used to prevent and treat seizures during pregnancy in people with high blood pressure disorders, such as preeclampsia or eclampsia. Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining the health of your muscles and nervous system.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Heart disease
- History of irregular heart beat
- Kidney disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to magnesium sulfate, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is for infusion into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medication?
- Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
- Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital
- Digoxin
- Medications that relax muscles for surgery
- Narcotic medications for pain
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work done while you are receiving this medication.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High magnesium level—confusion, drowsiness, facial flushing, redness, sweating, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Headache
- Nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
