magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate is an electrolyte supplement that's typically given in the hospital as an injection by a healthcare provider. It can help raise your blood magnesium levels if it gets too low. Magnesium sulfate can also help prevent seizures that can happen if you're pregnant and have severe preeclampsia-eclampsia. There are several other uses of magnesium sulfate that aren't FDA approved, but are recommended by certain reputable, professional organizations based on clinical evidence ("off-label" use). The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) recommends magnesium sulfate as a first-choice medication for a severe, irregular heart rhythm called torsades de pointes. Additionally, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines recommend magnesium sulfate as an option for severe asthma exacerbations that haven't improved enough with initial treatments.

Magnesium plays several important roles to help you stay healthy. This electrolyte is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as for maintaining a normal heartbeat. Additionally, magnesium is required for hundreds of other processes in your body to work properly.

The dose for magnesium sulfate varies widely, depending on why you need the medication. Your or your child's provider will determine the right dose. People with kidney problems typically need lower doses than usual. This helps prevent high magnesium levels that can occur when the kidneys don't work as well, since the kidneys help regulate the levels of this electrolyte in the body.