According to the FDA (2024), Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is the first-line treatment for the prevention of eclamptic seizures.
A meta-analysis in the Lancet (2002), known as the Magpie Trial, confirmed that magnesium sulfate reduces the risk of eclampsia by more than 50% compared to a placebo.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists magnesium sulfate as an Essential Medicine for the treatment of severe pre-eclampsia.
Data from the NIH (2023) indicates that magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate protein synthesis and muscle function.
The FDA issued a safety communication in 2013 warning that magnesium sulfate injection should not be used for more than 5-7 days for preterm labor due to fetal bone risks.
According to DailyMed (2024), the therapeutic serum level for anticonvulsant activity is between 4 and 7 mEq/L.
Clinical studies published in JAMA (2019) highlight that magnesium sulfate is highly effective in the emergency management of Torsades de Pointes.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 2020 guidelines reinforce that magnesium sulfate is superior to diazepam and phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis in pregnancy.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Nuvalu Epsom Salt, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Clinical Information
Detailed information about Nuvalu Epsom Salt
ℹ️Overview
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is a versatile inorganic salt used as an anticonvulsant, electrolyte replenisher, and laxative. It is classified under several drug classes including lipid emulsions and amino acids in specific regulatory contexts.
💊Usage & Dosage
Adult Dosage
The dosage of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate must be strictly individualized based on the patient's clinical condition, serum magnesium levels, and renal function.
For Eclampsia/Pre-eclampsia: A common regimen involves an initial loading dose of 4 to 5 grams IV (diluted) administered over 20 to 30 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion of 1 to 2 grams per hour. Alternatively, 10 grams may be given intramuscularly (5g in each buttock) followed by 5g every 4 hours.
For Severe Hypomagnesemia: 1 to 5 grams may be administered IM or IV in divided doses, with the rate not exceeding 1.5 mL of a 10% solution per minute.
For Constipation (Oral): 10 to 30 grams of granules dissolved in 8 ounces of water. This is typically taken as a single dose or in divided doses over the course of a day.
Pediatric Dosage
Pediatric use must be managed with extreme caution by a specialist.
Hypomagnesemia: 25 to 50 mg/kg per dose administered IV or IM every 4 to 6 hours for 3 to 4 doses.
Constipation (Ages 6-12): 5 to 10 grams dissolved in water daily.
Constipation (Ages 12+ ): Same as adult dosing (10 to 30 grams).
Note: Magnesium sulfate is generally not recommended for children under 6 years of age as a laxative without direct medical supervision.
Dosage Adjustments
Renal Impairment
Patients with a GFR less than 30 mL/min require significant dose reductions, often by 50% or more. Serum magnesium levels must be monitored every 2 to 4 hours during IV therapy in these patients to prevent life-threatening toxicity.
Hepatic Impairment
No specific dosage adjustment is typically required for patients with liver disease, as the drug is cleared renally. However, patients with hepatorenal syndrome (liver failure causing kidney failure) must be treated as having renal impairment.
Elderly Patients
Older adults are at a higher risk of reduced renal clearance. Dosing should start at the lower end of the range, and frequent monitoring of kidney function and deep tendon reflexes is mandatory.
How to Take Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate
IV/IM Administration: This must be performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. IV doses must be diluted to a concentration of 20% or less before administration to prevent cardiac arrest.
Oral Use: Dissolve the prescribed amount of granules in a full glass (8 oz) of water. You may add lemon juice to improve the bitter taste. Drink the entire mixture immediately.
Timing: For laxative use, it is best taken on an empty stomach for faster results, which typically occur within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Storage: Store oral granules at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) in a dry place. Keep the container tightly closed.
Missed Dose
If you are using this medication on a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. For hospitalized patients receiving IV therapy, the infusion is continuous, and "missed doses" are managed by clinical staff.
Overdose
Signs of magnesium overdose (hypermagnesemia) include:
Loss of deep tendon reflexes (the most reliable early sign)
Extreme drowsiness or lethargy
Slurred speech
Double vision
Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
Cardiac arrest
Emergency Measure: In the event of a symptomatic overdose, the immediate administration of Calcium Gluconate (1 gram IV) is the standard antidote to antagonize the effects of magnesium. Hemodialysis may be required in severe cases.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions precisely. Do not adjust your dose or stop treatment without medical guidance, especially when being treated for serious conditions like pre-eclampsia.
⚠️Side Effects
Common Side Effects (>1 in 10)
When administered intravenously, especially at high doses for eclampsia, most patients will experience some degree of side effects. These are often related to the vasodilatory (widening of blood vessels) effects of magnesium:
Flushing and Warmth: A sudden feeling of heat throughout the body, often accompanied by redness in the face and neck. This usually subsides shortly after the infusion rate is stabilized.
Increased Sweating (Diaphoresis): Patients may feel clammy or damp.
Thirst: A dry mouth or intense desire for water.
Injection Site Reaction: Pain, redness, or swelling at the site of the IV or IM injection.
🔴Warnings
Important Safety Information
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is a potent medication that requires careful clinical monitoring. It should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can monitor vital signs and electrolyte levels. The most critical safety concern is the narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose can be small, especially in patients with underlying health conditions.
Black Box Warnings
No FDA black box warnings for Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate. However, clinicians must adhere to the FDA safety alert regarding the duration of use in pregnancy (not to exceed 5-7 days for tocolysis).
Major Precautions
Allergic Reactions / Anaphylaxis: While rare, hypersensitivity reactions can occur. Symptoms include rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue, and severe dizziness. Immediate medical intervention is required.
🔄Interactions
Contraindicated Combinations (Do Not Use Together)
Nifedipine and other Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs): While not strictly contraindicated in all settings, the combination of IV magnesium and CCBs (like nifedipine) can lead to an exaggerated hypotensive response and profound muscle weakness. The interaction is pharmacodynamic; both drugs inhibit calcium entry into cells, leading to synergistic effects on vascular smooth muscle and neuromuscular junctions.
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents: Drugs such as vecuronium, rocuronium, or succinylcholine used during surgery must be used with extreme caution. Magnesium potentiates the effect of these blockers, potentially leading to prolonged respiratory paralysis after surgery.
Serious Interactions (Monitor Closely)
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: Drugs like gentamicin or amikacin have their own neuromuscular blocking potential. When used with magnesium sulfate, the risk of respiratory failure increases significantly.
🚫Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate must NEVER be used in the following conditions:
Heart Block: Specifically high-grade SA or AV block. Magnesium slows cardiac conduction and can precipitate complete heart block or cardiac arrest in these patients.
Myocardial Damage: In the setting of a recent acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) with significant tissue damage, magnesium may further destabilize cardiac rhythm.
Myasthenia Gravis: This autoimmune neuromuscular disease is characterized by muscle weakness. Magnesium's ability to inhibit acetylcholine release can cause a "myasthenic crisis," leading to fatal respiratory failure.
Severe Renal Failure: If the GFR is extremely low (e.g., <15 mL/min), the risk of rapid, uncontrollable magnesium toxicity is too high for standard use unless under extreme emergency conditions with dialysis available.
👥Special Populations
Pregnancy
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is widely used in pregnancy for the management of eclampsia.
FDA Pregnancy Category: It was traditionally Category D.
Risks: While it is the treatment of choice for preventing eclamptic seizures, the FDA warns against its use for more than 5-7 days to stop preterm labor. Prolonged use can cause the fetus to develop low calcium levels and bone thinning (osteopenia).
Benefits: In the context of eclampsia, the life-saving benefits for both mother and baby far outweigh the risks of short-term exposure.
Breastfeeding
Magnesium sulfate is excreted into breast milk. However, when used at standard doses, it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Oral absorption of magnesium by the infant is low, and the amount in milk is unlikely to cause adverse effects. Monitoring the infant for drowsiness or poor feeding is recommended if the mother is receiving high-dose IV therapy.
🧬Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate acts as a multifaceted pharmacological agent. Its primary molecular mechanism involves the competitive inhibition of calcium ions. By competing with calcium for binding sites on voltage-gated calcium channels, it reduces calcium influx into cells. In the nervous system, it acts as a voltage-dependent blocker of NMDA receptors, which prevents the excessive neuronal firing associated with seizures. In the peripheral nervous system, it reduces the amount of acetylcholine released from motor nerve terminals, exerting a muscle-relaxant effect.
Pharmacodynamics
Onset of Action: For IV administration, the anticonvulsant effect is immediate. For IM administration, onset occurs within 60 minutes. As an oral laxative, effects are seen within 0.5 to 6 hours.
Duration of Effect: IV effects last approximately 30 minutes after the infusion is stopped. IM effects last 3 to 4 hours.
Therapeutic Range
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nuvalu Epsom Salt
What is Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate used for?
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is used for several distinct medical purposes. Its most critical role is in obstetrics, where it is used to prevent and treat seizures in women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Additionally, it is used to treat acute magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) and as a short-term osmotic laxative to relieve constipation. Doctors may also use it off-label to treat severe asthma attacks or specific heart rhythm problems like Torsades de Pointes. Because it works as a muscle relaxant and calcium blocker, it has broad applications in emergency and critical care medicine.
What are the most common side effects of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate?
The most common side effects, particularly when given by IV, include a sudden feeling of warmth or flushing, increased sweating, and a dry mouth. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, or a mild headache during the initial loading dose. Because it relaxes muscles, a general feeling of weakness or heaviness in the arms and legs is also frequently reported. When taken orally as a laxative, the most common side effects are abdominal cramping, gas, and diarrhea. Most of these effects are temporary and subside once the body adjusts to the medication or the infusion rate is slowed.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate?
It is strongly advised to avoid alcohol while taking Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate. Alcohol can worsen the side effects of magnesium, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness, increasing the risk of accidents or falls. Furthermore, alcohol has a dehydrating effect that can be dangerous when combined with the osmotic laxative properties of magnesium sulfate, potentially leading to severe electrolyte imbalances. If you are being treated for serious conditions like eclampsia or severe magnesium deficiency, alcohol consumption can interfere with your recovery and complicate your clinical monitoring. Always consult your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol with any medication.
Is Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate safe during pregnancy?
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is considered the gold standard for preventing eclamptic seizures during pregnancy and is safe for this specific, short-term use. However, the FDA has issued warnings against its prolonged use (more than 5 to 7 days) for stopping preterm labor, as this can lead to bone thinning and low calcium levels in the developing fetus. When used for eclampsia, the benefits of preventing life-threatening seizures for both the mother and the baby usually outweigh the potential risks. Your obstetrician will carefully monitor your magnesium levels and your baby's heart rate throughout the treatment. It is essential to use this medication only under strict medical supervision during pregnancy.
How long does it take for Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate to work?
The onset of action for Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate depends entirely on how it is administered and what it is being used for. When given intravenously for seizures, the effect is almost immediate, which is why it is used in emergency settings. If given by intramuscular injection, it typically takes about 60 minutes to reach effective levels in the bloodstream. When used as an oral laxative for constipation, it usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. For the treatment of magnesium deficiency, it may take several doses over a few days to fully restore the body's magnesium stores.
Can I stop taking Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate suddenly?
For oral use as a laxative, you can generally stop taking Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate once your constipation is relieved, as it is intended for short-term use only. However, if you are receiving it intravenously for a medical condition like pre-eclampsia, you must not stop the treatment yourself. In a hospital setting, doctors will determine the appropriate time to discontinue the infusion, usually 24 hours after delivery or after the last seizure. Stopping the medication too early in these cases could lead to a return of dangerous seizures. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your medical team regarding the duration of your treatment.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate?
If you miss a dose of oral magnesium sulfate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular timing. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this can lead to magnesium toxicity. If you are in a hospital receiving an IV infusion and believe there has been an interruption in your medication, notify your nurse or doctor immediately. For clinical conditions like eclampsia, maintaining a steady level of the drug in your blood is vital for preventing seizures.
Does Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate cause weight gain?
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate does not cause weight gain. In fact, when used as an osmotic laxative, it may cause a temporary, slight decrease in weight due to the loss of water and stool from the bowels. This is not a loss of body fat and should not be used as a method for weight loss. Chronic use of laxatives for weight control is dangerous and can lead to severe dehydration and permanent kidney damage. If you notice significant or rapid weight changes while taking this medication, you should contact your healthcare provider to rule out other underlying health issues or fluid retention.
Can Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate be taken with other medications?
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate can interact with many other drugs, so it is crucial to inform your doctor of everything you are taking. It can significantly interact with calcium channel blockers (like nifedipine), leading to dangerously low blood pressure and muscle weakness. It also interferes with the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and quinolones, meaning these must be taken several hours apart from oral magnesium. Additionally, it can potentiate the effects of neuromuscular blockers used during surgery. Your pharmacist or doctor can provide a full review of your medications to ensure there are no dangerous interactions.
Is Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate available as a generic?
Yes, Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is widely available as a generic medication in both its injectable and oral forms. The oral granules are commonly sold over-the-counter as "Epsom Salt" in pharmacies and grocery stores. Generic versions are required by the FDA to have the same quality, strength, and purity as brand-name products. Because it is a simple inorganic salt, the generic versions are highly effective and typically much more affordable than branded formulations. Whether you are using a generic or a brand-name version, the clinical effects and safety precautions remain the same.
Similar Medications
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate)
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): This can cause lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing.
Nausea and Vomiting: Often associated with the rapid administration of the loading dose.
Headache: A dull or throbbing sensation.
Muscle Weakness: A general feeling of heaviness in the limbs.
Diarrhea: This is the intended effect when used as a laxative but may be an unwanted side effect when used for other indications.
Rare Side Effects (less than 1 in 100)
Hypocalcemia: Magnesium can suppress parathyroid hormone, leading to low calcium levels in the blood, which may cause muscle cramps or tingling in the extremities.
Visual Disturbances: Blurred or double vision (diplopia).
Confusion: Disorientation or difficulty concentrating.
Serious Side Effects — Seek Immediate Medical Attention
> Warning: Stop taking Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms. These are often signs of magnesium toxicity.
Loss of Deep Tendon Reflexes: If your doctor taps your knee and there is no "kick" response, this is a critical warning sign that magnesium levels are too high.
Respiratory Paralysis: Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or a very slow breathing rate (less than 12 breaths per minute).
Cardiac Arrhythmias: Feeling like your heart is skipping a beat, racing, or beating too slowly.
Extreme Hypotension: Fainting or feeling like you are about to pass out.
Decreased Urine Output (Oliguria): Since magnesium is cleared by the kidneys, a drop in urine production can lead to a rapid, dangerous buildup of the drug in the blood.
Profound Lethargy: Inability to stay awake or respond to verbal commands.
Long-Term Side Effects
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is generally intended for short-term use. Prolonged use (especially beyond 5 to 7 days in pregnant women) has been associated with:
Fetal Bone Abnormalities: Prolonged in utero exposure can lead to low calcium levels and bone demineralization (thinning) in the newborn.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Chronic use as a laxative can lead to dependency and significant imbalances in potassium, sodium, and calcium, potentially affecting heart and kidney function.
Magnesium Accumulation: In patients with undiagnosed mild renal impairment, long-term use can lead to chronic hypermagnesemia, manifesting as persistent fatigue and muscle weakness.
Black Box Warnings
There is currently no FDA black box warning for Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate. However, the FDA has issued a Drug Safety Communication warning against the prolonged use (more than 5-7 days) of magnesium sulfate injection for the treatment of preterm labor, as it can lead to low calcium levels and bone problems in the developing fetus.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. Monitoring of serum magnesium levels is the standard of care during high-dose therapy to ensure safety.
Renal Insufficiency: This is the most significant risk factor for magnesium toxicity. If the kidneys cannot excrete magnesium efficiently, levels will rise to toxic peaks rapidly. Urine output must be monitored and should remain above 100 mL every 4 hours during IV therapy.
Neuromuscular Diseases: Patients with conditions like Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome are at extreme risk. Magnesium can exacerbate muscle weakness and precipitate a respiratory crisis by further inhibiting neuromuscular transmission.
Cardiac Conditions: Magnesium affects cardiac conduction. It should be used with extreme caution in patients with heart block or known myocardial damage, as it can worsen these conditions or lead to cardiac arrest.
Monitoring Requirements
During intravenous administration of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate, the following must be monitored at regular intervals (often every 1 to 4 hours):
1Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs): Patellar reflexes must be present.
2Respiratory Rate: Must be at least 12 to 16 breaths per minute.
3Urine Output: Must be maintained at a minimum of 25-30 mL per hour.
4Serum Magnesium Levels: The therapeutic range for seizure prevention is typically 4 to 7 mEq/L (4.8 to 8.4 mg/dL).
5Fetal Heart Rate: Continuous monitoring is required when used in pregnant patients.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Magnesium sulfate can cause significant drowsiness, blurred vision, and muscle weakness. Patients receiving this medication should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects have completely worn off and they have been cleared by a physician.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol should be avoided while using magnesium sulfate, particularly when used as an oral laxative. Alcohol can exacerbate the dehydrating effects of the laxative and increase the risk of central nervous system depression, leading to extreme dizziness or confusion.
Discontinuation
For oral laxative use, the drug should be discontinued if no bowel movement occurs after use, as this may indicate a more serious underlying condition like a bowel obstruction. For IV use in eclampsia, the medication is typically continued for 24 hours after delivery or 24 hours after the last seizure, then tapered or stopped as per clinical protocol.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially kidney disease and neuromuscular disorders, with your healthcare provider before starting Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate.
Digitalis Glycosides (Digoxin): Magnesium can cause changes in cardiac conduction that may lead to heart block in patients taking digoxin. Conversely, if magnesium levels are too low, digoxin toxicity is more likely. Careful monitoring of the EKG is required.
CNS Depressants: Opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates can have additive sedative effects when used with magnesium, increasing the risk of profound lethargy and respiratory depression.
Moderate Interactions
Tetracycline and Quinolone Antibiotics: Oral magnesium can chelate (bind) to these antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, ciprofloxacin) in the gut, significantly reducing their absorption and efficacy. These medications should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after oral magnesium sulfate.
Bisphosphonates: Oral magnesium can interfere with the absorption of bone-strengthening medications like alendronate. Space doses by at least 2 hours.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Using magnesium with drugs like spironolactone can lead to increased magnesium levels, as these diuretics may reduce magnesium excretion.
Food Interactions
High-Fat Meals: May slightly delay the transit time of oral magnesium but do not significantly impact the total amount absorbed.
Dairy Products: High calcium intake from dairy can compete with magnesium for absorption in the intestines. While not usually clinically significant for a single laxative dose, it can matter for long-term supplementation.
Herbal/Supplement Interactions
St. John's Wort: May increase the risk of sedation when combined with the CNS-dampening effects of magnesium.
Calcium Supplements: High doses of oral calcium can reduce the effectiveness of oral magnesium by competing for the same uptake transporters in the small intestine.
Lab Test Interactions
Serum Calcium: Magnesium sulfate may cause a false decrease in serum calcium measurements depending on the laboratory method used.
Serum Creatinine: High levels of magnesium can interfere with certain colorimetric assays for creatinine, potentially leading to inaccurate assessments of kidney function.
For each major interaction, the management strategy usually involves either spacing the doses, reducing the dosage of the interacting agent, or increasing the frequency of clinical monitoring (e.g., checking reflexes and respiratory rate more often).
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including over-the-counter antacids and laxatives.
Relative Contraindications
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis include:
Digitalis Toxicity: Magnesium can worsen heart block associated with digitalis, though it is ironically used to treat certain digitalis-induced arrhythmias (like Torsades).
Hypocalcemia: Because magnesium can further lower calcium levels, existing deficiency must be addressed cautiously.
Dehydration: When used as a laxative, magnesium sulfate can worsen dehydration and electrolyte depletion.
Cross-Sensitivity
There is no known cross-sensitivity between Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate and other classes of drugs. However, patients who have had a previous hypersensitivity reaction to any magnesium salt (such as magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide) should avoid magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of heart disease or kidney problems, before prescribing Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate.
Pediatric Use
Approved Indications: Used for hypomagnesemia and as a laxative in children over 6. It is also used in the treatment of acute nephritis with hypertension.
Safety: Children are more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration when using osmotic laxatives. Dosing must be strictly weight-based.
Growth Effects: No long-term effects on growth have been documented with short-term use.
Geriatric Use
Renal Risk: The elderly are at significantly higher risk for magnesium toxicity due to the natural age-related decline in GFR.
Fall Risk: The muscle-relaxant and sedative effects of magnesium increase the risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
Polypharmacy: Older patients are more likely to be on interacting medications like digoxin or diuretics, necessitating closer monitoring.
Renal Impairment
Dose Adjustment: Mandatory for any patient with a creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min.
Monitoring: Serum magnesium levels should be checked every 2-4 hours. The infusion should be stopped if the serum level exceeds the therapeutic range or if reflexes disappear.
Hepatic Impairment
No specific dose adjustments are needed for isolated liver disease, but clinicians must be alert for secondary renal issues (hepatorenal syndrome) that would impair magnesium clearance.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and often more frequent laboratory monitoring to ensure safety.
: 4 to 7 mEq/L for seizure prophylaxis.
Pharmacokinetics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 100% (IV); 30-40% (Oral) |
| Protein Binding | ~40% (to Albumin) |
| Half-life | 4-6 hours (Normal Renal Function) |
| Tmax | Immediate (IV); 1-2 hours (IM) |
| Metabolism | None (Inorganic Salt) |
| Excretion | Renal (>90% of absorbed dose) |
Chemical Information
Molecular Formula: MgSO4·7H2O
Molecular Weight: 246.47 g/mol
Solubility: Highly soluble in water (approx. 710 g/L at 20°C); slightly soluble in alcohol.
Structure: It consists of a magnesium cation (Mg2+) and a sulfate anion (SO4 2-) associated with seven molecules of water of crystallization. It appears as small, colorless, needle-like crystals.
Drug Class
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is classified as an electrolyte replenisher, an anticonvulsant, and an osmotic laxative. In the context of the EPC system, it is also listed under Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extracts and Lipid Emulsions when used as a component in those specialized medical products.