Magnesium sulphate belongs to the class of medication called electrolytes. It is indicated for the treatment and prevention of hypomagnesemia, and severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are conditions of hypertension-induced seizures in pregnant women.
Magnesium sulphate can be injected intravenously or intramuscularly. Prior to injection, 49.3% solution should be diluted first by professionals. The total adult daily dose should not exceed 30-40 g of magnesium sulfate per day.
For mild hypomagnesemia:
Adults: 1 g (8mEq) magnesium sulfate intramuscularly every 6 hours for 4 doses.
For severe hypomagnesaemia:
Adults: 5 g magnesium sulfate by slow intravenous infusion over 3 hours.
To prevent hypomagnesaemia when receiving total parenteral nutrition:
Adults: 0.5-3.0 g magnesium sulfate (4-24 mEq) daily
Infants: 0.25-1.25 g magnesium sulfate (2-10 mEq) daily
To prevent and treat preeclampsia or eclampsia in pregnant women:
Initiate intravenous dose of 4 g magnesium sulfate, followed by an intramuscular dose of 4-5 g (or infusion of 1-2 g/h) into each buttock. This may be followed by a dose of 4-5 g into alternate buttocks every four hours as needed.
Common side effects of magnesium sulphate include flushing, hypotension, and hypermagnesemia.
Common dosing schedule:
N/A
Some common medications Magnesium sulphate may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Magnesium sulphate is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Magnesium sulphate in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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