MedicineNet.com

magnesium sulfate-injection

Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures Early Pregnancy Symptoms Conception (Egg to Embryo) Slideshow Pictures

GENERIC NAME: MAGNESIUM SULFATE - INJECTION (mag-NEE-zee-um SULL-fate)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to control seizures in pregnancy, to treat low magnesium levels and problems related to kidney conditions (nephritis) in children. This drug is also used for preventing premature contractions in pregnancy and to treat heart attack and asthma patients.

HOW TO USE: Use exactly as directed by vein (IV) or injection into muscle (IM). Dosage is adjusted according to individual requirements and the response to treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS: Unlikely but report: flushing, sweating, muscle weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, slowed/shallow breathing or other breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), kidney or heart disease, low blood calcium, myasthenia gravis. Avoid alcohol intake, since the possible drowsiness effect of this medication may be increased. Caution when performing tasks requiring mental alertness. While magnesium use is safe during pregnancy, continuous IV use near the time of delivery may result in newborn adverse effects. Do not use magnesium during the final two hours before delivery. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you use, especially of: nerve blocking medicines (e.g., pancuronium). Medications that can increase the drowsiness effect of this drug include: sedatives, tranquilizers, drugs for sleep, narcotic pain relievers, psychiatric medications (e.g., chlorpromazine), certain antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), certain antihistamines, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, slow heartbeat, flushing, decreased alertness, confusion, muscle weakness, and loss of consciousness.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.