Magnesium Sulfate

Question 1

Magnesium Sulfate: Class

Answer 1

Electrolyte

Question 2

Magnesium Sulfate: Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

• Reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholinesterase release at the myoneural junction
• Manages seizures in toxemia of pregnancy
• Induces uterine relaxation
• Can cause bronchodilation after beta-agonists and anticholinergics have been used

Question 3

Magnesium Sulfate: Indications

Answer 3

• Seizures of eclampsia (Toxemia of pregnancy)
• Torsades de Pointes
• Hypomagnesemia
• TCA overdose-induced dysrhythmias
• Digitalis-induced dysrhythmias
• Class IIa agent for refractory VF and VT after administration of Lidocaine doses

Question 4

Magnesium Sulfate: Adult Dose

Answer 4

• Seizure activity associated with pregnancy: 1-4 gm IV over 10 minutes.
• Torsades de Pointes or Refractory VF/VT: 1-2 gm IV over 1-2 minutes.
• Asthma: 1-2gm IV.

Question 5

Magnesium Sulfate: Pediatric Dose

Answer 5

• Asthma/bronchospasm, severe: 25 mg/kg over 10 minutes IV.

- Usually mixed in 50-100 CC of NS to be given IV.