magnesium sulphate

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

• Bronchospasm secondary to severe or immediately life-threatening asthma.
• Bronchospasm secondary to severe COPD or imminent respiratory arrest from COPD.

-If torsades de pointes is present or has occurred.

-Suspected eclampsia.

Question 2

Contraindications and cautions

Answer 2

Contraindications:
Known severe allergy.

Cautions:
Hypotension. Magnesium is a vasodilator and may make hypotension worse.

Question 3

Action

Answer 3

Magnesium is the active ingredient
in magnesium sulphate. Magnesium reduces bronchial smooth muscle contraction resulting in bronchodilation

Question 4

Route

Answer 4

IV

Question 5

Dosage

Answer 5

CA: bolus 10mmol (2.5g) can repeat if TDP continuous

brochnospasm: infusion over 15 minutes 10mmol. second dose may be repeat if transport is greater than 30mins and patient no improving

Eclampsia: 20mmol (5g)

Question 6

Side effects

Answer 6

• Flushing. Particularly if administered rapidly.
• Hypotension. Particularly if administered rapidly.
• Muscle weakness. This is usually. only seen with doses exceeding 20 mmol.