Generic Name: magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) (mag NEE see um SUL fate)
Brand Names: Epsom Salt
What is magnesium sulfate?
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium sulfate also increases water in the intestines.
Magnesium sulfate is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.
Not all external uses for magnesium sulfate have been approved by the FDA. Epsom salt should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Magnesium sulfate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about magnesium sulfate?
Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have: severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, toxic megacolon, or a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.
Not all uses for magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) have been approved by the FDA. Epsom salt should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other medical conditions. You may not be able to use magnesium sulfate.
Never use a higher dose of magnesium sulfate than recommended on the package label, or as your doctor has directed. Using too much magnesium sulfate can cause serious, life-threatening side effects. If you have rectal bleeding or if you do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium sulfate as a laxative, stop using the medication and call your doctor at once. These may be signs of a more serious condition.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking magnesium sulfate?
Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have:
severe stomach pain;
nausea or vomiting;
a perforated bowel;
a bowel obstruction or severe constipation;
colitis or toxic megacolon; o
a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:
diabetes;
kidney disease;
an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia);
if you have already been using a laxative for longer than 1 week; or
if you on a low-magnesium diet.
It is not known whether magnesium sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether magnesium sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take magnesium sulfate?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Magnesium sulfate may be used orally or as a soak. Follow your doctor's instructions or the directions on the package.
To take magnesium sulfate orally, dissolve one dose in 8 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. You may add a small amount of lemon juice to improve the taste of this mixture.
Never use a higher dose of magnesium sulfate than recommended on the package label, or as your doctor has directed. Using too much magnesium sulfate can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Magnesium sulfate taken orally should produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking magnesium sulfate. If you have rectal bleeding or if you do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium sulfate as a laxative, stop using the medication and call your doctor at once. These may be signs of a more serious condition.
To use magnesium sulfate as an epsom salt soak, dissolve in a large amount of water in a large bowl, a bucket, a foot tub, or a bath tub. Follow the directions on the product label about how much epsom salt to use per gallon of water.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since magnesium sulfate is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of magnesium sulfate can be fatal
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), feeling very hot, slow heart rate, extreme drowsiness, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking magnesium sulfate?
Magnesium sulfate taken orally can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth, especially antibiotics. Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours before or after you take magnesium sulfate as a laxative.
Magnesium sulfate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include diarrhea or upset stomach.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Magnesium sulfate Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Hypomagnesemia:
1 g IM every 6 hours for 4 doses (mild hypomagnesemia) or
as much as 2 mEq/kg (0.5 mL of a 50% solution) within 4 hours if necessary (more severe hypomagnesemia) or
5 g in 1 L IV fluid over 3 hours.
Administration should be discontinued as soon as the desired clinical effect is achieved and the serum level is normal.
Usual Adult Dose for Ventricular Arrhythmia:
Initial dose: 1 to 3 g IV bolus over 2 to 15 minutes.
Most studies have continued infusions for 24 to 48 hours.
A 1 to 3 g bolus may be repeated in 15 minutes.
Thereafter, 1 to 2 g may be administered by continuous IV infusion.
Usual Adult Dose for Seizure Prophylaxis:
Seizure Prevention in Preeclampsia/Eclampsia:
Initial: IM: 4 to 5 g of a 50% solution every 4 hours as necessary.
IV: 4 g of a 10% to 20% solution, not exceeding 1.5 mL/min of a 10% solution.
Maintenance: IV Infusion: 1 to 2 g/hour. Maximum dose should not exceed 30 to 40 g/day.
What other drugs will affect magnesium sulfate?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially an antibiotic such as:
ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), or ofloxacin (Floxin);
doxycycline (Doryx, Oracea, Periostat, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn), or tetracycline (Ala-Tet, Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap); or
amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo Fradin, Neo Tab), paromomycin (Humatin, Paromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with magnesium sulfate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More magnesium sulfate resources
- Magnesium sulfate Side Effects (in more detail)
- Magnesium sulfate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Magnesium sulfate Drug Interactions
- Magnesium sulfate Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Magnesium sulfate - Add your own review/rating
- Magnesium Sulfate Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Magnesium Sulfate Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Magnesium Sulfate Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Magnesium Sulfate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare magnesium sulfate with other medications
- Hypomagnesemia
- Seizure Prevention
- Ventricular Arrhythmia
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about magnesium sulfate.professionals that you may read.
See also: magnesium sulfate side effects (in more detail)
No comments:
Post a Comment