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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Magnesia Sulphurica
Brand Name
Magnesia Sulphurica
Generic Name
Magnesia Sulphurica
Active Ingredient
Magnesium Sulfate HeptahydrateCategory
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
8
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1029 |
| 1 [hp_Q]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1036 |
| 12 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1030 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Magnesia Sulphurica, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| 1 [hp_M]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1035 |
| 30 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1031 |
| 500 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1034 |
| 100 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1032 |
| 200 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1033 |
Detailed information about Magnesia Sulphurica
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is a versatile inorganic salt used as an anticonvulsant, electrolyte replenisher, and laxative. It is classified under several drug classes including lipid emulsions and amino acids in specific regulatory contexts.
The dosage of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate must be strictly individualized based on the patient's clinical condition, serum magnesium levels, and renal function.
Pediatric use must be managed with extreme caution by a specialist.
Patients with a GFR less than 30 mL/min require significant dose reductions, often by 50% or more. Serum magnesium levels must be monitored every 2 to 4 hours during IV therapy in these patients to prevent life-threatening toxicity.
No specific dosage adjustment is typically required for patients with liver disease, as the drug is cleared renally. However, patients with hepatorenal syndrome (liver failure causing kidney failure) must be treated as having renal impairment.
Older adults are at a higher risk of reduced renal clearance. Dosing should start at the lower end of the range, and frequent monitoring of kidney function and deep tendon reflexes is mandatory.
If you are using this medication on a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. For hospitalized patients receiving IV therapy, the infusion is continuous, and "missed doses" are managed by clinical staff.
Signs of magnesium overdose (hypermagnesemia) include:
Emergency Measure: In the event of a symptomatic overdose, the immediate administration of Calcium Gluconate (1 gram IV) is the standard antidote to antagonize the effects of magnesium. Hemodialysis may be required in severe cases.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions precisely. Do not adjust your dose or stop treatment without medical guidance, especially when being treated for serious conditions like pre-eclampsia.
When administered intravenously, especially at high doses for eclampsia, most patients will experience some degree of side effects. These are often related to the vasodilatory (widening of blood vessels) effects of magnesium:
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is a potent medication that requires careful clinical monitoring. It should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can monitor vital signs and electrolyte levels. The most critical safety concern is the narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose can be small, especially in patients with underlying health conditions.
No FDA black box warnings for Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate. However, clinicians must adhere to the FDA safety alert regarding the duration of use in pregnancy (not to exceed 5-7 days for tocolysis).
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate must NEVER be used in the following conditions:
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is widely used in pregnancy for the management of eclampsia.
Magnesium sulfate is excreted into breast milk. However, when used at standard doses, it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Oral absorption of magnesium by the infant is low, and the amount in milk is unlikely to cause adverse effects. Monitoring the infant for drowsiness or poor feeding is recommended if the mother is receiving high-dose IV therapy.
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate acts as a multifaceted pharmacological agent. Its primary molecular mechanism involves the competitive inhibition of calcium ions. By competing with calcium for binding sites on voltage-gated calcium channels, it reduces calcium influx into cells. In the nervous system, it acts as a voltage-dependent blocker of NMDA receptors, which prevents the excessive neuronal firing associated with seizures. In the peripheral nervous system, it reduces the amount of acetylcholine released from motor nerve terminals, exerting a muscle-relaxant effect.
Common questions about Magnesia Sulphurica
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is used for several distinct medical purposes. Its most critical role is in obstetrics, where it is used to prevent and treat seizures in women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Additionally, it is used to treat acute magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) and as a short-term osmotic laxative to relieve constipation. Doctors may also use it off-label to treat severe asthma attacks or specific heart rhythm problems like Torsades de Pointes. Because it works as a muscle relaxant and calcium blocker, it has broad applications in emergency and critical care medicine.
The most common side effects, particularly when given by IV, include a sudden feeling of warmth or flushing, increased sweating, and a dry mouth. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, or a mild headache during the initial loading dose. Because it relaxes muscles, a general feeling of weakness or heaviness in the arms and legs is also frequently reported. When taken orally as a laxative, the most common side effects are abdominal cramping, gas, and diarrhea. Most of these effects are temporary and subside once the body adjusts to the medication or the infusion rate is slowed.
It is strongly advised to avoid alcohol while taking Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate. Alcohol can worsen the side effects of magnesium, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness, increasing the risk of accidents or falls. Furthermore, alcohol has a dehydrating effect that can be dangerous when combined with the osmotic laxative properties of magnesium sulfate, potentially leading to severe electrolyte imbalances. If you are being treated for serious conditions like eclampsia or severe magnesium deficiency, alcohol consumption can interfere with your recovery and complicate your clinical monitoring. Always consult your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol with any medication.
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is considered the gold standard for preventing eclamptic seizures during pregnancy and is safe for this specific, short-term use. However, the FDA has issued warnings against its prolonged use (more than 5 to 7 days) for stopping preterm labor, as this can lead to bone thinning and low calcium levels in the developing fetus. When used for eclampsia, the benefits of preventing life-threatening seizures for both the mother and the baby usually outweigh the potential risks. Your obstetrician will carefully monitor your magnesium levels and your baby's heart rate throughout the treatment. It is essential to use this medication only under strict medical supervision during pregnancy.
The onset of action for Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate depends entirely on how it is administered and what it is being used for. When given intravenously for seizures, the effect is almost immediate, which is why it is used in emergency settings. If given by intramuscular injection, it typically takes about 60 minutes to reach effective levels in the bloodstream. When used as an oral laxative for constipation, it usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. For the treatment of magnesium deficiency, it may take several doses over a few days to fully restore the body's magnesium stores.
For oral use as a laxative, you can generally stop taking Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate once your constipation is relieved, as it is intended for short-term use only. However, if you are receiving it intravenously for a medical condition like pre-eclampsia, you must not stop the treatment yourself. In a hospital setting, doctors will determine the appropriate time to discontinue the infusion, usually 24 hours after delivery or after the last seizure. Stopping the medication too early in these cases could lead to a return of dangerous seizures. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your medical team regarding the duration of your treatment.
If you miss a dose of oral magnesium sulfate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular timing. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this can lead to magnesium toxicity. If you are in a hospital receiving an IV infusion and believe there has been an interruption in your medication, notify your nurse or doctor immediately. For clinical conditions like eclampsia, maintaining a steady level of the drug in your blood is vital for preventing seizures.
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate does not cause weight gain. In fact, when used as an osmotic laxative, it may cause a temporary, slight decrease in weight due to the loss of water and stool from the bowels. This is not a loss of body fat and should not be used as a method for weight loss. Chronic use of laxatives for weight control is dangerous and can lead to severe dehydration and permanent kidney damage. If you notice significant or rapid weight changes while taking this medication, you should contact your healthcare provider to rule out other underlying health issues or fluid retention.
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate can interact with many other drugs, so it is crucial to inform your doctor of everything you are taking. It can significantly interact with calcium channel blockers (like nifedipine), leading to dangerously low blood pressure and muscle weakness. It also interferes with the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and quinolones, meaning these must be taken several hours apart from oral magnesium. Additionally, it can potentiate the effects of neuromuscular blockers used during surgery. Your pharmacist or doctor can provide a full review of your medications to ensure there are no dangerous interactions.
Yes, Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is widely available as a generic medication in both its injectable and oral forms. The oral granules are commonly sold over-the-counter as "Epsom Salt" in pharmacies and grocery stores. Generic versions are required by the FDA to have the same quality, strength, and purity as brand-name products. Because it is a simple inorganic salt, the generic versions are highly effective and typically much more affordable than branded formulations. Whether you are using a generic or a brand-name version, the clinical effects and safety precautions remain the same.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate)
> Warning: Stop taking Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms. These are often signs of magnesium toxicity.
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is generally intended for short-term use. Prolonged use (especially beyond 5 to 7 days in pregnant women) has been associated with:
There is currently no FDA black box warning for Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate. However, the FDA has issued a Drug Safety Communication warning against the prolonged use (more than 5-7 days) of magnesium sulfate injection for the treatment of preterm labor, as it can lead to low calcium levels and bone problems in the developing fetus.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. Monitoring of serum magnesium levels is the standard of care during high-dose therapy to ensure safety.
During intravenous administration of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate, the following must be monitored at regular intervals (often every 1 to 4 hours):
Magnesium sulfate can cause significant drowsiness, blurred vision, and muscle weakness. Patients receiving this medication should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects have completely worn off and they have been cleared by a physician.
Alcohol should be avoided while using magnesium sulfate, particularly when used as an oral laxative. Alcohol can exacerbate the dehydrating effects of the laxative and increase the risk of central nervous system depression, leading to extreme dizziness or confusion.
For oral laxative use, the drug should be discontinued if no bowel movement occurs after use, as this may indicate a more serious underlying condition like a bowel obstruction. For IV use in eclampsia, the medication is typically continued for 24 hours after delivery or 24 hours after the last seizure, then tapered or stopped as per clinical protocol.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially kidney disease and neuromuscular disorders, with your healthcare provider before starting Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate.
For each major interaction, the management strategy usually involves either spacing the doses, reducing the dosage of the interacting agent, or increasing the frequency of clinical monitoring (e.g., checking reflexes and respiratory rate more often).
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including over-the-counter antacids and laxatives.
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis include:
There is no known cross-sensitivity between Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate and other classes of drugs. However, patients who have had a previous hypersensitivity reaction to any magnesium salt (such as magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide) should avoid magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of heart disease or kidney problems, before prescribing Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate.
No specific dose adjustments are needed for isolated liver disease, but clinicians must be alert for secondary renal issues (hepatorenal syndrome) that would impair magnesium clearance.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and often more frequent laboratory monitoring to ensure safety.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 100% (IV); 30-40% (Oral) |
| Protein Binding | ~40% (to Albumin) |
| Half-life | 4-6 hours (Normal Renal Function) |
| Tmax | Immediate (IV); 1-2 hours (IM) |
| Metabolism | None (Inorganic Salt) |
| Excretion | Renal (>90% of absorbed dose) |
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is classified as an electrolyte replenisher, an anticonvulsant, and an osmotic laxative. In the context of the EPC system, it is also listed under Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extracts and Lipid Emulsions when used as a component in those specialized medical products.