Magnesium sulfate (Injection)

Introduction:

Magnesium Sulfate (mag-NEE-zee-um SUL-fate)

Prevents seizures in a pregnant woman with severe toxemia (eclampsia).

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us) or IV injection is given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand, or sometimes in your chest.
• This medicine may need to be given slowly, sometimes over several hours.
• A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using antibiotics like gentamicin or streptomycin, a diuretic ("water pill"), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), digitalis (Lanoxin®), amphotericin B (Abelcet®, Fungizone®), or cisplatin (Platinol®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you drink alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before receiving this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Flushing or sweating
• Lightheadedness or dizziness, especially when standing up
• Loss of muscle control
• Trouble breathing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: