Epsal (Oral, Topical application)

Magnesium sulfate is used for short-term relief of constipation. It is also used as a soaking solution to help with minor sprains, bruises, muscle aches or discomfort, joint stiffness or soreness, and tired feet. This medicine is a laxative and soaking solution.

This medicine is available without a prescription.

If your symptoms do not get better in a few days or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

Laxative use: Before using this medicine, talk to your doctor first

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasted more than 2 weeks.
• If you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• If you are on a magnesium-restricted diet.
• If you have already used a laxative for more than a week.

Laxative use: Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor if you have rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using it.

Soaking solution use: Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or have diabetes, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Soaking solution use: Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor if you have a skin irritation or infection.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to think about the risks of taking it compared to the benefits it will provide. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your health care professional about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems for children that would limit the use of magnesium sulfate to relieve constipation in children 6 years of age or older. However, safety and effectiveness have not been established in children younger than 6 years of age.

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems for children that would limit the use of magnesium sulfate as a soaking solution in children.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how age affects the effects of magnesium sulfate in older patients.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if there is a chance of interaction. In these situations, your doctor may want to change the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used at the same time as eating food or certain types of food because interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how this medicine works. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be stronger because the body may remove the medicine more slowly.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Confusion
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• low blood pressure
• muscle weakness
• skin infection after soaking
• sleepiness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Diarrhea
• skin irritation after soaking

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Epsal
• Epsom Salt
• Rite Aid First Aid Epsom Salt

In Canada

• Mag 2
• Magnesium-Rougier

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder
• Powder for Solution
• Powder for Suspension
• Crystal
• Foam
• Spray

Therapeutic Class: Laxative

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the package.

Use as a laxative:

• Dissolve the powder in 8 ounces (oz) of water.
• Add lemon juice to the mixture to improve the taste.
• Drink the mixture at least 2 hours before or after other medicines.

Use as a soaking solution:

• Dissolve the powder in warm water for use as a compress, soaking solution, or bath.
• As a compress, apply with a bandage or towel for 30 minutes up to 3 times per day.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (powder for solution):For constipation: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—2 to 6 level teaspoons per day as a single dose or in 2 divided doses. Dissolve the powder in 8 ounces (oz) of water. If the dose is divided, separate the doses by at least 4 hours. Do not use more than 2 doses per day. Children 6 to 11 years of age—1 to 2 level teaspoons per day as a single dose or in 2 divided doses. Dissolve the powder in 8 ounces (oz) of water. If the dose is divided, separate the doses by at least 4 hours. Do not use more than 2 doses per day. Children younger than 6 years of age—Use is not recommended.
• For topical dosage form (powder for solution):For minor sprains, bruises, muscle or joint discomfort, tired feet: Adults—2 cups dissolved in one gallon of warm water. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

If the powder has settled and formed a thick layer, gently tap the carton to free the granules.

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