Magnesium sulfate (injection)

Magnesium is a natural mineral that is important for many body systems, especially for muscles and nerves.

Magnesium sulfate (injection) is used to treat hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium in your blood).

Magnesium sulfate (injection) is also used to prevent seizures in pregnant women with conditions like pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or toxemia of pregnancy.

Magnesium sulfate (injection) may also be used for reasons not listed in this medication guide.

If you can, before receiving magnesium sulfate, let your doctor know if you have kidney disease, heart disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder, or if you are dehydrated. Also inform your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol or caffeine, smoke, or use any street drugs.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine regularly, if you smoke, or if you use any street drugs. These factors can affect how magnesium sulfate injection works in your body.

If possible, before you receive magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
• if you are dehydrated.

You should not use magnesium sulfate if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Magnesium sulfate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible to inform your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver immediately if you experience:

• feeling faint;
• sweating, anxiety, feeling cold;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or a tingling sensation);
• weak or shallow breathing;
• extreme drowsiness, feeling very weak; or
• numbness or tingling around your mouth, muscle tightness or spasms, overactive reflexes.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Magnesium sulfate is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving magnesium sulfate.

Since magnesium sulfate (injection) is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you are using, and any that you start or stop while you are being treated with magnesium sulfate, especially any IV (injected) antibiotics.

Other drugs may interact with magnesium sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or discontinue.