What it means
A mineral drug with several uses. By IV it prevents and treats seizures in severe preeclampsiapree-ih-KLAMP-see-uhA disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.pre- beforeeclampsia Full entry and eclampsiaih-KLAMP-see-uhSeizures in a pregnant or recently pregnant person with preeclampsia, when no other cause explains them.Full entry , replaces magnesium, and treats some heart rhythm problems and severe asthma attacks. By mouth (Epsom salt) it is a laxative. Too much causes hypermagnesemiahy-per-mag-nuh-ZEE-mee-uhA blood magnesium level above normal.hyper- abovemagnes magnesium-emia in the bloodFull entry : flushing, loss of deep tendon reflexes, slow breathing, low blood pressure and, at very high levels, the heart can stop.
For the nurse
Give IV doses on a pump. Check deep tendon reflexes, respiratory rate, level of consciousness and urine output often, and follow blood magnesium levels. Stop the infusion and report loss of reflexes, slow breathing or low urine output, as the protocol directs. Keep calcium gluconate, the antidote, at the bedside. ISMP lists magnesium sulfate injection as high-alert; the oral laxative is not on its list. Write the name in full, never MgSO4em-jee-es-oh-FOR (said as letters)The chemical shorthand for magnesium sulfate, banned from medication orders by the Joint Commission.Full entry .
At a glance
| Drug class | electrolyte replacement; anticonvulsant (in preeclampsia) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | sulfato de magnesio |
Related terms
preeclampsia
A disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.
eclampsia
Seizures in a pregnant or recently pregnant person with preeclampsia, when no other cause explains them.
hypermagnesemia
A blood magnesium level above normal.
HELLP syndrome
A severe complication of pregnancy whose name stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets.
calcium gluconate
A calcium salt, given IV or by mouth, used to raise a low blood calcium level and in some emergencies.