Generic
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is a magnesium salt used as an oral laxative for constipation and as an injection for eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, severe asthma, and magnesium deficiency.
Description
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is a magnesium salt that acts as an osmotic laxative for constipation and as an anticonvulsant and electrolyte replenisher when given as an injection. It draws water into the bowel to soften stool and reduces neuromuscular over-excitability to prevent seizures.
Indications
- Constipation (oral laxative)
- Seizure prevention in eclampsia/pre-eclampsia (injection)
- Severe asthma (injection)
- Magnesium deficiency (injection)
Therapeutic class
Specific Mineral Preparations
Pharmacological class
Electrolyte / Osmotic Laxative & Anticonvulsant
Pharmacology
Magnesium sulfate draws water into the bowel through osmotic effect to soften stool and reduces neuromuscular over-excitability to prevent seizures.
Mechanism of action
Draws water into the bowel to soften stool (laxative); reduces neuromuscular over-excitability to prevent seizures.
Dosage
Constipation (Oral): 5-15 g dissolved in water
Injection: Hospital use only at physician-determined doses
Administration
- Oral: Take with plenty of water
- Injection: Only under supervision with monitoring of reflexes and breathing
Missed dose
Use the laxative as needed; if on a regular dose, take when remembered.
Side effects
Oral: Diarrhea, abdominal cramps
Injection: Warmth, low blood pressure; excess causes breathing difficulty and loss of reflexes (magnesium toxicity)
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in kidney disease
- Calcium gluconate is kept ready as an antidote during injection
- Used under supervision in eclampsia
Contraindications
- Heart block
- Severe renal failure
- Myasthenia gravis
Drug interactions
- Calcium-channel blockers
- Muscle relaxants
- Other CNS depressants
Food interactions
Works faster on an empty stomach; adequate water is essential.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Used under supervision in eclampsia; otherwise use with caution. Category D - always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Generally compatible; seek advice.
Pediatric use
Use in children as directed by physician.
Geriatric use
Caution needed in elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution needed.
Overdose effects
Magnesium toxicity - breathing difficulty, loss of reflexes; treat with calcium gluconate and supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a dry place.
Chemical structure
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate