Magnesium Sulfate
GENERIC NAME
Magnesium Sulfate
TRADE NAME
None
DESCRIPTION
Magnesium Sulfate is used to decrease seizure activity in eclampsia and to terminate certain ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes.
HOW SUPPLIED
Vial: 50% solution in 10 mL (5 grams in 10 mL)
PREPARATION
- For Torsades de Pointes: Draw up in syringe for IV/IO administration.
- For Eclampsia: Mix 4 grams in 100 ml Normal Saline (NS) and drip over 15 minutes.
INDICATIONS
- Pre-Eclampsia / Eclampsia (seizures during pregnancy)
- Torsades de Pointes
- Dyspnea – Respiratory Distress
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to Magnesium Sulfate
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Magnesium Sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant, primarily used to manage convulsions associated with pregnancy and to correct severe magnesium deficiency linked to certain cardiac arrhythmias.
SIDE EFFECTS
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Bradycardia
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory depression
- Arrhythmias
- Hypotension
AUTHORIZATION
Paramedic: Standing order and Medical Control
DOSAGE
Cardiac Arrest – Suspected Torsades de Pointes
- Adult: Standing order: 2 grams IV/IO, push over 4 minutes
- Pediatric: Standing order: 50 mg/kg IV/IO, push over 4 minutes, max dose 2 grams
Eclampsia (Seizures During Pregnancy)
- Adult: Standing order: 4 grams IV/IO, drip over 15 minutes
- Additional Doses: Contact Medical Control for further administration of Magnesium Sulfate
Pre-Eclampsia
- Adult: Contact Medical Control for possible administration of Magnesium Sulfate, max dose 2 grams over 15 minutes in 100 ml NS
Dyspnea – Respiratory Distress
- Adult: Standing order: Magnesium Sulfate 2 grams in 100 ml Normal Saline, infused over 20 minutes IV/IO