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

EMT: Not authorized

AEMT: Not authorized

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