Mag Sulfate Warnings, Precautions, Pregnancy, Nursing, Abuse - Magnesium Sulfate Injection

Mag Sulfate Warnings, Precautions, Pregnancy, Nursing, Abuse - Magnesium Sulfate Injection

WARNINGS

Magnesium sulfate should be given very cautiously in the presence of serious impairment of renal function since it is excreted almost entirely by the kidneys.

The principle hazard in parenteral magnesium therapy is the production of abnormally high levels of magnesium in the plasma. Such high levels may cause flushing, sweating, hypotension, circulatory collapse and depression of cardiac and central nervous system function. The most immediate danger to life is respiratory depression.

During the period of parenteral therapy with magnesium salts, the patient should be watched carefully. A preparation of calcium, such as the gluconate or gluceptate should be at hand for intravenous administration as an antidote.

In the presence of severe renal insufficiency, no more than 20 grams of magnesium should be given within a forty-eight hour period. In eclampsia, however, renal function is not seriously impaired and magnesium may be more rapidly excreted.

PRECAUTIONS

When barbiturates, narcotics, or other hypnotics (or systemic anesthetics) are to be given in conjunction with magnesium, their dosage should be adjusted with caution because of the additive central depressive effects of magnesium.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic effects: Pregnancy category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Magnesium Sulfate Injection, USP 50%. It is also not known whether Magnesium Sulfate Injection, USP 50% can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Magnesium Sulfate Injection, USP 50% should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.