Magnesium Sulfate

Adults: Adult dose, intramuscular: for severe hypomagnesemia, Magnesium Sulfate is given as 1 to 5 g (2 to 10 mL of 50% solution) daily in divided doses. The dose is repeated daily until serum levels have returned to normal. If the deficiency is not severe, 1 g (2 ml of 50% solution) can be given once or twice daily. Serum magnesium levels should guide how long the dosing continues. Intravenous: 1 to 4 g of magnesium sulfate injection may be given in a 10% to 20% solution, but only with great caution. The rate should not go above 1.5 mL of 10% solution or equivalent per minute until relaxation is obtained. The usual dose range is 1 to 40 g daily. Electrolyte replenisher: 1 to 2 g in 50% solution is given intramuscularly four times a day until serum magnesium is within normal limits. Usual pediatric dose, intramuscular: 20 to 40 mg per kg of body weight in a 20% solution, repeated as necessary. For eclampsia: the first dose is 1 to 2 g in 25% or 50% solution, given intramuscularly. After that, 1 g is given every 30 minutes until relief is obtained. Blood pressure should be monitored after each injection. Use in children and adolescents: Magnesium Sulfate seems to be beneficial as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma in children.