Magnesium Sulfate

1. Therapeutic Effects
   1. CNS Depressant
   2. Stabilizes muscle cell membrane by interacting with the sodium/potassium exchange system
   3. Smooth muscle relaxant causing vasodilation and bronchodilation.
   4. Anticonvulsant

2. Indications
   1. Eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy)
   2. Torsades de Pointes
   3. Severe or refractory VF/VT
   4. Low Magnesium
   5. May be useful in asthma

3. Contraindications/Precautions
   1. Any patients with heart block
   2. Renal Disease

4. Side Effects
   1. Respiratory depression
   2. Drowsiness
   3. Depressed or absent deep tendon reflexes (indicates toxity/OD)
   4. Asystole

5. Administration and Dosage
   1. Eclampsia: 2-4 grams slow IV push (over 3 minutes)
   2. Refractory VF/VT: 1-2 grams IVP
   3. Torsades de Pointes: 1-2 grams IVP over 1-2 minutes, followed by 1-2 grams mixed in 50-100 ml NS IVPB over 20/minutes.
   4. Asthma: 1-2 grams in a 50 ml NS IVPB over 20 minutes.

6. Overdose
   1. Calcium Gluconate for Respiratory Depression