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Magnesium Sulfate, Heptahydrate
Magnesium sulfate acts as a physiological calcium antagonist and NMDA receptor antagonist, reducing neuronal excitability and smooth muscle contractility.
Magnesium sulfate acts as a physiological calcium antagonist and NMDA receptor antagonist, reducing neuronal excitability and smooth muscle contractility. Used for Seizure prophylaxis in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, Acute asthma exacerbation (IV bronchodilator), Cardiac arrhythmias (torsades de pointes).
At a glance
| Generic name | Magnesium Sulfate, Heptahydrate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Intravenous magnesium sulfate |
| Sponsor | University of Utah |
| Drug class | Electrolyte supplement / anticonvulsant / bronchodilator |
| Target | NMDA receptor, voltage-gated calcium channels |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Obstetrics, Neurology, Cardiology, Pulmonology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Magnesium ions compete with calcium for entry into cells and block NMDA-type glutamate receptors, thereby reducing excitatory neurotransmission. This mechanism underlies its use in preventing seizures (particularly eclampsia/pre-eclampsia), treating cardiac arrhythmias, and providing bronchodilation in acute asthma. The heptahydrate form is the standard pharmaceutical salt used for parenteral and oral administration.
Approved indications
- Seizure prophylaxis in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
- Acute asthma exacerbation (IV bronchodilator)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (torsades de pointes)
- Magnesium deficiency / hypomagnesemia
- Constipation (oral laxative)
Common side effects
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Hypotension
- Depressed reflexes
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory depression (at high doses)
- Diarrhea (oral formulation)
Key clinical trials
- The Relationship Between Opioid-Free Anesthesia and Postoperative Agitation-Delirium and Quality of Recovery in Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Cases Monitored With Perioperative Bispectral Index
- Opioid Free and Opioid Based Anesthesia in Elective Lumbar Spine Surgery
- Comparison of Changes in Intra-myocardial Amino Acids During Use of Calafiore and Modified Del Nido Cardioplegia
- Comparison of Fentanyl and Magnesium to Control Reflex Hemodynamics in Patients Aged 50 and Older (NA)
- Biomarkers in Management of Post Partum Preeclampsia (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Mean Duration of Analgesia Following the Administration of Bupivacaine With and Without Magnesium Sulphate in Ultrasound Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block in Modified Radical Mastectomy Patients (NA)
- Magnesium Sulfate as an Adjunctive Analgesic in Prostate Surgery (PHASE4)
- Role of Combination Therapy of Glucose Insulin Potassium Infusion (GIK), Intravenous Hydrocortisone and Oral Sevelamer in Treatment of Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoned Cases Admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sohag University Hospitals. (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Magnesium Sulfate, Heptahydrate CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Magnesium Sulfate, Heptahydrate updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Utah portfolio CI