Last reviewed · How we verify

Magnesium Sulfate

Pfizer · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Verified Quality 70/100

Magnesium Sulfate is a Electrolyte; anticonvulsant Small molecule drug developed by Pfizer. It is currently FDA-approved (first approved 1981) for Constipation, Eclampsia in pregnancy, Hypomagnesemia.

Magnesium blocks neuromuscular transmission and decreases acetylcholine release, preventing seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Magnesium Sulfate in 5% Dextrose Injection is indicated for prevention of eclampsia in preeclampsia and treatment/prevention of seizures in eclampsia. The drug blocks neuromuscular transmission and decreases acetylcholine release with a half-life of 4-5 hours and renal excretion. Major contraindications include heart block, myocardial damage, diabetic coma, and myasthenia gravis; significant interactions exist with neuromuscular blocking agents and CNS depressants. Careful monitoring is required in renal impairment and when used concomitantly with other medications affecting neuromuscular function.

At a glance

Generic nameMagnesium Sulfate
SponsorPfizer
Drug classElectrolyte; anticonvulsant
TargetNeuromuscular junction; motor nerve impulse; acetylcholine release
ModalitySmall molecule
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1981

Mechanism of action

Magnesium prevents seizures in patients with preeclampsia and controls seizures in patients with eclampsia by blocking neuromuscular transmission and decreasing the amount of acetylcholine liberated at the end plate by the motor nerve impulse. Magnesium has a depressant effect on the central nervous system. Magnesium acts peripherally to produce vasodilation.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Drug interactions

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Magnesium Sulfate

What is Magnesium Sulfate?

Magnesium Sulfate is a Electrolyte; anticonvulsant drug developed by Pfizer, indicated for Constipation, Eclampsia in pregnancy, Hypomagnesemia.

How does Magnesium Sulfate work?

Magnesium blocks neuromuscular transmission and decreases acetylcholine release, preventing seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia.

What is Magnesium Sulfate used for?

Magnesium Sulfate is indicated for Constipation, Eclampsia in pregnancy, Hypomagnesemia, Incomplete passage of stool, Mild pre-eclampsia.

Who makes Magnesium Sulfate?

Magnesium Sulfate is developed and marketed by Pfizer (see full Pfizer pipeline at /company/pfizer).

What drug class is Magnesium Sulfate in?

Magnesium Sulfate belongs to the Electrolyte; anticonvulsant class. See all Electrolyte; anticonvulsant drugs at /class/electrolyte-anticonvulsant.

When was Magnesium Sulfate approved?

Magnesium Sulfate was first approved on 1981.

What development phase is Magnesium Sulfate in?

Magnesium Sulfate is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Magnesium Sulfate?

Common side effects of Magnesium Sulfate include Nausea, Feels foggy, Feels edgy, Fatigue, Right lower lung subcentimeter pleural based nodular density, Incidental PET CT- Right upper lung subcentimeter nodule associated with hypermetabolism.

What does Magnesium Sulfate target?

Magnesium Sulfate targets Neuromuscular junction; motor nerve impulse; acetylcholine release and is a Electrolyte; anticonvulsant.

Related