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Magnesium sulfate IV
Magnesium sulfate acts as a physiological calcium antagonist and NMDA receptor antagonist, reducing neuronal excitability and vascular smooth muscle contractility.
Magnesium sulfate acts as a physiological calcium antagonist and NMDA receptor antagonist, reducing neuronal excitability and vascular smooth muscle contractility. Used for Seizure prophylaxis in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, Acute myocardial infarction with arrhythmias, Severe asthma exacerbation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Magnesium sulfate IV |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Liege |
| Drug class | Electrolyte supplement / anticonvulsant |
| Target | NMDA receptor, L-type calcium channels |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Obstetrics, Neurology, Cardiology |
| 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 drug also has vasodilatory properties through effects on vascular smooth muscle.
Approved indications
- Seizure prophylaxis in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
- Acute asthma exacerbation (bronchodilation)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (particularly torsades de pointes)
- Hypomagnesemia replacement
Common side effects
- Flushing
- Hypotension
- Hypermagnesemia (with overdose)
- Loss of deep tendon reflexes
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory depression (at high doses)
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of Fentanyl and Magnesium to Control Reflex Hemodynamics in Patients Aged 50 and Older (NA)
- 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)
- Magnesium as an Adjuvant Agent for Postoperative Pain (PHASE4)
- Magnesium Sulfate Versus Other Anesthesia Drugs to Reduce Agitation After Adenotonsillectomy in Pediatric Patients (NA)
- Rate, Rhythm or Risk Control for New-onset Supraventricular Arrhythmia During Septic Shock: a Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
- Effect of Protocolized Magnesium Replacement on Mortality and Atrial Fibrillation in Critically Ill Patients (PHASE4)
- Intravenous Administration of Magnesium Sulfate in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Cases (NA)
- Magnesium Trial in Acute Asthma in Emergency Department (PHASE3)
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 IV CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Magnesium sulfate IV updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Liege portfolio CI