GENERIC CLASSIFICATION DOSAGE MECHANISM OF ACTION INDICATIONS ADVERSE REACTION

Magnesium sulfate Anticonvulsants Initial: 4 g by IV infusion w/ 4 or 5 g IM
into each buttock. Maintenance: 4-5 g
IM in alternative buttocks at 4-hr
intervals. Adult 1 g IM every 6 hrs for 4
doses. As anticonvulsant 1 g IV or IM
Parenteral: Magnesium sulfate decreases levels of
acetylcholine in motor nerve terminals. It also acts on
the myocardium by decreasing the rate of SA node
impulse formation and prolonging the conduction
time.
Preeclampsia & eclampsia Flushing, sweating, hypotension,
circulatory collapse, cardiac & CNS
depression. Resp depression of the
most life-threatening effect.

*Magnesium sulfate has neuromuscular blocking

activity, and infusions are associated with decreases
in serum calcium levels, and resulting hypocalcaemia.