Drug Mechanism of Action Indication Contraindication Adverse Effects Nursing Implications

Generic name: Description: Oral: General: Parenteral: Heart block, severe renal Oral: GI irritation, watery diarrhoea. Before:
Magnesium sulfate Magnesium sulfate Torsades de pointes, impairment, myocardial damage. Parenteral: Hypermagnesaemia 1. Check doctor’s order
increases peristaltic Reduction of cerebral characterised by nausea, vomiting, 2. Assess whether patient is
Brand name: activity by causing oedema, Eclampsia flushing, thirst, hypotension, contraindicated to the drug
EuroMed Magnesium osmotic retention of Muscle stimulating drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, 3. Prepare medication ahead of
sulfate fluids, thus resulting in effects of barium double vision, bradycardia, muscle time
bowel evacuation. poisoning, Constipation, weakness. Hypocalcaemia; paralytic 4. Dilute with 20cc compatible
Dosage: Parenteral: Magnesium Mild hypomagnesaemia ileus. intravenous fluid
1-10mg / ml sulfate decreases levels Patient’s: 5. Verify drug, dose, route,
of acetylcholine in motor Preoperative medication timing and pt.’s identity
Frequency: nerve terminals. It also 6. Explain procedure to pt.
QID acts on the myocardium
by decreasing the rate of During:
Route of SA node impulse 1. Administer on right route
Administration: formation and prolonging 2. Observe aseptic techniques
Intravenous, Oral, the conduction time. 3. Ensure patency
Parenteral, IM Onset: Oral: 1-2 hr. IM: 4. Introduce medication slowly
1 hr. IV: Immediate
Peak: unknown After:
Duration: IM: 3-4 hr. 1. Educate pt. about possible
IV: 30 min. adverse reactions
Pharmacokinetics: 2. Instruct patient to report any
Absorption: Following unusual reaction
administration, 30-50% 3. Chart accordingly
of the dose is absorbed 4. Institute safety precautions
from the small intestine. 5. Ensure adequate ventilation
Distribution: Crosses
the placenta and small
amounts enter the
breastmilk. Protein-
binding: 25-30%
Excretion: Via urine
(absorbed fraction); Via
feces (unabsorbed
fraction).