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Magnesium Sulphate Side Effects

Magnesium sulphate, also spelled sulfate, is a solution of magnesium that can be provided through injection or intravenously. It is most commonly prescribed to replace electrolytes in acute situations, or to prevent and control seizures in severe toxemia during pregnancy. Patients must be monitored because magnesium overload can cause life-threatening side effects.

  1. Flushing and Sweating

    • Magnesium therapy can cause several negative reactions, most linked to magnesium levels becoming too high. Flushing and sweating are the most common first signs.

    Additional Side Effects

    • Additional side effects also can indicate magnesium reaching toxic levels. These include abnormal heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, and excessive thirst.

    Magnesium Intoxication

    • Severe and life-threatening side effects can occur because of magnesium intoxication. The patient may have slow and shallow breathing. Reflexes become depressed, and the patient's muscles may become so weak he cannot move them. Body temperature drops below normal, and the cardiovascular and central nervous systems become depressed. Eventually, the patient may be unable to breathe.

    Aluminum Toxicity

    • Magnesium sulphate contains aluminum. If the patient's kidney function is impaired, aluminum levels in the body can become too high. Premature infants, geriatric patients, and people with kidney disease are all at risk for aluminum toxicity as a side effect of magnesium sulphate therapy.

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