Magnesium Sulfate - Medical Uses and Benefits

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral compound that contains magnesium and sulfur. It is commonly used in medical settings to treat conditions such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women, as well as to prevent seizures in individuals with low magnesium levels.

Magnesium Sulfate FAQ

Image credit: fivestarchemicals.com

What is magnesium sulfate used for?

Magnesium sulfate also increases water in the intestines. Magnesium sulfate is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) can also be added to a bath for use as a soaking solution to help relieve minor sprains and bruises. Not all external uses for magnesium sulfate have been approved by the FDA.

Is magnesium sulfate soluble in water?

It is a white crystalline solid, soluble in water but not in ethanol . Magnesium sulfate is usually encountered in the form of a hydrate MgSO4·nH2O, for various values of n between 1 and 11.

Can magnesium sulfate be used as Epsom salt?

To use magnesium sulfate as an Epsom salt soak: Dissolve Epsom salt in a bath (you can also use a large bowl of water or a bucket if only soaking your feet), then sit in the mixture and soak for about 20 to 40 minutes.

What are the side effects of magnesium sulfate?

Magnesium sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Common side effects may include diarrhea or upset stomach.

What is magnesium sulfate?

Magnesium Sulfate is a magnesium salt of sulfuric acid, that can be used to normalize magnesium levels in the body, and to prevent seizures in eclampsia and preeclampsia. Magnesium is a divalent cation essential for a number of biochemical processes involved in nerve signaling, bone mineralization and muscle contractions.

How does magnesium sulfate work?

If given parenterally, magnesium sulfate will be broken down into elemental magnesium and used to replete and maintain circulating magnesium stores, thus changing the serum concentration of magnesium. When given to patients, the route of administration will ultimately determine the overall mechanism of action.

How much magnesium sulfate is in a Gram?

For every 1 gram of magnesium sulfate, it contains 98.6 mg or 8.12Eq of elemental magnesium. Magnesium sulfate can be combined with dextrose 5% or water to make intravenous solutions. Oral: Magnesium sulfate is available as a capsule or powder (Epsom salt), which can be combined with water to form an oral solution.