Generic name: Magnesium sulfate (injection)
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Sulfamag?
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.
Magnesium sulfate injection is used to treat hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium in your blood).
Magnesium sulfate injection is also used to prevent seizures in pregnant women with conditions such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or toxemia of pregnancy.
Magnesium sulfate injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you smoke, or if you use any street drugs. These factors can affect the way magnesium sulfate injection works in your body.
If possible before you receive magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- heart disease;
- a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
- if you are dehydrated.
You should not use magnesium sulfate if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Magnesium sulfate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.
How should I use Sulfamag
Use Sulfamag (Injectable) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Magnesium sulfate is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving magnesium sulfate.
Since magnesium sulfate is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.
Sulfamag side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregiver right away if you have:
- feeling like you might pass out;
- sweating, anxiety, cold feeling;
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
- weak or shallow breathing;
- extreme drowsiness, feeling very weak; or
- numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Sulfamag?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.