Sulfamag

Generic Name: magnesium sulfate (injection) (mag NEE see um SUL fate)
Brand Name: Magnesium Sulfate-Sodium Chloride, Sulfamag

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What is Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate (injection))?

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.

What is the most important information I should know about Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate (injection))?

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.

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.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially an IV (injected) antibiotic.

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate (injection))?

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.

FDA pregnancy category A. Magnesium sulfate is not expected to harm an unborn baby.

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.

How is magnesium sulfate injection given?

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since magnesium sulfate is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate (injection))?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate (injection)) side effects

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.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have a serious side effect such as:

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.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

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.

See also: Sulfamag side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate (injection))?

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.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially an IV (injected) antibiotic, such as :

amikacin (Amikin);
gentamicin (Garamycin);
kanamycin (Kantrex);
neomycin (Neo Fradin, Neo Tab);
paromomycin (Humatin, Paromycin);
streptomycin; or
tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with magnesium sulfate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about magnesium sulfate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.