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Epsom Salt (Oral, Topical application)

Generic name: magnesium sulfatemag-NEE-zee-um-SUL-fate ]
Brand names: Epsal, Epsom Salt, Rite Aid First Aid Epsom Salt
Drug classes: Laxatives, Minerals and electrolytes, Miscellaneous anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2024.

Uses for Epsom Salt

Magnesium sulfate is used for short-term relief of constipation. It is also used as a soaking solution to relieve minor sprains, bruises, muscle aches or discomfort, joint stiffness or soreness, and tired feet. This medicine is a laxative and soaking solution.

This medicine is available without a prescription.

Before using Epsom Salt

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of magnesium sulfate to relieve constipation in children 6 years of age or older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 6 years of age.

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of magnesium sulfate as a soaking solution in children.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of magnesium sulfate in geriatric patients.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of Epsom Salt

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the package.

Use as a laxative:

Use as a soaking solution:

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

If the powder has settled and formed a thick layer, gently tap the carton to free the granules.

clonazepam, lamotrigine, topiramate, diazepam, Lamictal, Klonopin, sotalol, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, acebutolol

Precautions while using Epsom Salt

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Laxative use: Before using this medicine, talk to your doctor first

Laxative use: Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor if you have rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after use.

Soaking solution use: Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or have diabetes, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Soaking solution use: Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor if you have a skin irritation or infection.

Side Effects of Epsom Salt

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

In Canada

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Laxative

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.