Magnesium Sulfate / Potassium Sulfate / Sodium Sulfate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 13, 2025.

Applies to magnesium sulfate / potassium sulfate / sodium sulfate: oral solution.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check you closely for any problems that may be caused by this medicine. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Call your doctor right away if you have decreased urination, dizziness, headache, or vomiting. These could be symptoms of a loss of too much body fluid (dehydration).

Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you had a heart rhythm problem, such as QT prolongation.

This medicine may increase your risk for seizures. This is more likely to occur if you take medicine for depression, if you are withdrawing from alcohol or benzodiazepine use, or if you electrolyte imbalances (eg, low sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood). Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Keep yourself hydrated before, during, and after using this medicine. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine. This may help prevent kidney problems.

This medicine may cause serious bowel problems (eg, colon ulcers, ischemic colitis). Check with your doctor right away if you have stomach pain and tenderness, bloody stools, or rectal bleeding.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Other side effects

Some side effects of magnesium sulfate / potassium sulfate / sodium sulfate 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:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, magnesium sulfate/potassium sulfate/sodium sulfate 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 while taking magnesium sulfate / potassium sulfate / sodium sulfate:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to magnesium sulfate / potassium sulfate / sodium sulfate: oral liquid.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects included overall discomfort, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, and nausea.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal distention (up to 40%), abdominal pain (up to 36%), nausea (up to 36%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal bloating, vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Colonic mucosal ulceration, ischemic colitis^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Overall discomfort (up to 54%)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Low bicarbonate levels (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): High calcium levels, high chloride levels, high osmolality, high uric acid
• Frequency not reported: High potassium levels, serious electrolyte and fluid abnormalities^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): High blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (up to 11%)
• Frequency not reported: High creatinine levels^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%):High total bilirubin^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Atrioventricular block, cardiac arrhythmias^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Seizures^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Aspiration^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: CK increase^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Magnesium sulfate/potassium sulfate/sodium sulfate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer