magnesium sulfate, a salt of magnesium. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed parenterally to prevent seizures, especially in preeclampsia and acute nephritis in children, and orally to treat constipation and heartburn and to correct magnesium deficiency. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is used with caution in patients with renal impairment or hypersensitivity to the drug. Respiratory depression, severe cardiac myopathy, heart block, or symptoms of appendicitis or fecal impaction prohibit its use. It is also prohibited in patients in toxemia of pregnancy during the 2 hours before labor. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The most serious adverse effect is circulatory collapse from excessive serum concentrations of magnesium. Respiratory depression, confusion, and muscle weakness also may occur.
