Re: I ALMOST DIED! BEWARE of EPSOM'S SALTS

I did a search on magnesium sulphate( Epsom Salts )and electolyte loss and found it is an electrolyte and used as a replacement for electrolyte loss! I have done pounds of Epsom Salts and never a problem! So I was curious and concerned at the same time. This small perscription does however warn against Mgso4 and renal insufficiency!


B. INTRAVENOUS MAGNESIUM REPLACEMENT
For Mg levels < 1.2 mg/L or symptomatic or patient unable to take oral

Magnesium sulfate equivalencies: 1 gm MgSO4 =100 mg Mg= 8 mEq Mg

SYMPTOMATIC/ASYMPTOMATIC

WEIGHT OR Mg < 1.2 mg/dl AND Mg > 1.2 mg/dl
< 50 kg 2-3 gm Mg Sulfate 1-2 gm Mg Sulfate
>50 kg 3-4 gm Mg Sulfate 2-3 gm Mg Sulfate

Additional doses of 1-2 gms/day of Mg sulfate may be required for several days if the patient has not previously been receiving magnesium.

Renal insufficiency (CLcr < 20ml/min) may require lower doses of magnesium. Caution should be used when replacing magnesium in any patient with renal insufficiency.





MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION: 1 gm in 5 ml D5W or NS

MAXIMUM INFUSION RATE: 1 gm over 7 minutes

Magnesium sulfate may be given IM, however it can be very painful. Doses greater than 1 gm must be given in different injection sites.

For symptomatic patients, bolus doses of IV magnesium are required.

For asymptomatic patients, adding magnesium to the patient's maintenance IV fluids will allow for better retention of magnesium

Repeat magnesium levels can be drawn the next day or sooner, if necessary.

III. PHOSPHOROUS