Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is a mineral. It works by replacing magnesium in the body and increasing water in the intestines.
Magnesium sulfate can be used orally as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation, and to treat low levels of magnesium.
Known as hypomagnesemia, low magnesium levels can be caused by alcoholism, severe diarrhea, malnutrition, or high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Symptoms include fatigue, muscle cramps or spasms, convulsions, and erratic eye movement (nystagmus).
Some people use Epsom salts as a bath soak. It may help to relieve sore muscles, draw out splinters, and to ease the pain of sprains and bruises.
The medicine can be used intravenously (through an IV) to control seizures in pregnant women and certain children. It can also be used to treat a dangerous arrhythmia, lower high blood pressure, slow down contractions during labor, and treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Magnesium sulfate can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC), or it can be administered in a clinic setting