Medical[edit]
Magnesium sulfate is a common mineral pharmaceutical preparation of magnesium, commonly known as Epsom salt, used both externally and internally. Epsom salt is used as bath salts and for isolation tanks. Oral magnesium sulfate is commonly used as a saline laxative or osmotic purgative. Magnesium sulfate is the main preparation of intravenous magnesium.
Internal uses include:
Replacement therapy for hypomagnesemia[5]
Magnesium sulfate is the first-line antiarrhythmic agent for torsades de pointes in cardiac arrest under the 2005 ECC guidelines and for managing quinidine-induced arrhythmias.[6]
As a bronchodilator after beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents have been tried, e.g. in severe exacerbations of asthma,[7] magnesium sulfate can be nebulized to reduce the symptoms of acute asthma.[7] It is commonly administered via the intravenous route for the management of severe asthma attacks.
Magnesium sulfate is effective in decreasing the risk that pre-eclampsia progresses to eclampsia.[8] IV magnesium sulfate & diazepam is used to prevent and treat seizures of eclampsia. It is also commonly used for eclampsia where compared to diazepam or phenytoin it results in better outcomes.[9][10]
In those who are at risk of a preterm birth. A systematic review suggested that intravenous magnesium sulfate before birth could reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and motor dysfunction in preterm infants by 30%.[11]
Magnesium sulfate has been used as an experimental treatment of Irukandji syndrome caused by envenomation by certain species of Irukandji jellyfish, but the efficacy of this treatment remains unproven.[12]
Solutions of sulfate salts such as Epsom salt may be given as first aid for barium chloride poisoning.[13]
The use of Epsom salt may help "draw out" splinters.[2]
An overdose of magnesium causes hypermagnesemia