The use of magnesium sulfate in medicine

Magnesium sulfate can inhibit the central nervous system, relax skeletal muscles, have the effects of sedation, anti-spasm, and reduction of intracranial pressure. It is often used to treat convulsions, eclampsia, uremia, tetanus and hypertensive encephalopathy. Most of the 10% magnesium sulfate 10 ml deep intramuscular injection or slowly instilled in a solution diluted with 5% glucose to 2% to 2.5%. However, it should be noted that direct intravenous injection or high-dose intramuscular injection of magnesium sulfate is very dangerous. Generally, 25% magnesium sulfate can be used up to 15 ml each time. Pay attention to observe the patient’s breathing and blood pressure during use. Sluggish knee reflex is an important sign of adequate magnesium ions.

Magnesium plays an extremely important role in the metabolism of sugar and protein. If children in the growth and development period have indigestion and use vitamin D, magnesium salts should be supplemented.

Magnesium has many physiological functions similar to potassium. Because the clinical manifestations of magnesium deficiency are similar to those of potassium deficiency, magnesium deficiency is often overlooked. When the symptoms of potassium deficiency are not improved after potassium supplementation, the possibility of magnesium deficiency should be considered first, so that hypomagnesemia can be corrected in time. Therefore, patients with long-term infusion should pay attention to magnesium supplementation while supplementing potassium. Adding 1 gram of magnesium sulfate to the daily infusion can prevent the occurrence of hypomagnesemia.

Oral magnesium sulfate is rarely absorbed in the intestinal tract, so it has no such use. But oral magnesium sulfate has a good catharsis function, so magnesium sulfate is also called Epsom salt. After oral magnesium sulfate solution reaches the intestinal cavity, it has a certain osmotic pressure, so that the intestinal water is not absorbed by the intestinal wall. The intestine retains a large amount of water, which can mechanically stimulate the peristalsis of the intestine to defecate. Therefore, magnesium sulfate can be used to treat constipation and abnormal fermentation in the intestines; when used with an insect repellent, the intestinal worms can be easily excreted. Dissolve 5-20 grams of magnesium sulfate in 100-400 ml of warm boiled water each time, and take it orally once in the morning. The concentration is not easy to be too high, 5% is better, otherwise the bowel movement will be delayed.