What is Magnesium sulfate?
Magnesium is a natural mineral that is essential for various systems of the body, including nerves and muscles. Magnesium sulfate is also a good source of the amount of water found in the digestive tract. Magnesium sulfate can be used as a laxative to ease occasional constipation. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is also a good addition to baths as a soaking solution that assists in relieving minor sprains or bruises. External applications of magnesium sulfate have been approved by the FDA. Epsom salt is not recommended to replace the medication that is prescribed by your physician. Magnesium sulfate is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Magnesium sulfate
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you experience any of the following symptoms as warning signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue. Common side effects can include diarrhea as well as unease in the stomach. This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not use a higher amount of magnesium sulfate than is recommended on the package label or as your physician has instructed. Utilizing excessive amounts of magnesium sulfate could cause life-threatening and serious adverse effects. Do not take magnesium sulfate to lax without a medical consultation in the event of severe stomach nausea, vomiting, or pain, an infected bowel, constipation or colitis, severe constipation, toxic megacolon, or a sudden change in your bowel habits that lasts for two weeks or more. If you are experiencing rectal bleeding or are not experiencing an empty bowel after taking magnesium sulfate to treat laxatives, discontinue the medication and consult your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of a deeper issue.
Before you take this drug
Do not take magnesium sulfate to relax with no medical guidance if:
- Severe stomach pain.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- A perforated bowel.
- A bowel obstruction or severe constipation.
- Colitis, toxic megacolon.
- A sudden change in bowel habits that lasts two weeks or more.
Consult a physician or pharmacist to determine if it is safe to take this medication in the event that you suffer from:
- Diabetes.
- Kidney disease.
- Eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia).
- If you've already used a laxative for more than a week.
- If you are on a low-magnesium diet.
It isn't known if magnesium sulfate can harm an unborn child. Consult your physician if you are expecting or plan to become pregnant while taking this drug. It isn't known if magnesium sulfate is absorbed into breast milk or whether it can harm the nursing infant. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding a baby.
How to take Magnesium sulfate?
Follow the instructions on the label exactly or as recommended by your doctor. Never take a dose of magnesium sulfate higher than that recommended on the label of the product or as your physician has instructed. Excessive amounts of magnesium sulfate could cause life-threatening and serious adverse consequences. Magnesium sulfate can be taken in liquid form (by mouth) in addition to a bath. Follow the instructions of your physician or the directions on the packaging. To take magnesium sulfate in a pill, take one dose and dissolve it in eight ounces of water. Mix the mixture well and drink it all immediately. It is possible to add the smallest amount of lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the mixture. Magnesium sulfate that is taken orally will result in bowel movements in 30 minutes to six hours. Take plenty of fluids when you take magnesium sulfate. If you experience rectal bleeding or are not experiencing an empty bowel after taking magnesium sulfate to treat laxatives, discontinue the use of the drug and contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign that you have a serious issue.
To make magnesium sulfate work as an epsom salt bath, you need to dissolve it in a significant volume of water, either in a big bowl, an oversized bucket, a foot tub, or a bathtub. Follow the instructions on the label of the product about the amount of epsom salt you should use for each gallon. Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since magnesium sulfate can be used in a limited amount and there is no risk of missing a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention immediately or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 for help. A high dose of magnesium sulfate could cause death. The symptoms of an overdose can include vomiting, nausea, or flushing (warmth, redness, warmth, or a tingly feeling), feeling extremely hot, a slow heart rate, extreme tiredness, or feeling faint.
What should be avoided?
Magnesium sulfate taken orally could make it more difficult to absorb other medicines you take orally, particularly antibiotics. Avoid taking any other medication for 2 hours before or after taking magnesium sulfate for laxative purposes.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications can be incompatible with magnesium sulfate, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your health professionals about any medications you take currently and all medications that you decide to stop or change your use of.
