Magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate

What is Magnesium Sulfate?

Magnesium sulfate is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) can also be added to a bath as a soaking solution to relieve minor sprains and bruises. Not all external uses of magnesium sulfate have been approved by the FDA. Epsom salt should not be used in place of medications prescribed by your doctor.

Magnesium sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects of magnesium sulfate

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these problemsSigns of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include diarrhea or stomach upset.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Never use a higher dose of magnesium sulfate than recommended on the package label or as directed by your doctor.Using too much magnesium sulfate can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.

Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have:severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, a perforated bowel, an intestinal obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, toxic megacolon, or a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 2 weeks or longer.

If you have rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium sulfate as a laxative, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately. These could be signs of a more serious illness.

Before you take this medicine

Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have:

• severe stomach pain;

• nausea or vomiting;

• a perforated intestine;

• an intestinal blockage or severe constipation;

• colitis or toxic megacolon; or

• a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 2 weeks or longer.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• Diabetes;

• kidney disease;

• an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia);

• if you have already used a laxative for more than 1 week; or

• if you are on a diet low in magnesium.

It is not known whether magnesium sulfate will harm an unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether magnesium sulfate passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How should I take magnesium sulfate?

Use exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.

Never use a higher dose of magnesium sulfate than recommended on the package label or as directed by your doctor.Using too much magnesium sulfate can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.

Magnesium sulfate can be used orally (by mouth) or as a soak. Follow your doctor's instructions or the instructions on the package.

To take magnesium sulfate orally, dissolve one dose in 8 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink it all immediately. To improve the taste of this mixture, you can add a small amount of lemon juice.

Magnesium sulfate taken orally should produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking magnesium sulfate.

If you have rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium sulfate as a laxative, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately. These could be signs of a more serious illness.

To use magnesium sulfate as an Epsom salt bath, dissolve it in a large amount of water in a large bowl, bucket, foot tub, or bathtub. Follow the product label instructions for how much Epsom salt you should use per gallon of water.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because magnesium sulfate is used as needed, you are unlikely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.An overdose of magnesium sulfate can be fatal

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, hot flashes (warmth, redness, or tingling), feeling very hot, slow heartbeat, extreme sleepiness, or fainting.

What should I avoid when taking magnesium sulfate?

Magnesium sulfate taken orally can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take orally, especially antibiotics. Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours before or after taking magnesium sulfate as a laxative.

What other drugs will affect magnesium sulfate?

Other medications may interact with magnesium sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking now and any medications you are starting or stopping taking.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.