Magnesium sulfate is a drug used to treat convulsions during pregnancy, nephritis in children, magnesium deficiency, and tetany. A small colorless crystal used as an anticonvulsant, a cathartic, and an electrolyte replenisher in the treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Magnesium is the second most plentiful cation of the intracellular fluids. It is essential for the activity of many enzyme systems and plays an important role with regard to neurochemical transmission and muscular excitability. Magnesium sulfate reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholine release at the myoneural junction. Additionally, Magnesium inhibits Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive, voltage-dependent channels. This accounts for much of its relaxant action on vascular smooth muscle.
- Primary indication
- Used for immediate control of life-threatening convulsions in the treatment of severe toxemias (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia) of pregnancy and in the treatment of acute nephritis in children.Curator reviewed · 12 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- MgO4S · 120.368 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1998 · United States, 1981
- Also known as
- Magnesium sulfate (1:1) · Magnesium sulphate · magnesium(II) sulfate · Magnesiumsulfat · Mg SO4
- Brand names
Resolves to
CSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-LSMILES[Mg++].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Magnesium sulfate, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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