Magnesium sulfate, 20 g

Pharmacotherapeutic group
Laxative.

ATC code: [A06AD04]

Pharmacological action
When administered orally it acts as a laxative (due to poor absorption of the drug in the intestines it creates high osmotic pressure, water accumulation in intestines, intestinal contents becomes diluted, peristalsis intensifies). Has a choleretic effect. It is an antidote in poisoning with salts of heavy metals.

Pharmacokinetics
When administered orally it is poorly absorbed (less than 20%) in jejunum and ileum, reabsorbed from bile, pancreatic and intestinal juices. In malabsorption syndrome and consumption of food rich in fats, absorption of magnesium ions is reduced. Binding with intracellular proteins and macroergic phosphates is 30%. Time of maximum concentration in blood plasma is 4 hours. Magnesium ions are deposited in bones, skeletal muscles, kidneys, liver and myocardium; in small amounts in tissue fluid and erythrocytes. It penetrates the blood-brain barrier and the placental barrier, creating concentrations in maternal milk that are twice as high as those in plasma. Excretion is by the kidneys and in the feces.

Indications

Constipation, bowel cleansing before diagnostic manipulations. Intoxication with salts of heavy metals (mercury, arsenic, tetraethyl lead, barium).

Composition

Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate – 20 g

How to take, the dosage

It is taken orally.

Adults – 20-25 g once a day on an empty stomach, previously dissolving the preparation in a glass of water (200 ml).

Children over 12 years old – 10 g once a day (by 1/2 glass of water).

Children of 6-12 years old are prescribed from 5 to 10 g (i.e. from half to whole solution volume prepared at the rate of 1 g per 1/2 cup of water).

In children under 6 years old the drug may be administered only by the prescription. Daily doses in children are determined at the rate of 1 g per 1 year of life. The drug may be used in enemas (50-100 ml of 20-30% solution).

In case of poisoning by salts of heavy metals the stomach is flushed with 1% magnesium sulfate solution or 20 g is given orally dissolved in a glass of water (200 ml).

Special Instructions

The drug should be taken occasionally, systematic use is not recommended.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, appendicitis, rectal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, dehydration, hypermagnesemia, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

With caution
Heart block, myocardial damage, chronic renal failure.