Magnesium sulfate 500mg capsules
Requires a prescription from a doctor or prescriber
A small colorless crystal used as an anticonvulsant, a cathartic, and an electrolyte replenisher in the treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
Official documents, adverse reaction reporting, and safety monitoring
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Drug safety updates
MHRA alerts for Magnesium sulfate
Safety monitoring data
Yellow Card reports
The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected side effects from healthcare professionals and patients. View the Drug Analysis Profile (iDAP) for real-world adverse reaction data.
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Magnesium sulfate
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Submit a Yellow Card report to the MHRA
Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
EudraVigilance
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Magnesium sulfate
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EudraVigilance data is published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A suspected adverse reaction is not necessarily caused by the medicine.
1 branded products available
WHO defined daily dose (DDD)
3 gram
Not a recommended dose. The DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults. It is a statistical measure used for research and comparison purposes only.
Source: WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, distributed via the NHS dm+d supplementary mapping files (NHSBSA). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Therapeutically similar medicines
Similarity is based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and on a factual NHS dm+d therapeutic-grouping code prefix. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
NHS prescribing volume and spending trends
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE clinical guidance(5)
Preterm labour and birth (NG25)
Preterm labour and birth (QS135)
Hypertension in pregnancy: diagnosis and management (NG133)
Preventing recurrent hypomagnesaemia: oral magnesium glycerophosphate (ESUOM4)
Caesarean birth (NG192)
Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Check stock at pharmacies and supply information
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Supply & safety information
Official UK regulator monitoring and safety alerts
Pharmacy links redirect to the retailer's own search and do not represent real-time stock levels. Shortage and safety information sourced from MHRA drug safety updates (gov.uk, Crown Copyright under OGL v3.0).
Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
These codes are used by healthcare IT systems and prescribers to identify this medicine.
NHS UK identifiers
Browse tools
SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Academic studies and reviews for this medicine's active substance
Showing the 50 most relevant studies.
Reviews & meta-analyses: 28 · Randomised trials: 21 · 2016–2026
Showing the 50 most relevant studies, sorted by most relevant.
Manjur A. Elahi, Christopher R. Shearer, Abu Naser Rashid Reza, et al.
Construction and Building Materials, 2021
Jin Z, Zhao J
2025
BackgroundEffective pain management following spinal surgery is crucial for preventing complications related to delayed mobilization. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has shown promise as an analgesic agent, influencing neurotransmitter modulation and autonomic nervous system regulation. However, studies evaluating its effectiveness and safety in spinal surgery remain inconsistent, necessitating a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess its role.ObjectiveThis study aimed to perform a systematic meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of magnesium sulfate against standard therapeutic options in spinal surgery.MethodsThe meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. We performed data extraction and analysis using Review Manager version 5.4. The study population included patients undergoing spinal surgery, with the intervention group receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate at varying dosages or in combination with other agents. The comparison group received either a placebo or alternative treatments. Primary outcomes included pain intensity, opioid consumption, and safety parameters.ResultsTen randomized controlled trials involving 641 patients were included. Magnesium sulfate administration significantly reduced pain scores at 24 h (MD -0.18, 95% CI: -0.34 to -0.02) and decreased opioid consumption (SMD -0.34, 95% CI: -1.07 to -0.35). Additionally, a significant reduction in muscle relaxant usage was observed (SMD -0.91, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.10). When compared with dexmedetomidine, magnesium sulfate improved verbal response (MD 1.22, 95% CI: -0.16-2.61) and prolonged extubation time (MD 0.91, 95% CI: -0.98-2.80). No significant differences in hemodynamic parameters (heart rate and blood pressure) were observed between the groups.ConclusionIntravenous magnesium sulfate demonstrated significant benefits in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption, while also improving verbal response and orientation. These findings suggest that magnesium sulfate may serve as a valuable adjunct in the perioperative management of spinal surgery patients. Further research is required to confirm these results and establish optimal dosing protocols.
Abstract licence: CC BY
M. Bachnas, M. Akbar, E. G. Dachlan, et al.
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2019
Qiuyuan Wang, Feng Li, Yidan Yang, et al.
EFORT Open Reviews, 2024
Willyam Barros Saraiva, Isadora Eloy Candido, Roberta Ribeiro Brandão Caldas, et al.
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology, 2026
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Adjuvants, Anesthesia
- Anesthetics, Local
Petrecca A, Bina B, Ghi T, et al.
2026
- Eclampsia
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Anticonvulsants
We conducted two systematic reviews including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing magnesium sulfate vs placebo/no treatment, as well as 2 g/h vs 1 g/h magnesium sulfate maintenance regimens for prevention of eclampsia. Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed Central, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov were electronically searched from their inception to February 2025. In the five RCTs comparing magnesium sulfate vs placebo/no treatment, a 2-g maintenance dose was used in two RCTs including 176 pregnancies, while a 1 g maintenance dose was used in three RCTs including 5447 pregnancies. Eclampsia incidence was 0.57% with the 2 g/h regimen and 0.76% with the 1 g/h regimen (OR 1.33, 95% CI: 0.18-9.60), while maternal side effects were significantly higher in the 2 g/h regimen (67% vs 22%, OR 7.05, 95% CI: 4.22-11.78). In the five RCTs (n = 283) comparing 2 g/h vs 1 g/h maintenance regimens, no case of eclampsia was reported with either regimen, and maternal side effects were significantly higher in the 2 g/h group (71% vs 42%, OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.06-2.71). In conclusion, magnesium sulfate maintenance regimen of 1 g/h seems as effective as the 2 g/h regimen for the prevention of eclampsia, with decreased incidence of maternal side effects.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND
Sharma A, Dimowo PK, Rajeev A, et al.
2026
Asthma is a common cause of acute illness and healthcare utilization in children, and while intravenous magnesium sulfate is established in severe exacerbations, the clinical role of nebulized magnesium sulfate remains uncertain. This systematic review evaluated whether nebulized magnesium sulfate, used as an adjunct to standard therapy, improves clinical outcomes in pediatric acute asthma exacerbations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, identifying studies published between January 2010 and November 2025. Seven studies were included: six randomized controlled trials and one systematic review with meta-analysis, all involving pediatric populations. Study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal were performed using validated tools, including A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) and the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). Across the included studies, nebulized magnesium sulfate demonstrated variable and generally modest effects on asthma severity scores, with no consistent reduction in hospital admission rates, length of stay, or escalation of care. Safety findings were reassuring, with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported. Overall, current evidence does not demonstrate a clear or consistent additional clinical benefit of nebulized magnesium sulfate beyond standard therapy in pediatric acute asthma exacerbations. Future well-designed trials using standardized outcome measures and longer follow-up are required to clarify its role in contemporary pediatric asthma management.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Gaetano D, Brunetti S, Lomonaco V, et al.
2026
Wang Z, Tian B, Hou L, et al.
2026
- Asthma
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents
Sharawat IK, Kasinathan A, Panda P, et al.
2025
- Spasms, Infantile
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Anticonvulsants
Sources: aggregated from Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI), OpenAlex, Crossref, PubMed and other open scholarly databases. Retracted articles are excluded. Study information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
33 found
Half-life
43.2 hours
Mechanism
Magnesium is the second most plentiful cation of the intracellular fluids.
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
1 target
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Half-life
43.2 hours
Protein binding
25-30%
Metabolism
Elimination
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Known interactions with other medicines. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 50 of 1614 interactions
Adverse reactions include hypotension, ECG changes, diarrhea, urinary retention, CNS depression and respiratory depression.
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
They are however insensitive to dihydropyridines (DHP)
ATC A06AD04
ATC V04CC02
ATC D11AX05
ATC B05XA05
ATC A12CC02
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
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Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Magnesium sulfate
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
8750
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
6487
ChemSpider
22515
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1390
GenAtlas
CACNA1C
GeneCards
CACNA1C
GenBank Gene Database
M92270
Guide to Pharmacology
529
UniProt Accession
CAC1C_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1391
GenAtlas
CACNA1D
GeneCards
CACNA1D
GenBank Gene Database
M76558
GenBank Protein Database
179764
Guide to Pharmacology
530
UniProt Accession
CAC1D_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1393
GenAtlas
CACNA1F
GeneCards
CACNA1F
GenBank Gene Database
AJ006216
GenBank Protein Database
3183953
Guide to Pharmacology
531
UniProt Accession
CAC1F_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1397
GenAtlas
CACNA1S
GeneCards
CACNA1S
GenBank Gene Database
U30707
GenBank Protein Database
1698403
Guide to Pharmacology
528
UniProt Accession
CAC1S_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1401
GenAtlas
CACNB1
GeneCards
CACNB1
GenBank Gene Database
M92303
GenBank Protein Database
179806
UniProt Accession
CACB1_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1402
GenAtlas
CACNB2
GeneCards
CACNB2
GenBank Gene Database
S60415
GenBank Protein Database
300417
UniProt Accession
CACB2_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1403
GenAtlas
CACNB3
GeneCards
CACNB3
GenBank Gene Database
X76555
GenBank Protein Database
435135
UniProt Accession
CACB3_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1404
GenAtlas
CACNB4
GeneCards
CACNB4
GenBank Gene Database
U95020
GenBank Protein Database
2058727
UniProt Accession
CACB4_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:1388
GenAtlas
CACNA1A
GeneCards
CACNA1A
GenBank Gene Database
AF004884
GenBank Protein Database
2213913
UniProt Accession
CAC1A_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite:
- DrugBank 6.02024Recommended citationKnox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et alDrugBank 6.0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275
- DrugBank 5.02018Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank 5.0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082
- DrugBank 4.02014Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et alDrugBank 4.0: shedding new light on drug metabolismNucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7
- DrugBank 3.02011Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et alDrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugsNucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41
- DrugBank 2.02008Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.Nucleic Acids Research2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6
- DrugBank 1.02006Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.Nucleic Acids Research2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72