Magnesium Sulfate Coupon & Discounts

Magnesium Sulfate Information:

• What

What is magnesium sulfate?

Magnesium sulfate, also known as Epsom salt, is a naturally-occurring chemical compound. Magnesium sulfate is used to supplement hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) as well as to treat constipation and preterm labor. This compound has many uses, and exactly what magnesium sulfate is used for will be determined by your doctor. Different forms of the mineral are not necessarily interchangeable. Magnesium sulfate pills, for instance, are often only used for general magnesium deficiency. In more serious cases, such as encephalopathy or seizures due to complications in pregnancy, an IV is administered by a medical professional. When used as an oral solution, it acts as a laxative to treat mild constipation because it increases the water percentage in your intestines. Used topically (Epsom salt soaks or creams), magnesium sulfate acts as an anti-inflammatory agent or a natural exfoliant.

• How

How do I take magnesium sulfate?

Always take magnesium sulfate exactly as prescribed by your doctor or as described on the package. Never ingest topical forms of this medication or try to inject the oral solution. Magnesium sulfate pills are usually administered 1 or 2 times daily and should be taken while drinking plenty of water. The oral solution needs to be dissolved in a full glass (8oz) of water, which you should drink immediately; always drink plenty of fluids while taking magnesium sulfate this way. A soak is often done in a relatively large amount of water (e.g., large bowl, foot tub, bathtub); do not soak for longer than instructed. For other instructions for use, such as at-home injections, talk to your doctor.

• Precautions

Before taking magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or to breastfeed.
• You are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, herbal preparations and medicines, supplements or vitamins, diuretics and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
• You have or have a history of high magnesium levels.
• You have or have a history of kidney disease or disorder, including diabetes.
• You are planning to have surgery, including dental surgery.
• You have or have a history of gastrointestinal problems, including severe constipation or a bowel obstruction, a perforated bowel, colitis or toxic megacolon, or rectal bleeding.
• You have or have a history of an eating disorder.
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking magnesium sulfate?

Some of the magnesium sulfate side effects are severe and require medical attention. These include: muscle weakness or paralysis, irregular heartbeat, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, hives and itching, flushing, severe drowsiness or dizziness, swelling in the face and lips, swelling in the tongue or throat.

Common side effects are an upset stomach and diarrhea, which do not need medical attention unless they persist or worsen.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of magnesium sulfate?

If you have been prescribed at home injections, if you miss an injection you should contact your doctor immediately.

Other forms of magnesium sulfate are normally taken on an as-needed basis, so there is not a dose to miss. If your doctor prescribes a regimen, be sure to discuss how to handle missing a dose.

• Storage

How do I store magnesium sulfate?

Magnesium sulfate pills should be kept at room temperature away from excess heat. The oral solution or Epsom salt soak should be kept at room temperature away from excess moisture, heat, or cold.

The injectable fluid should not be allowed to freeze. Keep vials and syringes out of the reach of children and pets.

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on magnesium sulfate?

A magnesium sulfate overdose can be fatal.

Symptoms include fainting, severe dizziness or drowsiness, loss of muscle reflexes, trouble breathing, slowed heart rate, feeling flushed or hot, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or get emergency medical assistance immediately.

• Additional Info

Warnings

Generally, you should avoid taking other medications or supplements in the 2 hours before or after taking magnesium sulfate pills.

This medication may also interact with other antibiotics or bisphosphate and cause them to be less effective. Always tell your doctor if you're taking antibiotics.

When being used as an anti-inflammatory, magnesium sulfate can potentially exacerbate the side effects of muscle relaxants.

If you have been prescribed an injection formulation to take at home, be sure your doctor shows you how to take it. Do not use this medication if the vial is cracked or if the solution is cloudy, discolored, or contains particulate.

When taking magnesium sulfate as a laxative, you should have a bowel movement between 30 minutes and 6 hours. If you do not have a bowel movement, or if you experience rectal bleeding, discontinue this medication and call your doctor as soon as possible.

Brand Names

Magnesium sulfate is a generic medication, sometimes available as Epsom Salt, and is sometimes used as an ingredient in other medications (e.g., Suprep Bowel Prep Kits). However, it should not be confused with other kinds of magnesium treatments (e.g., magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide) as they are not necessarily interchangeable. As a generic, the price of magnesium sulfate is already very affordable. However, we offer a coupon that lets you save an additional 83%. Simply click the Claim Discount link to get started.