Magnesium sulphate

Magnesium sulphate

An intravenous drip of magnesium sulphate is the initial treatment of choice for women with severe pre-eclampsia who are at increased risk of convulsions. Magnesium improves neuronal and neuromuscular transmission and it is a co-factor in many enzyme reactions. During the peripartum period, a 4g intravenous magnesium sulphate in 250 ml glucose (5%) is the drug of choice. This is followed by a maintenance dose of 1 g per hour.

In the beginning of the treatment, magnesium sulphate can induce symptoms of hypermagnesemia such as flushing, nausea, vomiting and a strange feeling in the throat and tongue. Decreased reflexes, muscle weakness and a decrease in respiratory rate can occur as well.

1

In which of the following situations magnesium sulphate is NOT a treatment option? 

2

How is magnesium excreted?