Download magnesium sulfate (epsom salt)

magnesium sulfate (epsom salt)
(mag NEE see um SUL fate)
Epsom Salt
What is the most important information I should know about magnesium sulfate?
• Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have:
severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, a perforated
bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, toxic megacolon, or a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or
longer.
• Not all uses for magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) have been approved by the FDA. Epsom salt should not be used in place of medication
prescribed for you by your doctor.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other medical conditions. You may not be
able to use magnesium sulfate.
• Never use a higher dose of magnesium sulfate than recommended on the package label, or as your doctor has directed.
Using too much
magnesium sulfate can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
• If you have rectal bleeding or if you do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium sulfate as a laxative, stop using the medication and
call your doctor at once. These may be signs of a more serious condition.
What is magnesium sulfate?
• Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium
sulfate also increases water in the intestines.
• Magnesium sulfate is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.
• Not all external uses for magnesium sulfate have been approved by the FDA. Epsom salt should not be used in place of medication
prescribed for you by your doctor.
• Magnesium sulfate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking magnesium sulfate?
• Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have:
· severe stomach pain;
· nausea or vomiting;
· a perforated bowel;
· a bowel obstruction or severe constipation;
· colitis or toxic megacolon; o
· a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:
· diabetes;
· kidney disease;
· an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia);
· if you have already been using a laxative for longer than 1 week; or
· if you on a low-magnesium diet.
• It is not known whether magnesium sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while
using this medication.
• It is not known whether magnesium sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without
telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take magnesium sulfate?
• Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Magnesium sulfate may be used orally or as a soak. Follow your doctor's instructions or the directions on the package.
• To take magnesium sulfate
orally
, dissolve one dose in 8 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. You may add a
small amount of lemon juice to improve the taste of this mixture.
• Never use a higher dose of magnesium sulfate than recommended on the package label, or as your doctor has directed.
Using too much
magnesium sulfate can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
• Magnesium sulfate taken orally should produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
• Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking magnesium sulfate.
• If you have rectal bleeding or if you do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium sulfate as a laxative, stop using the medication and
call your doctor at once. These may be signs of a more serious condition.
• To use magnesium sulfate as an epsom salt
soak , dissolve in a large amount of water in a large bowl, a bucket, a foot tub, or a bath tub.
Follow the directions on the product label about how much epsom salt to use per gallon of water.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Since magnesium sulfate is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of magnesium sulfate can be fatal
• Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), feeling very hot, slow heart rate, extreme
drowsiness, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking magnesium sulfate?
• Magnesium sulfate taken orally can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth, especially antibiotics.
Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours before or after you take magnesium sulfate as a laxative.
What are the possible side effects of magnesium sulfate?
• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
swelling of your face, lips,
tongue, or throat.
signs of an allergic reaction
: hives; difficult breathing;
• Less serious side effects may include diarrhea or upset stomach.
• This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect magnesium sulfate?
• Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially an antibiotic such as:
· ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), or ofloxacin
(Floxin);
· doxycycline (Doryx, Oracea, Periostat, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn), or tetracycline (Ala-Tet,
Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap); or
· amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo Fradin, Neo Tab), paromomycin
(Humatin, Paromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi).
• This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with magnesium sulfate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes
prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist can provide more information about magnesium sulfate.professionals that you may read.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
•
medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Copyright 1996-2012 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision Date: 5/10/2011.